Yeah I still live with my parents. Telling them that would be reaally hard for me. If I told my Dad he would probably tell me it was OK to do that. These tempations happen very often. Like you mentioned about magazines and TV we have magazines EVERYWHERE. The tv is always on and I leave the room but I can still hear it from across the house. There’s always something sexual on TV I see from time to time even if it’s just kissing and touching. My grandma is staying in my room so I sleep in the living room so I have no where to hide from all this. I can’t wait until I move out and not have to deal with all this ****. I don’t know what my mom would do if I tried to throw her hundreds of magazines away. I’ve tried. Also I am not close enough to anyone who knows a lot about their faith. I say that because my mom for example found porn in my brothers room. It didn’t bother her. My Dad doesn’t even understand what a mortal sin is. That’s why I thought PM’s idea about going to the same Priest regulary was such a good idea.
That is really too bad. I’m sad to hear that your family doesn’t take sexual purity very seriously, but at the same time you should be so proud that you are trying to overcome this anyway.
There are books on sexual addiction, I’d have to ask my husband if he could reccomend one, but perhaps you could do some reading and ask your Mom to do so as well.If she knew more about the seriousness of this type of addiction maybe she would be willing to throw out magazines ext… Alot of people in our society, especially women, don’t know how serious this addiction can be and how common it is becoming.
I certainly had no idea before my husband came clean with me. I always thought pornograghy was gross and knew it was wrong but it was only when I saw how it had injured my husband and how it threatened our family life and marriage that I realized just how evil it was.I also read books written by the wives of sexual addicts. This made me realize the horrible affects that our society’s poor view of sexuality is having on families.
Your Mom, especially if your Dad isn’t a Catholic, probably just doesn’t know how to deal with this stuff. If you let her know that this stuff really bothers you, even if you can’t tell her the whole story, she might listen. You might even be a really good influence on your brother or father.
I know my husband’s addiction, although it was very hurtfull to deal with, has resulted in a deepening of our faith. I definately understand and value the virtues of chastity and purity much more now.
If you can’t change your environment or let your family know, don’t give up. Make a firm resolve not to take the first step toward sinning. Don’t even touch magazines or flyers. Just say I’m not even going to take a chance by picking that up. If there are immodest pictures on the front, try flipping the mag over or putting something on top of it.
With TV, try to watch as little as possible. My husband found exercise really helpfull. Instead of watching TV, resolve to start running or weight lifting or playing a sport. Fight the desire for what isn’t good for you, with doing something that is.
I was thinking that you could ask the priest if he knows anyone who could be an accountability partner for you. He may know a man in your church who could give you support and understand your temptations.
Anyway, one step at time. Like I said earlier, have hope. The longer my husband stays free from sin, the easier it has become for him. Where as once he was in the habit of always looking, he is now in the habit of always looking away and most importantly taking it day by day and asking for Jesus’ strength instead of depending on his own.
We will pray for you and your family.
Thank you!