Paying Someone to be Your Friend?

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with school and work these days, so the posts will be off and on for the next little bit. I saw this article in the Globe&Mail this morning and thought it needed to be shared.

I remember joking with friends that I'd had to pay them to hang out with me or vise versa, but this is too extreme, even for me. I suppose these people would be considered "friends" instead of friends, but still...I can't imagine that many relationships that start of this way have the potential for longevity and meaningful connections.