Feeling confused

  • Thread starter Thread starter modem_router
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
M

modem_router

Guest
I have a question concerning role-play (not talking about games).

As some background, my girlfriend and I recently decided that we’d be best as great friends instead of romantic partners. This came about since we disagreed on things, things in which my beliefs as a Catholic put a wedge between us. But recently, we began talking again about our relationship and we came to a point that has left me puzzled.

See, we had a long distance relationship, so showing real signs of appropriate physical affection was impossible unless we met in real life. In the meantime, what we had been doing was typing things like “*pecks your cheek/lips/forehead” or “*hugs you tight.” I realize that these were never a substitute for real physical affection, and that they were role-play, but role-play used to show each other that we were attracted to each other and that we loved each other.

She has always expressed how much cuddling means to her, and by “cuddling,” I mean us being in the same bed or couch lying down for warmth and comfort. We had been role-playing that type of cuddling until I felt uncomfortable with it. Based on all I have learned, I am not positive that a dating couple should do that in real life, and therefore, I felt it bore some harm even in fantasy. I thought it might be scandalous.

I told her flat out that if we met in real life, I would not sleep in the same bed or cuddle in a manner that is reserved for marriage. I also told her that I’d feel pretty scummy role playing actions that I’d later not do if we met. That seems really mean. But she tells me that she is aware of what I wouldn’t do in real life, and that all she wants for now is to be able to role-play a cuddling scenario with me (all while knowing I would not do so in real life), and in doing so, continuing our relationship beyond something platonic.

She asked me what I feel about this, and I was dumbfounded. I really couldn’t give her an answer. On the one hand, it’s not real. We’re not physically able to cuddle on the same bed or be so close. Additionally, she knows that I will not partake in erotic or sexual role-plays and she doesn’t seek them. The role-play she wants is confined to just simply cuddling and being warm and comfy, lying together, perhaps kissing, massaging our scalps and backs. She is also aware of my beliefs regarding the matter when it comes to our behavior in real life.

But on the other hand, I have this doubt. I don’t know if I’m being too strict or if I’m as well versed in my faith as I thought. She wants this role-play because it comforts her, and if it’s not morally wrong or neutral, I’d love to partake in this activity. But I am really lost, and I’d like to hear what anyone has to say. Is this a good idea or is this something we should avoid?
 
Are you asking if it would be moral if you were to continue in a romantic relationship, or if you were to remain platonic friends. If it’s the later, I would find it both morally troubling and unwise. The whole “friends with benefits” thing is beyond me, even if it’s only pretending. Emotionally, someone is taking advantage of someone else in that situation. In a real relationship, I think it probably depends on the couple and their level of self-control. If it never escalated beyond what you would do in real life, then it’s probably fine, but what your girlfriends sounds like she is proposing is something similar to “sexting”, which is definitely sinful and dangerous.
 
On the one hand, it’s not real. We’re not physically able to cuddle on the same bed or be so close.
If you wouldn’t do it in real life, why would it be okay to do it through texting?
Additionally, she knows that I will not partake in erotic or sexual role-plays and she doesn’t seek them.
You wouldn’t partake in sexual role-play through the phone, so why would it be different for something else you think would be inappropriate in “real life”?
 
The entire “thing” is 100% dysfunctional:
  1. It’s dysfunctional, in and of itself, to have texting/email try to replace an in-person relationship and all aspects thereof. You can’t really know someone IMHO until you see how they act on a rainy Wednesday night when work stinks…or when they’re a bit under the weather…or whatever. The “relationship” OP describes, where you text “now I’m hugging you,” is no substitute for a real relationship, and it’s unworkable in reality to try & make it so.
  2. That’s bad enough…it’s even worse when done with someone who you appear to admit that you don’t actually want a long-term relationship with.
  3. It’s worse above that where the young lady seems insistent on wanting these things when you don’t. I happen to agree with you that you shouldn’t be doing these things when dating, and I would discourage you from doing things that make it seem like you should.
As I said…the whole thing is dysfunctional.
 
My first question is ‘Have you ever met this girl in real life?’ I don’t think it is wise to have an internet relationship.

And now, for what you don’t want to hear but the what I will say anyway. She is USING you. Yep, exactly what I just said. Young women want to ONLY cuddle with their boyfriends. Sadly, most give in to sex in exchange for the cuddling. Very sad. But here you are, a guy willing to ‘role play’ cuddling. Which to this girl is great. She does not have to have sex with you and since you are out of town, you do not interfere with her day to day life. And it will be much easier for her to break up with you when you want things to be more serious.

Run for your life
 
I think the whole thing sounds a bit like a fantasy, not a real relationship. All of the pretend hugs, and cuddles, while just words, are not real. Would two people say I am feeding you pie now? It sounds a bit silly. 😊
 
Thank you for taking the time to come here and share your story.

It is good that you are concerned about your faith! That is a wonderful thing!

I don’t worry so much about this situation from a moral standpoint of sinfulness of cuddling being immoral, as much as I worry about her using you and you wasting your time being sinful.

There is a real world out there filled with real in-the-flesh real girls and women. You have an opportunity to meet them and form real friendships and relationships. This is God’s plan! God’s plan is for real men to meet real women! I don’t think God’s plan for your life is to waste time in cyberspace with a female that wants to play “make believe relationship.” God’s gift to you is your life on Earth and time, the sin (if any) that I see here would be the waste of precious time in a phony relationship that is going no where and the person on the other end of the computer is willing to use you.

God bless and please be assured of my prayers.
Excellent post, monicad!
 
The best marriage relationship is when two people have the Lord as their priority first, then their spouse.
 
I don’t see how “pretending” to lay in bed and cuddle with someone who isn’t your spouse is a good idea. Jesus said that whoever even looks lustfully at a woman has committed adultery in their heart. I’m going to go on a limb and say he’ll probably say something similar to two unmarried people fantasizing about cuddling in bed together. You both may say it’s not sexual, and the cuddling would only be for “warmth and comfort”, but don’t fool yourself. I think you are right in stopping this behavior.
 
How the heck do you role play cuddling? I’m simultaneously confused and laughing at the mental picture of someone snuggling with a phone. Pardon if I’m wrong, but I don’t seem to recall an app for that. What everyone else said is right (I skimmed the posts), and it can be hard, but if you have any respect for this poor girl you’ll let her go. She’ll be angry at first, but if you explain that you’re doing it out of respect for both her and your future wife, she’ll understand someday and respect you for having guts.

Also, as a woman, I can say that we get touchy about this stuff. Someday you’ll really love a woman and want to marry her, and she will not be ok with cyber-cuddling. Trust me on this one, it’ll be an unhappy topic if you keep it up.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top