Topic : How Porn Has Hurt Our Relationship

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Created on : Monday, December 11, 2006, 09:00:32 am
Author : DrPhilBoard1
Are you in a relationship that has been negatively affected by porn? Has pornography destroyed, or about to destroy your marriage? Is there hope for a relationship when one partner is addicted to porn? Share your advice and support here with others.

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June 12, 2008, 2:41 am PDT

There is an obvious clue.

Quote From: dd4life

Thank you for your response.  I know the proof is in his actions but how do you know when they are being truthful when it is so easy to cover up porn. You never know when they are getting better. I always thought he was then found more. I'm not sure what is going to hurt more - to stay or leave. Not sure what is the greater pain.  Thank you for your response. I really don't know where to turn and any feedback is appreiciated.

 

 

How is he treating you??????

 

When a person feels guilty, whether it is justified or not, there are signs of this. Put yourself in his shoes for a moment. He knows you have issues with this; he may or may know the extent, he may not know why you are trying so hard to get him to change! Then factor into the equasion that, well, he has an idea why you are upset about this......so he feels somewhat responsible for your unhappiness.  Its easy to believe that if we are doing something harmful to a relationship, that we would stop it, right? Well, stopping what we are doing is not always so easy.

 

Why? Because this action is feeding something inside us and until we are ready to give it up, no one is going to be able to convince us otherwise. You cannot know when a person is being truthful but you can choose to believe them, or not. Would choosing to trust him wind up with yet another disappointment? Is that why you battle this decision to trust or not?  Trust him TO LOOK at porn again, and to hide because that is what you are going to find. History.  If you don't look at past behavior at all, you remain in the moment, which is good, but you can't keep stressing over why AGAIN????? This is history at its best!

 

You are trying to convince yourself that he is going to have this turn around. The only way he will is when he is ready, not a moment sooner. How do you know when he is getting better? For starters, when YOU start seeing signs that things have improved. Its really that simple but we want to make it into this big, complicated thing. Why? Because the relationship lacks in other areas and you are desperate to find a connection with this man....and if it means complaining about him...then so be it.

 

What will hurt more? To stay or to leave? This I am sorry to say, you won't know until you try it. You know staying is hurting, right? If you are questioning leaving, it means you do not trust that your feelings are accurate. You may then need to go introspective and figure out why you are so afraid to go after your self preservation and authentic life. :)

 

 

 

 

 
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June 13, 2008, 5:55 am PDT

we talked and nothing changed

I found the porn on the computer and was upset for all the same reasons as everyone else, but we have a daughter that is 29 and the girls he looks at are younger , it makes me sick. we talked and he said he understood how it made me feel and he would quit but it is on the computer every morning.  he gets it in his e-mail from friends thar are single. how do I confront this again.? I am afraid he is going to lie then what do i do? we have been together for 16 yrs. and have no problems in the bedroom till now and i can't keep pretending i don't know.
 
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June 14, 2008, 3:33 am PDT

Age is not a factor.

Quote From: jeaniefla9

I found the porn on the computer and was upset for all the same reasons as everyone else, but we have a daughter that is 29 and the girls he looks at are younger , it makes me sick. we talked and he said he understood how it made me feel and he would quit but it is on the computer every morning.  he gets it in his e-mail from friends thar are single. how do I confront this again.? I am afraid he is going to lie then what do i do? we have been together for 16 yrs. and have no problems in the bedroom till now and i can't keep pretending i don't know.

I am sorry you are going through this but this is a really big clue that your man is not all you thought he was. As much as I dont advocate or reject porn, (I think porn is like cigarettes, alcohol and gambling, drugs, etc). that is , if it is used occasionally it won't cause too much damage but if used carelessly or abusively, it can become a source of dependancy and denial. When you know he is looking at porn in the mornings, and he says he knows it bothers you, but continues, he is displaying signs of addiction.

