Asking For An Alt- Just Ask

Welcome to Asking for an Alt, where virtual lives come with real dilemmas,and everyone swears they’re asking for a friend. Three readers have brought their questions to someone wearing sunglasses indoors and refusing to reveal their identity. A questionable choice of adviser, perhaps, but in Second Life, we’ve all trusted stranger things.

Our first question comes from Mulling It Over, who’s mulling over the macabre. With Halloween approaching, it seems the real horror begins when two people have to agree.

Dear Mulling over the Macabre,

Ah, the couples costume, a charming way to say, “We belong together,” while arguing over which one of you has to be the accessory.

First, agree on a theme. Otherwise, one arrives as an exquisite creature of the night while the other teleports in as a baked potato.

Morticia and Gomez are a classic choice. One looks devastatingly elegant; the other spends the evening worshiping them. An arrangement worth considering beyond October.

For true Second Life horror, try Lag and a Region Restart. One stops the party; the other sends everyone home.

Whatever you choose, do a dress rehearsal. “My partner completes me” is romantic. “My partner is the only one whose torso has rezzed” is a technical difficulty.

And both people get veto power. If one gets velvet, diamonds, and magnificent wings while the other gets a cardboard box and instructions to “stand beside me,” negotiations are not complete.

Still can’t agree? Go as two emotionally mature adults who communicate clearly.

You may need to explain the costumes. People won’t immediately recognize them.

Yours behind the sunglasses,
Asking for an Alt

Our next question comes from Holding the Cuffs and Waiting for More, whose longtime friendship has taken a poetic turn,and suddenly the stationery drawer is looking rather tempting.

Today I am writing to you for a friend of a friend of an alt. This individual has been friends with their bestie for over 16 years. During that time, they have explored SL together and during their adventures they dove into Dom/Sub. It was great, the whips were well made, the cuffs held perfectly and they had their fun. They called that quits and remained friends though for many years. Recently the sub, which is a him, wrote a beautiful poem that was a dedication and tribute to their days as a Dom and Submissive. She’s now feeling an itch in her fingers to grab his favorite ruler to make him happy again. However, she wonders if this should go further or if she should just let it fly by. She needs some advice.

Holding the cuffs and waiting for more.

Dear Holding the Cuffs,

Before you let the ruler make an executive decision, ask whether he’s reminiscing or requesting a sequel. A beautiful poem doesn’t automatically mean, “Please renew my subscription.”

If you both fancy an encore, discuss expectations and boundaries first. Sixteen years of friendship deserves clear communication, even when the office supplies are getting impatient.

Yours behind the sunglasses,
Asking for an Alt

Our final question comes from Broke in 2nd Life, whose heart says “happily ever after” while their Linden balance says “insufficient funds.” Love may be priceless, but apparently dating comes with a payment plan.

My girlfriend thinks a casual date means designer clothes, a luxury yacht, and dinner at a restaurant where the menu costs more than my entire inventory. Meanwhile, I’m still wearing my mesh jacket from 2022 and checking my Linden balance before buying a drink. She says money doesn’t matter, but apparently neither does romance unless it comes with a premium price tag! Am I cheap, or is dating in Second Life becoming a luxury sport? Signed, BROKE IN 2nd Life

Dear Broke in 2nd Life,

Buddy, if dating her requires a payment plan, you’re not her boyfriend. You’re her financial sponsor! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the finer things, but if she needs a L$15,000 outfit to enjoy your company, try turning off the lights. Maybe she won’t notice you’re broke! Remember, gentlemen: You can’t buy love, but apparently you can rent attention by the hour. And if she dumps you over your Linden balance?

Congratulations! You just saved yourself a fortune.

Now excuse me while I check whether my 2022 jacket qualifies as vintage.

Yours behind the sunglasses,
Asking for an Alt

That’s all for this edition of Asking for an Alt! Until next time, keep your hearts open, your wallets supervised, and your alts from comparing notes.

Yours behind the sunglasses,
Asking for an Alt