Boyfriend for Hire
There are, as economist Tyler Cowen likes to put it, “markets in everything.” And so it doesn’t come as a surprise that, according to this Reuters video, rent-a-boyfriend is a popular service in China. “He’s already got many offers—from girls who want to make their boyfriend jealous to others inviting him home for the holidays.” I think this was the premise of a not-so-good Debra Messing movie.
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Previously on The Billfold
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I have no problem believing this exists. China is full of things that seem like they should only exist in mid-tier Hollywood rom-coms.
This would make a good Debra Messing movie. But speaking of movies, or documentaries in this case, this made me think of a doc I watched 2 years ago called The Great Happiness Space. It’s a fascinating look at the lucrative career of (some) Japanese host boys. I highly recommend giving it a watch.
Mike, no! That movie is excellent, if only for Sarah Parish’s performance!
In addition to the host (and hostess) clubs, we also have boyfriend for hire services in Japan. I hear it’s on the rise.