It is great you have friends with principles. I have a question about celibacy and relationships and I am interested to know your thoughts. As you are not wishing to pursue an intimate relationship, to what extent do you think that having a best friend (male) can help you cope with the disadvantages such as loneliness, lack of confidence or depression? I ask, because I regard sex as being a small part of a relationship. Do you think you can have a soul mate of the same sex? In other words, a mate that thinks as you do - possibly someone that wishes to remain single life yourself.
It is a reflection of God to you and others that believe in God. For me, it's a reflection of nature and cause and effect You didn't sound crass at all. You just opened up a topic for discussion and I expressed something about it. I wasn't attacking you, I was just engaging in discussion about 'beauty'. For someone pursuing celibacy that use to fap to P, I would be very very cautious with how much you are 'admiring physical beauty' in the gender you were once attracted to sexually.
I am very close to my male cousin. We share the struggle of PMO and I'm really trying to help him. I think it's very possible and beneficial to have a really good friend.
I think thats a really good point, Purity - I think that there is a fine line there that definitely needs to be stressed - because it can sometimes serve as an excuse.
This is powerful. I've experienced some of these feelings with women I've liked. Thanks for being honest and open. Stay strong!
"to what extent do you think that having a best friend (male) can help you cope with the disadvantages such as loneliness, lack of confidence or depression?" Good question, IGY. I understand that in some cultures intimate male friendship worked, e.g. in Ancient Greece and perhaps in some Christian monastic settings too. (In Ancient Greece it got sometimes sexual but my understanding is that this was considered to be a corrupt version of what was supposed to be spiritual). I have only a limited experience with this. Since my divorce I try to develop more genuine friendships in general, this does help to bear the difficult aspects of the celibate life.
I wish I came to this forum before Melancholyweightlifter stopped logging in. We could have helped each other.The same goal " lifelong celibacy" , the same age and the same deep depression