What is an escort? In this article we explain what an escort is, what her virtues and characteristics should be, and what differentiates her from a prostitute.
We've all done it at some point, pronouncing a word without fully understanding its meaning. We have a general idea of what it might refer to, but we don't know the exact nuances of what it describes. For example, if you had to answer the question " What is an escort? ", what would you say? Would you be able to give a correct definition of that term? Would you directly associate it with the word "prostitute" or the concept of "sex worker"? Would you consider the terms synonymous?
If you did that, you'd be mistaken. An escort isn't exactly a prostitute (even a high-class one) nor a sex worker. That said, some escorts don't provide sexual services to their clients, just like sex workers do.
So, how do they differ? In this post, we'll answer this question by defining what an escort is . We'll focus on that in the first section of this article.
What is an escort?
When we talk about an escort, we're talking about a person (usually a woman) who offers companionship in exchange for money . We're talking, then, about a companion , someone who offers to be a companion at a dinner, a trip, or a social event. The fact that the companion often offers, or ends up offering, sexual services is not a new professional practice that has existed throughout history in various cultures.
Social norms and taboos of each era have shaped the role of the high-class companion. Indeed, much has changed since the times of classical Greece and Rome, when the company of women was already valued at social events, banquets, and the like. From then until now, there has been no shortage of women who, through their presence, have added glamour and charm to social gatherings. One need only look at Enlightenment-era France to discover that courtesans or ladies-in-waiting were common and highly sought-after figures in the salons of high society.
Currently, escorts offer their services either independently or through agencies. Escort agencies , adapting to the times, present their workers in online catalogs with search filters that allow clients to easily access contact information for escorts who match their preferences. There are also escort websites that publish profiles of independent escorts so that users can contact them directly to arrange a meeting.
For many people, an escort is simply a high-class prostitute . Equating escorts with prostitutes is a subtle error. In the next section, we will explain the differences between these two professions.
Differences between an escort and a prostitute
Many people often confuse escorts with prostitutes. As we mentioned earlier, they are two distinct realities. There are social, legal, and professional aspects that differentiate them. And, for those who can distinguish one from the other, the cultural perception of them is also different. For example, you can see this in our section on escorts in Barcelona .
As we've already mentioned, an escort is a professional who offers paid companionship . In exchange for payment, she accompanies her client to dinner or a social event. Conversation and companionship are expected from this professional. A prostitute, on the other hand, engages in sexual activity. That is to say: she offers sex in exchange for money. Plain and simple.
As a general rule, and from a social perspective, prostitutes (even high-class ones) are perceived more negatively by society than escorts. This is despite the fact that the company of an escort often includes sexual relations. Why this different perception? Basically, because prostitution has historically been linked to poverty and exploitation. Conversely, the concept of an escort is often associated with luxury and exclusivity, which makes the escort professional seem more acceptable or more "legitimate."
Furthermore, sex workers are often associated with a lack of life options and vulnerability, while escorts are associated with concepts like personal autonomy and empowerment. In a way, many people believe the following maxim: "A prostitute is in that position out of necessity, and an escort is in it by choice."
If we examine both professions from the perspective of the legal framework in which they operate, we can also observe differences that, while sometimes subtle, are nonetheless significant. Prostitution is illegal in many countries or, failing that, is subject to very strict regulations. This criminalizes those who engage in this profession. Escort services, on the other hand, operate in a less clearly defined legal area. Companionship, so to speak, can be offered legally. But what if the companionship leads to the provision of sexual services? This can be understood as a decision made between two adults who, as a result of an escort relationship, wish to engage in a sexual relationship that would not be paid for and, therefore, would not be considered professional practice.
Escorts, on the other hand, can acquire training that allows them to interact in social environments that demand a certain etiquette, specific communication skills, and a particular style, elegance, and poise in terms of personal presentation. This, quite common in the escort industry, is less so in the world of prostitution. Many prostitutes also face situations of coercion and exploitation that are not as common in the escort world.
This last point directly affects the cultural perception of each of the two professions. According to a fairly widespread, and probably overly idealized, social view, an escort is seen as a beautiful and socially adept woman who, empowered, moves freely and at will through an environment of exclusivity and luxury. In contrast, a prostitute is seen by many as a woman trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair, a victim of her own life circumstances. What better way to see for yourself than with our escorts in Madrid ?
What qualities should escorts have?
Being an escort requires possessing a range of skills and characteristics that enable you to offer a quality service that goes beyond the physical. What are these characteristics? They are listed below:
- Empathy, or in other words, being able to understand the emotions and needs of your client. To do this, the companion must put themselves in the client's shoes in order to establish a better and more intense connection.
- Communication skills. The ability to hold engaging conversations. This requires a certain level of cultural awareness as well as a broad general knowledge. This must be complemented by something fundamental for good interpersonal connection: active listening. This should be a core skill for any professional in this field.
- Good presentation. The escort should strive to project an impeccable image that reflects personal grooming and a good sense of style.
- Discretion, privacy, and security: that's what a client looks for when hiring an escort. That's why escorts must treat their clients' personal information with absolute discretion.
- Knowing how to adapt to different personalities allows you to interact effectively with diverse people in various situations, creating relaxed and pleasant environments. Kindness, courtesy, and a good sense of humor are essential for achieving this.
- Self-confidence. An escort cannot have a negative image of herself or her work. Lacking that self-esteem ends up damaging the interaction between escort and client and affects its smooth flow.
- Positive attitude. This value largely complements the previous one. Optimism and facing life with a cheerful attitude directly influence the customer's mood, fostering a more pleasant experience.