 

 When a man puts porn before his mate, he is addicted. Whether its 29 year old girls, dogs, horses, old people, shoes, etc. remove the object and keep with the facts. And that fact is you have a man that is ashamed of his sexuality which is why he tells you he won't do it, but does it anyway. He has convinced himself that it is ok, that it is good for him, that it may even be good for you, how on earth are you going to convince him that his choice is not the best one?

 

Which is why you have to remove the drug of choice, whether its porn, drugs, lying, cheating, neglecting, these are all forms of abuse.  You have to understand that men and women really do think differently Its becomming more obvious as I mature. We are conditioned differently and this is what makes so many of our problems. But these differences is what keeps the species going. The mystery of trying to figure it out, make it work; make the impossible, possible. Its called dreams and visions of a good life.

 

But there are some very ugly people out there. And they DO lie, DO cheat, DO abuse. They have not grown, matured, and they suffer along with us.  You need to realize that your husband is suffering as much as you are; only his suffering is different and you don't understand it. Like he doesn't understand yours.

 

So what to do? Look at the other people and things in your life as tools for exploration. If you are feeling threatened by your husbands porn use, you are probably a person that experienced being compared to; neglected; rejected by someone significant in your life and now this is creating you to become crippled. Your husband is doing to you probably what someone in your life did to you as a child and now as an adult, you continue to live out this need to change it; make it work. Our problems are our greatest gifts, much like beautiful things. Because they give us the opportunity to find out what it is that DOES make us happy. Without the pain, how would we know we were experiencing joy?

 

Your husband is going down a dark path and you are following him. He is lying. This is more damaging to a soui then any porn out there. Neither one of you are comfortable in your own skins and you are both together, so you are making each other the enemy, when the enemy is reality and it can all be fine if we remove judgements and look at our own fears and concerns about what we need to do to be the best person...not what SOMEONE else should be doing to be their best person.

 

It is a rough road but I hope you know that this is exactly what you need to figure out why you have difficulty in your relationships. You chose him, remember??? :)

 

I used to get upset because my ex looked at black women, I am white, I thought he liked black women more then white, or why would he look, right? WRong. It had nothing to do with skin color but the variety and different look of the anatomy in sexual ways. The same with beastiality. If he looked at horses or if he looked at a man and a woman, the object of his affection was not my sore spot of contention, but the fact that he would twist my emotions and my words to justify his behaviors and choices.  

 
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June 14, 2008, 3:37 am PDT

Age is not a factor.

Quote From: jeaniefla9

I found the porn on the computer and was upset for all the same reasons as everyone else, but we have a daughter that is 29 and the girls he looks at are younger , it makes me sick. we talked and he said he understood how it made me feel and he would quit but it is on the computer every morning.  he gets it in his e-mail from friends thar are single. how do I confront this again.? I am afraid he is going to lie then what do i do? we have been together for 16 yrs. and have no problems in the bedroom till now and i can't keep pretending i don't know.

I am sorry you are going through this but this is a really big clue that your man is not all you thought he was. As much as I dont advocate or reject porn, (I think porn is like cigarettes, alcohol and gambling, drugs, etc). that is , if it is used occasionally it won't cause too much damage but if used carelessly or abusively, it can become a source of dependancy and denial. When you know he is looking at porn in the mornings, and he says he knows it bothers you, but continues, he is displaying signs of addiction.

 

 When a man puts porn before his mate, he is addicted. Whether its 29 year old girls, dogs, horses, old people, shoes, etc. remove the object and keep with the facts. And that fact is you have a man that is ashamed of his sexuality which is why he tells you he won't do it, but does it anyway. He has convinced himself that it is ok, that it is good for him, that it may even be good for you, how on earth are you going to convince him that his choice is not the best one?

