Dutch glossy ‘Vrouw Magazine’
Below is the translated text of the follow-up article “Gigolo René heeft me ‘aan’gezet,” originally published in the supplement VROUW Magazine of the Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf’. Written by Daphne van Rossum.
Everyone remembers that story – one from VROUW Magazine that stuck with you, touched something deep, or simply wouldn’t let go. Maybe because you saw yourself in it, or maybe because it completely surprised you. Have you ever wondered how that one woman is doing now, months or even years later?
This week, we revisit Lisanne’s story. After a difficult marriage and more than ten years without sex, she took a bold step: she made an appointment with a gigolo. We first spoke to Lisanne in July 2014. So – how is she doing now?
Gigolo Rene turned me on
Lisanne lives in a quiet neighborhood in an ordinary town. But behind her front door lies an extraordinary story. Her neighbors have no idea about the adventures this woman has had – and she prefers to keep it that way. Still, she’s willing to share her experience again, in the hope of inspiring other women, because her time with “her” gigolo, René, was nothing short of life-changing.
self-confidence
Lisanne is a woman in her forties, with a solid build and an air of self-confidence. She’s tastefully dressed and clearly comfortable in her own skin. She radiates practicality, energy, and joy. But it hasn’t always been this way, she admits.
“I was in survival mode for years. Completely shut down emotionally. That lasted until about three years after my divorce. Then I made that appointment with the gigolo, and that’s what switched everything back on.”
She holds up a photograph. “That’s me, just after the divorce,” she says. The difference is striking. The woman in the photo and the one sitting here now look like two entirely different people—one dulled, the other glowing.
A new flow
“When you’re emotionally ‘switched off,’ you don’t even realize it,” Lisanne says. “But after René, everything started flowing again – men, work, just normal life. I quit my permanent job and started my own business. In many ways, he helped me step into my power. At last, the confidence was there, enough to give it a try. There was even a brief attempt at dating, including a speed dating event. Honestly, it wasn’t my thing, but going with a friend made it a fun experience.
Now, I’ve met someone I go out for dinner with occasionally. We’re seeing each other again this weekend. Before I met René, I didn’t dare to date at all; I couldn’t even start a conversation in a café. My self-esteem had completely vanished. I didn’t feel comfortable in my own body – thought I was too heavy, and truly believed no one would ever find me attractive again.”
Therapeutic
“I was never afraid of falling in love with René,” Lisanne explains. “I see what he offers as a service – maybe even something therapeutic. He sees all kinds of women: single women, women with vaginismus, and women like me who hadn’t had sex in years…or even women who’ve never had sex at all. He truly woke something up in me.
As for the cost, I actually thought it was quite reasonable. Around 300 euros, and René really takes his time, about three hours. There’s no rush, no pressure. He genuinely enjoys what he does, and you can tell he finds satisfaction in giving women that kind of attention.”
Sexual connection
“There aren’t any photos on his website, but once we were in touch, I asked for one and he sent it. To be honest, he’s not exactly my type, I usually go for taller men, and René is just slightly taller than me. But I went back to him because I wanted to learn how to connect with men again, especially on a sexual level. I’ve never felt the need to see another gigolo.”
Lisanne smiles. “Even if I can encourage just a few women to experience even a fraction of the joy I’ve had, then I’ll consider my mission accomplished.”