June 8, 2009
Back when Guru was a young whippersnapper, one of his greatest sources of entertainment was reading the ads at the back of Father Guru's copy of Private Eye. Brought up in a God-fearing household, Guru never failed to be surprised by the large numbers of people advertising for extra-marital relationships. (Although 'relationship' may be an overly charitable discription of what they were looking for).
Fast forward to 2009 and Guru is slightly less surprised to hear that redundant City types are seeking comfort 'on the side' - and, presumably, in various other positions, too.
According to extra-marital dating site Illicit Encounters, "The possibility of becoming unemployed can put a great deal of strain on a long-term relationship. An affair promises fantasy and escape." The website saw sign-ups in its 'manufacturing and production' background category rise from 185 a day to 370 a day last October, when the recession began to bite.
While the growth in sneaky hanky-panky is in itself entertaining, Guru was particularly amused by illicitencounter.com's efforts at a press release. Either their PR people have a really good sense of humour or they err on the grown up and mature side. Constant references to 'members' had Guru sniggering, as did mention of 'a large surge in membership." Spelling mistakes did not, however, amuse Guru. Apart from one, that is - the appropriately and snigger-inducingly misspelt staTITics.
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