Sexual addiction! and Male-Female energy roles/energies

[Monica]

And most eye-opening, my complete change in thought processes once I had 'finished' my activities.

What do you mean?

Which brings to mind the area of erotic reading material. I have no idea if this is a valid comparison, but many women read romantic novels all the time- is that the same? Just food for thought, I don't know if it is.

Oh wow, I never thought of that! I haven't read a romance novel since I was 16, and I have zero interest in them now, so I really have no idea. But that's an interesting thought. Maybe one of our courageous female members might like to offer a perspective on this...Or, are there any men out there who have been affected by their partner's obsession with romance novels? Did you feel that you couldn't measure up to the handsome stud in the book? or something like that? Is this the reverse of what women experience with men indulging in porn?

you'll just continue finding harder and harder material- more divorced from reality as you go in the hunt for that new and shocking scenario or image.

We've ascertained that men tend to be aroused by visual stimuli more easily than women. But we haven't addressed why they would find 'shocking' images appealing. Anyone want to take on this question?

So you begin to get this distorted view of reality, be it the objectification of people or the loveless nature of what you think sexual relations is. For someone with a significant other, this will probably become an alienating problem after a while, even if it starts only subtly. I've read about men who find themselves no longer satisfied with their partners because they aren't having the type of sex they see on the screen. Or even scenarios where they have to watch porn while having sex in order to enjoy themselves. Of course this would be confusing and emotionally harmful for everyone involved. For the single man, I suppose it could lead to a hollow feeling inside since real satisfaction is never achieved. Very likely a form of depression would grow, and of course they would be seeking out real companionship less.

Very insightful! Everything Lavazza just described...is there any doubt as to its inherent polarizing effect? Words of alienation...lovelessness...objectification...Aren't these all hallmarks of STS?