White Ribbon Against Pornography (WRAP) Week is a time to defend loving relationships against the toxic influence of pornography.
Earlier this year, Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the highly esteemed founders of the Gottman Institute wrote an open letter on pornography publicly changing their stance on pornography due to its harmful impact on intimacy and relationships. They explained that pornography harms relationships in several ways:
“First, intimacy for couples is a source of connection and communication between two people. But when one person becomes accustomed to [using] to porn, they are actually turning away from intimate interaction. Second, when watching pornography the user is in total control of the sexual experience, in contrast to normal sex in which people are sharing control with the partner. Third, the porn user may expect that their partner will always be immediately ready for intercourse. . . This is unrealistic as well. Worse still, many porn sites include violence toward women, the antithesis of intimate connection.”
We wholeheartedly agree with the Gottmans. Cutting pornography out of relationships makes couples stronger.
What Can We Do to Protect and Fix Our Relationships?
If you, or a loved one, is struggling with pornography, remember that there is hope!
It takes two people to make a relationship work, but if both partners are willing, recovery and healing from pornography use is possible.
We’ve gathered a long list of resources for those struggling with pornography, as well as for their spouses or romantic partners.
Here are a few highlights: Addo Recovery is one resource that does an excellent job of helping both individuals in the relationship. New Life Ministries provides Christian counseling, and Cure the Craving provides regular coaching calls.
Sometimes the best action you can take during WRAP Week is a step towards recovery, or letting a friend know that resources are available and that they’re not alone.