 

Which is why you have to remove the drug of choice, whether its porn, drugs, lying, cheating, neglecting, these are all forms of abuse.  You have to understand that men and women really do think differently Its becomming more obvious as I mature. We are conditioned differently and this is what makes so many of our problems. But these differences is what keeps the species going. The mystery of trying to figure it out, make it work; make the impossible, possible. Its called dreams and visions of a good life.

 

But there are some very ugly people out there. And they DO lie, DO cheat, DO abuse. They have not grown, matured, and they suffer along with us.  You need to realize that your husband is suffering as much as you are; only his suffering is different and you don't understand it. Like he doesn't understand yours.

 

So what to do? Look at the other people and things in your life as tools for exploration. If you are feeling threatened by your husbands porn use, you are probably a person that experienced being compared to; neglected; rejected by someone significant in your life and now this is creating you to become crippled. Your husband is doing to you probably what someone in your life did to you as a child and now as an adult, you continue to live out this need to change it; make it work. Our problems are our greatest gifts, much like beautiful things. Because they give us the opportunity to find out what it is that DOES make us happy. Without the pain, how would we know we were experiencing joy?

 

Your husband is going down a dark path and you are following him. He is lying. This is more damaging to a soui then any porn out there. Neither one of you are comfortable in your own skins and you are both together, so you are making each other the enemy, when the enemy is reality and it can all be fine if we remove judgements and look at our own fears and concerns about what we need to do to be the best person...not what SOMEONE else should be doing to be their best person.

 

It is a rough road but I hope you know that this is exactly what you need to figure out why you have difficulty in your relationships. You chose him, remember??? :)

 

 

 
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June 19, 2008, 7:27 am PDT

How Porn Has Hurt Our Relationship

Quote From: jljs53

hi again

I always found my husband changed when he started using again. He became distant, (even cold and uncaring to a certain degree) unpresent in everyday life, robotic, and frustrated if he was not getting his fix. I did not get this right away but after learning about porn addiction the red flags are always there.

Truthful - not a word that comes easily to someone trying to cover up his activities. But again you will recognize the action of truth before the words. Knowledge is power and a very good tool.

You do not have to decide anything today or even next week. You can turn to Patrick Carnes, he has a website and many books on the subject. You could speak to a sexual addiction therapist, visit recovery nation.com and no porn.com. The more info you have the better chance you have for making informed decisions for yourself.

You can also tell if they are being honest if they act like an open book. My husband gave his computer away and had me put a pass word on mine. There are lots of little ways and things they can do if they are seriously trying to quit. Sexual addiction therapists and support groups are very helpful. There are many free help sites too. For example recovery nation is free.

See if any of this is a help and or a place to start. Just sharing with someone can help, it is always comforting to know you are not alone.

take care    jljs 

So you and your husband stayed together? What would you do if he went back to it. I cant seem to get a handle on when is it enough. How many chances do you give? I have read so many books this year - I did read Patrick Carnes - a great book. I also read "Why does he do that?" by Lundy Bancroft - another great book. I also read "Too good to leave. Too bad to stay." I've done so much self educating and counciling and it doesn't seem to move me off the dime. I don't know if I can leave him, but I also don't know if I can share a bedroom with him after seeing what porn sites he's been in. It makes me sick. My husband has a work laptop that he uses everyday - there was porn on that too.

I often wonder if I'm too sensitive - I know that some women would put up with it. I just can't. I just wonder if leaving him because of that and other reasons, is giving up too soon. My issue is that I've gone through several rounds of this - his promises and then it comes back. Would you leave your husband if he went back to it behind your back? 

I do feel so alone.  Wish we could get a face-to-face support group together with the women in the chat. There seems to be so many wonder women suffering from the same painful issues.

Thank you for your response it does help and I look forward to hearing from you.

DD

 
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June 20, 2008, 8:26 am PDT

Help - Porn really bothers me!

Hi,

 

I know all men do it to some extent and I realise that however, I don't feel attractive to my boyfriend which is mainly my insecurity but I am young and know I am fairly attractive. We have only been going out for a year but lived together 3 month, we have a fantastic sex life, i dress up for me and he says I am beautiful but I dont trust on the internet and am always checking up on him.

