everybody has a secret The Confessional: I was paid to be his friend
Feb 23, 2026
A woman reveals she worked as a Rent-A-Friend, getting paid to go on platonic dates with strangers. She explains how she found the gig, set rates, and screened clients for safety. Stories include an awkward club meetup, a generous client with flowers, and charging per text. The conversation reflects on emotional labor, loneliness, and why she eventually stopped.
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How Rachel Started As A Rent A Friend
- Rachel became a rent-a-friend in university, creating a profile on a sketchy site and charging $40–$50 an hour to hang out platonicly with mostly male clients.
- She listed activities like clubbing and restaurants, noted profile fields like body type, and chose requests based on perceived safety and vibes.
Gendered Dynamic In Paid Friendship
- Most rent-a-friend profiles were women while most clients contacting Rachel were men, revealing a gendered dynamic in paid platonic companionship.
- The site asked for physical details (eye color, body type) which hinted at unstated expectations despite the service being 'platonic.'
Take Safety Steps When Meeting Strangers
- Prioritise safety: Rachel told housemates, her mum and nan where she was meeting people and vetted clients by message before meeting in public.
- She advises caution and doesn't recommend others sign up due to vetting gaps on the site.