MISTRESSES

There was a time when having an illicit lover was a cloak-and-dagger affair and even in these days of greater sexual awareness and freedom it's not a fact that is greatly broadcast. But, surprisingly, it’s estimated there are nearly 3.5 million mistresses in England, so the business of clandestine liaisons is not only alive and well but thriving - you naughty people!

 

So what exactly makes men, and women too, go behind the backs of their spouses or partners and seek satisfaction elsewhere? Annette, who has been an exclusive mistress to one rich business man for four years, reckons it's just that - satisfaction. Being of the dominatrix bent, she believes she is providing her "master" with all sorts of titillating extras and a different sexual menu than he can get at home. "Everyone wants great sex. It's not surprising your sex-life gets boring after twenty years - that's why my client found me." Amazingly, with his wife’s approval. "Sometimes," Annette continues, "for whatever reason, marital sex dies a death, but both partners want the marriage to continue. My involvement takes the pressure off the wife to perform dutiful sex, so to some women it can be quite a relief."

 

Heidi, another professional mistress, says "My client’s wife knows of my existence, but his family life is a totally separate thing. Our world is one of erotic companionship. He needs someone with him on business trips and various functions. I spend my time on pampering him and looking good. It's my sole job."

 

Men, be prepared though - this can all cost a lot of money. Phone calls, hotel bills, expensive presents or an extra flat etc. Some estimate the cost of keeping a full-time mistress can be between: £100,000 to £200,000 a year. Ker-ching!

 

So what's the difference between a mistress and straightforward prostitution? Quite a bit it seems, according to Annette. "Mistresses are literally their own mistress - there is nobody else pulling the strings. We are usually exclusive to one man or a small circle of clients, over which we have a choice whether to go with or not. And we don't have sex for money. We enter into a mutual sexual relationship - which we might both desire - and the man shows his appreciation by giving gifts and paying for the expenses."

 

But gentlemen, if all this seems an attractive option, be warned! Having a mistress can be bad for your health, as well as painful on your wallet. More men over a certain age have heart-attacks whilst engaged in rampant sex during an affair, than they do with their partners. And that's official!