The art of not having to explain yourself – A life as a courtesan

People call me "escort," "muse," sometimes even "temporary girlfriend." I personally prefer an older, more elegant word: courtesan. It carries a hint of history, a perfume of past centuries, and the faint crackle of yellowed pages from my favorite books with antique spines.

And yes, I know what you're thinking. But don't worry: I'm completely sane. I just have a soft spot for hedonism in the old French tradition—and a slight inclination toward history.

What exactly is a courtesan?

Historically, the courtesan is a strange mixture: a bit of muse, a bit of scandal, a bit of social criticism in silk, and a special depth in her seductive glance. She was the woman who took her place at the table of power—without ever being officially invited.

She was neither a wife, nor a maid, nor a saint. She was something in between. Forbiddenly desirable. And that's precisely what makes her so fascinating to this day.

My great-grandmothers in spirit

My favorite ancestors? Absolutely:

• Ninon de Lenclos, who in the 17th century chose her lovers like others choose their books—carefully, discerningly, with an eye for content. She was a philosopher in the salon and a virtuoso among the cushions of her boudoir.

  ´I have loved many men - but never more than myself.´

• Madame de Pompadour, who became the official mistress of Louis XV—but wielded more influence than many ministers. Without ever losing control. Neither over herself nor over him.

  ‘There is no art to being beautiful - but there is an art to looking smart when you are.’

• Or Liane de Pougy, dancer, courtesan and later nun – because a woman’s life simply doesn’t fit into a box.

  ‘I was never more virtuous than the men who loved me - just more honest.’These women were not "easy to get."

They were difficult to understand. And that's precisely what made them desirable.

What does that have to do with me?

Everything.

Even today, in our enlightened times, a woman who makes conscious decisions – with whom, when, how and why – is still a minor social scandal.

I chose to be a courtesan. Not for lack of options, but because I chose this form of encounter. Because I love closeness – without being possessive. Because I value connection – without obligation or possessiveness. And because I know what I have to give: time. Presence. Mind. Body. Clarity.

The ancient art of loving freely

However, I am not a myth. I am a woman who knows exactly who she is—and who values herself no less than the people she meets.

Sometimes I think that courtesans are a forgotten form of emancipation: women who have conquered their freedom amidst social expectations – with intelligence, style and a charming smile.

Not with volume. With impact.

And if you're now curious – about me, about this whole fascinating line of feminine elegance between closeness and self-determination – then write to me.

Because some stories don’t begin with a fairy tale.

But with a request for my time.