Each month, porn star Johnny Hazzard answers your questions about gay sexuality and relationships. Need advice? Send questions to askjohnny@johnnyhazzardcentral.com.

What's the difference between a fuck buddy and a boyfriend?
– Alex in Culver City, CA

I think the main things that separate a fuck buddy from a boyfriend are  emotional involvement and an expectation of continuity. If a boyfriend (or even a friend) stops calling you suddenly, you'll probably want to know why. Are they ill? Did you offend them? But with a fuck buddy, there are no obligations or expectations. Fuck buddies can easily be friends, but when your fuck buddy suggests that the two of you might simply cuddle one night, that's a clear sign that the playing field is changing.

After doing porn for several years, I recently retired – but now I'm having a hard time meeting quality guys. I go on dates and chat with people, but things never develop – and I suspect it's due to my porn past. What's the solution?
– Sam in the UK

I'm speaking from personal experience when I say that there's no easy solution. That's because it’s probably their problem rather than yours. A lot of men are intimidated by porn performers, fearing that they won’t “measure up” in some way. They don't understand the realities of porn production (the lights under your balls, the cameras over your shoulder, the constant stop-and-go, the director telling you what to do...) Ironically, these guys may be a lot more sexually experienced than you are! If a guy you really like seems to be having this problem, here's an idea... Invite him to watch a porn shoot that one of your friends is working on. Once he sees what it's really like on a porn set, he'll understand the realities of doing porn in a way that words could never convey. Above all, don’t give up on love – because there's someone out there for you. Many people, in fact. After all, it's a big world. And if all else fails, we can start a home for aging porn stars if we're still spinsters when we're old and grey.

Guys I meet online often say they want to date me or fuck me, but they rarely follow through. As soon as I show any real interest, they flake – and sometimes I never hear from them again. What am I doing wrong?
– James in Salt Lake City, UT

Some guys are all about the thrill of the hunt. They relish the courting phase, the pic swapping, and the dirty talking – but they can't cope with an actual adult encounter or a relationship. It's beyond irritating, and unfortunately you can rarely see it coming. When it does happen, try not to take it personally and don't  allow it to stop you from reaching out. But at the same time, don’t sink too much energy into the “build-up” either. Push for a real-world encounter (or at least a two-way video chat) before you allow yourself to start becoming emotionally invested in anyone.

Johnny Hazzard lives in Venice, CA., where he is hard at work developing a line of lamps and jewelry. He graduated from Erotic State Univ. at the top of his class.