When the weather’s bad (either meteorologically or economically), people turn more readily to “indoor sports” (and I don’t mean Wii, though October video game sales were indeed up 18% year over year). At Jimmyjane, the design-centric sexual accessories brand I launched in 2005, we’re seeing strong evidence of this — 2008 online sales will double last year’s figures, and products emphasizing connection have been particularly popular.

Meanwhile, according to CNBC, the high-end escort business is “thriving”, even in this down economy. There’s a new trend on the rise in that market — the “GFE”. The “Girlfriend Experience” includes talking, cuddling, foreplay and — contrary to what we all learned from “Pretty Woman” — kissing. The GFE is taking over where the “PSE” or “Porn Star Experience” used to reign. Apparently, even Johns are seeking connection (albeit a fabricated one).

Ethan Imboden: Money Can’t Buy You Love — But a Recession Just Might..

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