I talked to many men who were so scared and ashamed of the things that turned them on, and it was pure joy to help them understand and try to accept their own desires, especially to show them that there are women in the world who not only don’t think they’re freaks, but might also get turned on by the same things. In that sense, I still feel like it was some of the most important and satisfying work I ever did.

In the beginning I wondered if I would know what to say. I quickly discovered that it's often more about listening. Sure, there are men who want you to tell them a sexy story, and others who are shy and need coaxing to open up, but the majority of callers just wanted someone female, open-minded and fun to talk to. Above all, they wanted someone who was interested in what they had to say. I learned an enormous amount as a phone sex operator, and not just about sex. I learned about parenting, legal cases, patients, conferences, bomb disposal techniques and a million other things. All because I listened.

Most of my clients were intelligent and often sexy men who were a pleasure to talk to. I got many offers to meet in person, and a few times I was genuinely tempted. I never met up with anyone, but I've always wondered what would have happened if I had.