How a career-driven man learned to balance work, life and friends

My life was pinned on a corporate board—a career-driven man teetering on the edge of burnout.

I was immersed in a world of laptop screens, business suits and excessively strong espressos. Every minute of my day was scheduled, thinly sliced between early morning meetings and late-night reports.

Friendships were a luxury I could ill afford.

Yet the lack of personal life gnawed at me from time to time. The tenacity which once was my strength had morphed quietly into loneliness. On the worst nights, my lavishly designed apartment bore down on me; its empty echoes a stark reminder of my solitude.

Yes, I craved male companionship and connection. But the thought of navigating the complexities of a traditional relationship was daunting.

An irregular a solution for my loneliness

Then I met Geoffrey, as irregular a solution for my loneliness as they come. A mature-aged gentleman who seemed to absorb the cynicism of my existence when I visited him each month. Every time I opened his front door and stepped inside his house, it felt like pressing pause on the maddening movie that was my life.

Despite our age gap, he genuinely understood my need for emotional breathing space. He was someone I could talk to about my career, my business and myself without feeling selfish or unnecessarily burdened by a need to reciprocate.

Undressing at Geoffrey’s place had little to do with lust—it was more about shedding the burdens that came attached with my tailored business suits. It was about allowing my weaknesses to be seen and still being accepted as I really was.

Quietly sitting down on the lounge next to Geoffrey we indulged in conversation or occasional, comfortable silence. Being naked with him gave me a much-needed chance to be honest and unencumbered by other people’s judgements or expectations.

There were no pretences with Geoffrey: I could be myself—exhausted, grumpy, teary-eyed or excited about a new business prospect—without fear of rejection or misunderstanding. In many ways, he was like a mirror—reflecting who I really was under all those layers of professionalism and robotic efficiency.

Pockets of tranquillity amid the chaos of my life

Those monthly visits became the pockets of tranquillity amid the chaos of my life: somewhere I could take a breath and find ground beneath my feet. He gave me the courage to face another manic month of meetings, presentations and business negotiations.

They were like therapy sessions without that clinical label—healing me in ways I didn’t know I’d needed.

I found myself craving the mental break that Geoffrey’s intellectual stimulation offered. Our talks, ranging from the trivial to the profound, allowed me to exercise my mind in ways outside of work. His wisdom and insight often became life lessons that profoundly impacted my worldview.

Equally liberating was the physical aspect of our relationship. The peace I drew from his presence was far from sexual—it was a soothing balm for my weary body. The freedom he offered for us to be naked together and touch one another without the added strain of having sex, took on a new meaning under Geoffrey’s guidance: it was acceptance, quiet encouragement, permission to let go of pent-up stress.

This was not about sexual gratification—it was about companionship and comfort.

A newfound appreciation for my body

A testament to this was the renewed body confidence I began feeling. Naked with Geoffrey, I discovered a newfound appreciation for my body. My reflection in his full-length mirror, once a source of dread due to other people’s beauty standards, now seemed like an acceptable, even attractive, image.

For the first time in my life, being utterly naked and aroused with another man didn’t make me feel exposed or uncomfortable.

Geoffrey saw beauty where no one else cared to look—the strong lines of stress across my forehead, the weary slump of my shoulders, the desperate glint in my eyes—they were all proof of my endeavours. It wasn’t long before I found myself agreeing with him.

More than just a physical shell, my body was a survivor—a silent warrior weathering gruelling board meetings, sleepless nights and unending corporate battles. Not only did these revelations improve my self-image but they also affected how I carried myself around others.

Each session with Geoffrey became a journey towards self-discovery as I uncovered truths about myself that had been buried beneath professional ambition and social pressures.

These revelations brought a shift in my approach towards my career—I started prioritising my wellbeing above presentations and profits. After all, there’s no point building an empire if you’re too drained to enjoy it.

My productivity increased exponentially

Significant changes occurred in my work and personal life as a result of this shift in perspective. My productivity increased exponentially, my decision-making became more coherent, strategic; and I was able to balance my professional and personal life better than ever before.

My time with Geoffrey didn’t just shape me as an individual—it sculpted me into a proficient leader.

sRecognition followed. My colleagues noticed the transformation and pointed out how much more approachable and assertive I had become.

My novel manner of handling work stress was reflected in increased productivity and higher morale within my team. As a result, my career soared to new heights—a testament to the profound changes within me.

Calling what Geoffrey and I shared a ‘friendship’ or ‘relationship’ would be an oversimplification—it was much more than that. He swiftly grew from being a much-needed escape to an integral part of my monotonous existence. Our monthly encounters no longer felt like a financial arrangement; I didn’t just need them—I eagerly looked forward to them.

An unexpected ally

Looking back, I see how far I have come. With the support of this unexpected ally, I managed to turn around not just my career but my entire life. From the demanding lonely man to someone who values emotional connections and self-care, I have become more balanced, satisfied and even more successful.

In hindsight, it seems that all I needed was permission to be naked—not just physically—but to strip away the facades, the stress, the pressures that came with my chosen path. And Geoffrey, with his quiet understanding and kind companionship, gave me that permission.

Ready to start a conversation?

Take the first step by emailing me. Include a brief description of yourself and any obstacles you are facing, along with what you hope to achieve. Feel free to add pictures to give me a better understanding of who you are. I will promptly reply with all the details you need to arrange your first visit.

no-strings | start-up