A couple of things to understand about professional sex workers:

First, they are professionals. They understand that people need something from them that they don’t get in the world. Their job is to find a way to provide that, within reason. Many are quite good at it. You’d be surprised.

Second, there’s a reason it’s known as the world’s oldest profession. I remember an old joke about a guy ranting about the moral sin of masturbation, and someone saying, “Let he among you with a free hand cast the first stone!” Seriously, it’s an industry that’s survived wars, famine, depressions, and everything in between. It’s always had plenty of customers in the worst of times. There’s no shame.

Finally, you want to identify whether you’re asking about a sex act or making love. Physically, they’re very similar, but emotionally they couldn’t be more different. If all you want to feel is the act, go to a decent escort or buy a flesh-light. If you want the emotional attachment, that takes some work. The good news is if you find it, the awkwardness of the sex act won’t matter. It will be overshadowed by your feelings for one another.