 

recently, he came home from work because i was having a really bad day to comfort me but I found out the day after, he had been upstairs watching porn. the thing that really annoyed me was that he had been searching for a specific woman who is no where near as attractive as me and he denied everything. When I told him i'd seen on his history, he said had a quick look, which was a lie, and that this woman was 'a daily babe' on facebook...another lie. He just gets envelops in lies!

 

We had sex the night before and had just come home from a fantastic holiday so I cant understand what possessed him to do it. I always feel that even though he says he fancies me, that I am inadequate and he fantasizes about other women...help!

 
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June 20, 2008, 9:00 pm PDT

How Porn Has Hurt Our Relationship

Quote From: dd4life

So you and your husband stayed together? What would you do if he went back to it. I cant seem to get a handle on when is it enough. How many chances do you give? I have read so many books this year - I did read Patrick Carnes - a great book. I also read "Why does he do that?" by Lundy Bancroft - another great book. I also read "Too good to leave. Too bad to stay." I've done so much self educating and counciling and it doesn't seem to move me off the dime. I don't know if I can leave him, but I also don't know if I can share a bedroom with him after seeing what porn sites he's been in. It makes me sick. My husband has a work laptop that he uses everyday - there was porn on that too.

I often wonder if I'm too sensitive - I know that some women would put up with it. I just can't. I just wonder if leaving him because of that and other reasons, is giving up too soon. My issue is that I've gone through several rounds of this - his promises and then it comes back. Would you leave your husband if he went back to it behind your back? 

I do feel so alone.  Wish we could get a face-to-face support group together with the women in the chat. There seems to be so many wonder women suffering from the same painful issues.

Thank you for your response it does help and I look forward to hearing from you.

DD

hi

Yes we stayed together and the agreement was that he had to stay in some sort of recovery and work at it.

I think it is an individual thing as to how much is enough and how many chances do you give. Someone told me that it was time to make a change if staying hurt more than leaving. I don't think you are too sensitive. I know I can't live with him if he is using. It changes him.

I recently discovered he was using again and we are seperated. It is quite a relief to be rid of those stresses. I miss the man but not the addict and everything that goes with it. It is like someone took a huge load off my shoulders.

I am glad you have done all the research and know what you are dealing with. If they acknowledge and get into some kind of recovery there is always hope. Giving up when it is hopeless is ok. You know him the best. He has to show you he is serious. Promises and words will not cut it.

take care

jljs

 

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June 20, 2008, 10:45 pm PDT

How Porn Has Hurt Our Relationship

Quote From: joshabba

Hi,

 

I know all men do it to some extent and I realise that however, I don't feel attractive to my boyfriend which is mainly my insecurity but I am young and know I am fairly attractive. We have only been going out for a year but lived together 3 month, we have a fantastic sex life, i dress up for me and he says I am beautiful but I dont trust on the internet and am always checking up on him.

 

recently, he came home from work because i was having a really bad day to comfort me but I found out the day after, he had been upstairs watching porn. the thing that really annoyed me was that he had been searching for a specific woman who is no where near as attractive as me and he denied everything. When I told him i'd seen on his history, he said had a quick look, which was a lie, and that this woman was 'a daily babe' on facebook...another lie. He just gets envelops in lies!

 

We had sex the night before and had just come home from a fantastic holiday so I cant understand what possessed him to do it. I always feel that even though he says he fancies me, that I am inadequate and he fantasizes about other women...help!

  
Hi,

Its not going to go away. You need to understand that he wants you and he also wants to be free to look at whoever he wants.

I dont understand it either. I know exactly how you feel. I think its wrong to be desiring other people if you are with someone. Although these guys will forever be desiring other women, regardless of who they are with, even in their 80's. I wonder if they could ever find someone that would be perfect for them, and that would be someone they felt they didnt need to look elsewhere for. But when they are so easily bought by sex and good looking girls....whos to say the girl of their dreams would stop them.

