I imagine you're right that you can cater to her every whim(?) better.

Is there a difference? I've heard the expression with both words but I hardly think the meaning changes.

By the way, note the term "expression", as in, not to be taken literally. Just thought I'd emphasise that. I'm not going to be jumping off any figurative bridges (and neither is she).

I'll admit that I have an extremely difficult time setting limits for LGs when I've developed an affection for them. But that's because I'm not an authority figure (9 times out of 10).

In my experience, most adults treat ALL kids like they're subordinate beings. I'm going to go ahead and say that's typically NOT the dynamic between a pedo and his LGF.

In fact, I actively deny a position of authority (i.e., imposing limits) when I'm with my LGF. I might suggest that she not run in front of oncoming traffic, for example: "hey, if you get to close a car might hit you, so I'd feel better if you stayed back here with me"; and of course ultimately I would grab her arm and pull her back as a protective reaction towards someone I care about being in immediate danger.

But it's not my role to tell her what's right or wrong, or what she should and shouldn't do.

All that's to say I'd make a terrible parent for my LGF, and... that's fine. I'm not positioning myself as guardian, nor as guardian + benevolent psuedo-friend. I'm positioning myself firmly and purely as friend - someone to support her, someone she can talk to, someone she can enjoy her time with, and someone who cares about her to the extent that, yes, he'd pretty much drop everything to cater to her every will/whim. (In practice, it doesn't work like that. She knows she has me wrapped around her finger, I'm sure, but there's a mutual respect and trust such that she would never take advantage of me.)

If, for some reason, her parents decided she shouldn't be seeing me anymore: I'd probably protest, demand a reason, and then, if met with insistance... submit. Though I can't see something like that ever happening in my specific situation, simply because the relationship has been a strictly positive thing for her. It's done wonders for her confidence!

ANYWAYS, this...

In general sexual attraction to a class of people makes you less able to perceive their wants and needs accurately.

...was the sweeping statement I was refuting. I'd argue the opposite: that being particularly interested in a class of people makes you MORE able to perceive their wants and needs accurately, because you give a damn.

There's more to pedophilia than sexual attraction.

I suspect what you REALLY want to say is, "in general sexual attraction to children makes pedophiles less able to perceive their wants and needs accurately while sexual encounters are taking place".

In which case, just say it. I don't totally agree with that either, but at least it's consistent with the point you've been trying to make. :)

- RBL