Struggles with purity

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Hwargo

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This has been something that’s been on my mind lately. When I was about 10 0r 11, I started masturbating and I have also messed around with guys in the past. One of them being my ex boyfriend who I was in a long term relationship with.It makes me so sad how I lost my innocence at such a young age. Now I’m 24 and fully committed on waiting to do those things with the man I marry but I still struggle with masturbation. I know this is something guys are known for, but women struggle with it as well. I really want to stop because I know it’s a sin and it’s not what God wants for me. When I do it, it temporarily feels good but I end up feeling guilty later. I also feel unworthy of a good Catholic husband because of all these struggles. Has anyone had the same issue of masturbation and how did they eventually stop?
 
I’ll just out myself…seeing that I post around here a lot.

This was probably my biggest obstacle to overcome while heading into the Catholic Church about 4 years ago.

I was totally secular, hadn’t stepped foot inside a Church in about a decade…nor confession since the age of 8 and thought nothing of it.
I did it often enough out of boredom or to try and relax…especially when I wasn’t in a relationship.

Then I met my husband and we started dating. He was a Christian and we both disregarded Christ’s teachings on sexuality.

Then we got pregnant. That changed everything for both of us. We converted to Catholicism together and stayed chaste until the wedding night.

But…this was harder to overcome. Especially since we were using NFP and abstaining a lot more then we did while dating.

Honestly…it’s something you have to want to overcome. I just stopped. I’d pray a rosary instead. I tried to frequent the sacraments as much as I could…especially the Eucharist.

It’s been especially hard lately because hubby and I have had to abstain completely for the past 4 months with no end in sight.
I have issues with this now…basically because I’m frustrated and angry at the situation I’m in.

Just try to find other outlets like prayers, the rosary, playing computer games, reading…something that will take your mind off it.
If you think about it…just tell yourself “No…it’s not going to happen. Not this time.”

Go to confession and go to Mass and receive the Eucharist in a state of grace.
 
 
My personal experience has been that sinful habit/compulsive behaviors can be greatly reduced by avoiding the situations where the temptation is likely to be greatest. I think avoiding boredom and staying busy are really important. Work hard, have an active social life, volunteer, spend lots of time in prayer (at church if possible), and go to bed tired.
 
pensmama87 said:
My personal experience has been that sinful habit/compulsive behaviors can be greatly reduced by avoiding the situations where the temptation is likely to be greatest. I think avoiding boredom and staying busy are really important. Work hard, have an active social life, volunteer, spend lots of time in prayer (at church if possible), and go to bed tired.
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I definitely second that. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” is how I believe the saying goes. I recommend cultivating some hobbies. The poster that I quoted above had some very good suggestions. I also recommend finding someone that you know personally and trust enough to talk to about your problem. Nobody should have to fight these demons alone.
 
Hwargo said:
This has been something that’s been on my mind lately. When I was about 10 0r 11, I started masturbating and I have also messed around with guys in the past. One of them being my ex boyfriend who I was in a long term relationship with.It makes me so sad how I lost my innocence at such a young age. Now I’m 24 and fully committed on waiting to do those things with the man I marry but I still struggle with masturbation. I know this is something guys are known for, but women struggle with it as well. I really want to stop because I know it’s a sin and it’s not what God wants for me. When I do it, it temporarily feels good but I end up feeling guilty later. I also feel unworthy of a good Catholic husband because of all these struggles. Has anyone had the same issue of masturbation and how did they eventually stop?
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First off, I want to tell you that you are indeed worthy of a good Catholic husband and so much more. You are very precious to God. The sins you have committed are not you. The devil wants you feeling unworthy as that will likely feed back into the sinful habit. Focus on Our Lord and His mercy and goodness powerfully working in you. The struggle is real but it’s important to KNOW that God is greater than all of that.
I think in your efforts it’s important to know what works for you. When you are doing well, pay attention, note what’s effective. Likewise when you stumble notice the causes. Don’t beat yourself up. Maintain good habits. Avoid bad ones.
It is pleasing to God that you desire purity.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.

St. Maria Goretti pray for us
 
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