I imagine you really only found out that he was like this after moving in with him. You find it uncomfortable now, and I dont think things look good for him changing in the future. He is not after the same things that you are after, like building a snug little connection and security. I think I would advoacate that women not move in as live in gf's until they are engaged. You have found out what he's like though.

You really need to know that it has nothing to do with you not being attractive enough, I guess they just get greedy. I know he values you, because you are his girlfriend, and you should be able to judge if he loves you. You can believe in that. Compared to us though, they have a warped sense of sexuality and dont feel the same way about faithfulness.

Its not up to you to understand him!!!. You will be having pretty strong feelings now, and probably want to leave him for good, for someone better. Hey, that might not be so bad....because I'd say the chances of you wanting to be putting up with him doing the same thing when hes 40 is pretty low.

Again, its up to him to explain himself to you. You have to see what you feel like your movements should be. What if a great guy took an interest in you and you would love to get to know him and feel good about yourself. From my point of view....I dont see the point in wasting such an opportunity for someone that spends more time than me appreciating and searching for other women.

You know there are probably many guys out there that want someone to be faithful to them and work the same way as you. You will probably find alot that dont think the same way as us, and are like your boyfriend. You are young though....so what do you think you should do?.

I always feel that even though he says he fancies me, that I am inadequate and he fantasizes about other women...help!

It's not really the case is it, when afterall he was searching for someone that isnt as attractive as you. With that aside though he would also be looking at porn and women that are very attractive.

Everyone knows the differences between men and women. Ultimatley you will want to find someone that will be faithful to you, and you to him.

I'm thinking that because women enjoy getting to know a guy or enjoying his personality....perhaps it is easier for us to do that without anyone knowing. Guys want to enjoy their preference for fantasing about sex with other girls, regardless of their attractivness, and they do that online now.

Your both not ready to be commited. So you should do what is best for you. Work out the details later. Just dont feel as if you have to give up the opportunity to be with someone else. Save it for someone that would appreciate your natural inclination to sacrafice yourself. If you cant get what you want, there is no point wasing what you can get.


 
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June 25, 2008, 12:36 pm PDT

newly wed

I need some advice...
I am a newly-wed and have been having problems with my husbands porn habits (addiction?)
I knew before we were married that he liked/watched porn and had some cds that I found. I pretended to be ok with it and basically convinced myself he liked/used it because he had been a single man. When we moved in together he didn't bring any of it with him.
But then we got the internet...the first time i caught him was by looking at the history of our computer. I told him i was disgusted and never wanted to see it again. Then i started noticing that the history was being deleted. I caught him again when I came home unexpectedly. We discussed why porn makes me uncomfortable and how my feelings of inadequacy are more important than his desire to watch porn.
After that I paid close attention to the history and assumed that every time it was deleted he had been watching. This usually happened when I wasn't home. Recently the history was deleted on a morning I was home. The worst part is that after the history was deleted,(but before I knew about it) he came into the bedroom and we had sex. Awkward, not good, unfinished sex. That had never happened before.
Later, when I discovered the erased history I was hurt and figured that was the reason for the bad sex. He would have rather stayed at the computer,but was afraid of being caught. He lied about it at first, but eventually told the truth and admitted to looking at porn on numerous other occasions.
My questions/concerns are:
1. Is he addicted to porn?
2. Is there some sort of compromise that works? Like "You can watch porn 1 day a week when I am at my art class" Or am I just fooling myself and dealing with something I don't understand. Is this like telling an alcoholic they can only drink on weekends????
 
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June 25, 2008, 7:28 pm PDT

Men...

Porn and masterbation (to me anyway) are vile.. I despise it.

 

I've once had a friend tell me

 

98% of men confirmed that they masterbate.

 

the other 2% lie about it.

 

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