More than Bounded Authenticity

Inspired by the concept of bounded authenticity, this chapter reveals how compensated dating (CD) relationships can be transformed from commercial ones to non-commercial interpersonal or romantic relationships. I argue that a major attraction of CD lies in its great potential to be extended beyond a bounded context. This chapter elaborates Brothers’ fantasy of girlfriend experience (GFE) and explores its authenticity. While some Brothers are aware that GFE is merely a performance, some believe that the emotion displayed by the CCs is genuine. In either case, some Brothers would experience a sense of frustration and despair. The chapter points out that GFE is not only an emotion work performed by CCs, but also an experience actively constructed by Brothers. I explicate three major emotional conditions in which Brothers would situate themselves in CD relationships. Finally, this chapter illustrates how cyberspace extends the dimensions of CD relationships.