My two cents on this. My friends have nearly always been female and for better or worse, many of them have confided in me over the years. Although in many cases we've lost touch, those confidences will never be betrayed and I'm immensely proud that so many ladies have trusted me with their innermost secrets.
We all need someone to share our thoughts and fears, to offer advice or just be there to listen. When we meet someone prepared to do so and prepared to reciprocate, it is a wonderful thing and not to be taken lightly.
anon361 is right in that there are many bastards and bitches out there and sometimes we make wrong choices, but trusting no-one can make the world a very difficult and lonely place. I've had a couple of bad experiences but they're easily outweighed by the good ones and I have very few regrets.
Since I began visiting escorts, two of these ladies have become friends and confidantes. I also have two other close friends who know I visit escorts and far from judging, are happy for me and know how much I've improved as a person as a result. Having their approval and trust is a huge deal and seals our friendship.
If the confidence to confide and trust is not present, then in my opinion a true friendship does not exist.
2014 in Northern Ireland:
Number of reported attacks on sex workers 70
Number of sex trafficking cases ZERO