[scrollop]

Coming from a European, this is definitely not normal.

I would examine why your acquaintances are normalizing such creepy behaviour.

[lixtra]

I agree it’s awkward. But I don’t find it creepy per se. It was a tradeoff to which all parties consented.

In one case there was just that one room available stranded in the middle of nowhere.

In other cases it was due to lack of financial resources.

[ltwdm]

I don't understand what is Europe-specific in those examples. Curious if it is any less awkward in any other culture?