How Should I Handle My Partner Viewing Porn?

Dear eNotAlone: My husband and I have been in a committed relationship for three years. Recently, I discovered that he has been viewing pornography in his spare time and it has caused me a great deal of pain and confusion. I'm not sure if I should confront him about it and if so, how I should approach the conversation. I also don't know if I should stay with him if he continues to view porn or if I should break off the relationship. Is there any advice that you can give?

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What would you do if you found out your partner was watching pornography in their spare time? How would you react? For many couples, the answer to this question is not easy. It is important to understand that everyone's reaction to this situation will be different and it can be an emotionally charged issue.

If you discover that your husband has been watching porn, it is important to take some time to process your emotions before deciding how you want to handle the situation. It is completely normal to feel hurt, confused, and betrayed; however, it is important to try to maintain healthy communication. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist — someone who can help you sort through your feelings in a non-judgmental way.

When you are ready, it is important to talk to your partner about what you have discovered. Explain your feelings to them and try to remain open-minded and supportive as they discuss their own feelings or reasoning. You may find out that his viewing of pornography does not necessarily represent any other problems within the relationship, such as mistrust or lack of intimacy. If it does, it is important to work together to find a solution.

Your partner's viewing of pornography does not necessarily mean that you should automatically end the relationship. Every couple handles this type of situation differently and often it takes some time to decide on an appropriate course of action. Talk to your partner about their viewing habits and come up with a plan that both of you feel comfortable with. It is also important to consider individual boundaries as there may be viewing limits, such as no viewing around children or at certain times of day, that you both can mutually agree upon.

The decision of whether to remain in the relationship or not ultimately lies with you. you have to determine what works best for your particular situation. Make sure to keep communication open with your partner and remember that relationships take time and effort.