When you know you’re addicted, it seems to eclipse everything. You miss so much. You miss the family and friends you used to value. The goals you used to strive for. The dreams you used to dream. The thing you crave is the only thing you want. The one need you have to meet. The wound you have to heal before you can do anything else. At least that’s how you feel. But underneath the addiction you know you’re fighting, there may be more going on....
You can Overcome Intimacy Anorexia — Start with These Steps
Intimacy anorexia has been described in lot of ways. None of them good. “A prison of my own design.” “Walls of withdrawal and withheld affection.” “…a marital cancer.” Emotional, spiritual and sexual intimacy are intentionally and perpetually withheld by the “intimacy anorexic,” regardless of the damage done to their partner (who generally longed for a more fulfilled connection), or to the relationship in general. The spouse who craves intimacy...
After Sex Addiction Disclosure Take These Steps to Cope
Your partner bent over backwards to hide the addiction. Now it’s out. Full disclosure. Time to cope and move forward. Somehow, you need to productively deal with the realities of sex addiction in your relationship, in your home, and in your mind. But how? There is hope, and renewal is possible. Try these strategies: Grieve. No good comes from minimizing the gravity of the betrayal, emotional pain, and relational rifts that have taken place....
Your Partner is in Sex Addiction Recovery — How Can You Help?
Your partner’s disclosure was difficult to accept. But you did it. Your partner is getting help. You are starting to hope. The road to recovery has begun. As you move forward, you want to be encouraging and supportive. You really want to be there for your partner. What can you do? Try the following strategies: Set boundaries. Don’t get so wrapped up in the idea of being there that you assume responsibility for your partner’s recovery. His...
The Difference Between Genuine Sex Addiction and a “Safe” Excuse for Cheating
The Difference Between Genuine Sex Addiction and a “Safe” Excuse for Cheating By CounselingWise on July 27, 2015 in Purchased Sexual betrayal is devastating, no matter the reason. But hearing a lover say, “sexual addiction made me do it,” may make the news even harder to accept. Especially if you suspect that the addiction claim is just a way to excuse his or her deception. Is there any way to know if the cheating behavior is really a symptom...
