You have to remember that the good SPs know how to establish a realistic and friendly connection. But you also have to keep in mind that WE know this as well. Most of what the posters before me have said in this thread are more or less true, and all SPs are aware that this is the way that hobbiests think. If we shared feelings and wanted something to happen with a client (which DOES happen) we SPs would know that we'd have to go way out of our way to prove to YOU that we want to invest real emotions AND time (unbilled time, of course). In the same token, just because an SP is willing to spend a little extra time with you does not mean that she is in love with you - you might just actually be a cool person that she doesn't mind hanging out with.
My advice is to keep a safe distance and to not make assumptions. If an SP wanted to start a relationship for some crazy reason like
true attraction to YOU and not your wallet, she would be the one doing the work to make it obvious and doable. Don't put an SP in the awkward position of having to explain that you have misread her "signals", despite how wonderful things are when you are together. EVEN IF she lets you take her out for dinner.
Just like in real life, friendliness can often be misconstrued. You could ruin a good client/SP relationship by trying to make things "real" and she might put you on her blacklist. If you have a good thing going, either 1) keep it going by not making it awkward, 2) nip it in the bud and stop seeing her for your sanity's sake, 3) go out on a limb knowing what risks you are taking. Your life, your choice... But be nice to the SP and also don't let yourself get played.
Alona M