“So, Grace, have you finally decided to get a corporate job instead of working for that public interest agency where you keep going to work?” asks my Uncle, of me, every single Thanksgiving weekend when I see him at the large dinner table. He rarely allows me to defend my career choice before interrupting me to talk about something else like the leftover cranberry sauce or whatever. Most people at the table agree with his line of reasoning so nobody asserts a defense on my behalf. I always feel frustrated and inferior in front of my entire huge family and then leave the celebration feeling down. I decided last year would finally be different. And it was. I decided to hire male companion Bradley Lords!

Last year, Bradley Lords, my Male Escort, accompanied me as my boyfriend to a family dinner over the weekend following Thanksgiving. I had met him beforehand to debrief him on my family’s background. He arrived looking so amazing that I was almost afraid my family would ascertain he was not truly my boyfriend. He dressed formally because I had conveyed to him that’s how my family rolled: in perpetually formal attire. Following suit, he wore an elegant suit that was stylish but still restrained and conservative. He looked like he fit perfectly into the business world. I was a bit torn because, well, I should mention that he is ridiculously hot. His eyes are like an ice blue and then his smile lights up his face. He’s in stellar shape. So I was a bit torn because part of me wanted to sit on his lap and chat for the next few hours while the more diligent part of me knew we had a task at hand. I then scooped Bradley on the “Who’s Who” of my family tree and ancestry. I gave him lowdown on my aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, etc…. I feared he’d be bored or not understand the dynamics. It’s a ton of dry information. He busted that concern right out of the water as he listened to me intently, smiled, and, moreover, literally sorted through the heaps of information. He memorized everything and made it seem easy.

Once we arrived to the dinner, my grandma almost fainted when we walked in the door as she laid eyes on my Male Escort Bradley. Other family looked in admiration too and they were definitely not ogling my mousy hairstyle. Bradley Lords was a complete gentleman, hanging my coat and giving sweets and flowers to the hosts. He struck me as being incredibly smooth…in a great way. He’s the kind of guy who could (and did) handle a crowd of people, making each individual feel special. I could tell he chose to discuss a topic with each family member that reflected their interest. He was polished yet still endeared himself to everyone!

People naturally gave us the tenth degree about our relationship, its origin, its status, and, of course, its future. Bradley Lords struck a balance between deferring to me for answers and creating his own line of response. He concluded on a high note saying something about how he was thankful he had found me, which was just amorphous enough to deflect further interrogation by my family. He exuded confidence and did not seem nervous. Before dinner, I pulled him aside to a far corner of the main living room (there are two of them) and whispered to assure him he was convincing, “You really seem like my boyfriend.” He slipped his hand into mine, whispering back, flirtatiously, something to the effect of loving the role and wanting more of it. I felt so turned on that I almost ditched the gathering to privately feast with him!

After we sat around the table and said Grace, each person at the table had their opportunity (read: requirement) to share a tidbit about his or her life. When I assumed the hot seat, so to speak, my uncle, alas, questioned me in true form. However, that time, I put the unwelcomed annual tradition to an end with Bradley’s help. Bradley Lords, my well-versed Male Escort, lauded my career choice and propped up the virtues of the agency where I work, explaining how it benefits people in the community. My uncle finally listened and reacted like he was enlightened. Coming from this sensible man, the explanations seemed more credible to my uncle and, probably, to the rest of my family. My uncle actually expressed, “It seems to me like you make good choices, Grace. Keep up the good work!”

Soon after scoring such a success at dinner, I decided we’d leave while we were on top. So we took our gracious exit. Bradley safely got me back to my hotel. But before heading inside, he walked in front of me, stopped me in my tracks, and began kissing me. He paused only to tell me that I’m a wise woman and that he loves my dedication to public interest work. Then melting, I felt truly supported.

At one level, yes, I wanted my family’s approval. I finally felt like an adult in my family rather than the kid-niece. But, at another level, I realized, I sought the praise of a savvy, in-charge man who was my contemporary. Admitting that may portray me as being somehow weak. But, to the contrary, I felt powerful by feeling Bradley’s hand stroke my shoulder and listening to him encourage me to continue my work. He is so comfortably in control which gave me control.

I feel like I finally earned some respect in my family. I told my friends Bradley was my “saving grace” since he saved Grace (me) after saying Grace! They are now all dying to meet him sometime. I’m already looking forward to seeing him again exclusively for fun. I can’t wait to share time with him and feel purely like a lady. I was thankful for many blessings on Thanksgiving; having Bradley Lords, my Male Escort, bolstering me and being intimate with me, was one of them.