Thoughts on erotic novels and stories

It's just as bad for me, but it might be different for you.

 

How do you define porn?

A definition that I think does a good job of capturing it is:

material that depicts erotic behavior which is intended to sexually arouse.
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Notice it does not say visually depicts. Pornography literally means in Greek, "prostitute writing."

Either way, I'd say it is porn, and, more importantly, it stimulates and reinforces the same "reward" pathways in your brain. There are so many other things to read in the world that are much better for you. Always reach for something better.

 

P-sub

 

As to the question of whether or not it's just as bad, I think that depends on your particular situation. I think, if you have a porn addiction, erotic writing is either going to serve the same function that porn serves in your life (which means it's just as bad as porn), or it's going to trigger the parts of your brain that make you want to watch porn (in which case it's not technically as bad as porn, but it's risky nonetheless).

I think what you should do is ask yourself why you watch porn in the first place? What sort of function does it serve in your life? For me, porn is a crutch. It's something that will make me feel good when I'm feeling shitty about myself, no matter what. Then, you have to ask yourself why you want to read erotic writing. If the answer is the same, then it's probably just as bad as porn.

Overall, I think you should stay away from erotic writing during your reboot (if you've committed to doing a reboot) whether it's "as bad as porn" or not. Even if it isn't as bad as porn, it's probably going to act as a trigger, and might make you relapse easily. You want to avoid triggers.

I don't think it's a good way to deal with urges. I think the best way to deal with urges is to do something productive. If you feel an urge, do something that will make you feel better about yourself in the long run. You could try these sorts of activities:

• Exercise - this will make you feel better physically and will boost your confidence in yourself
• Journal writing - this will take the heavy thoughts in your head and put them on paper, so your mind can take a vacation from thinking about all that shit
• Mindful Meditation - this will relax you, clear your head, and make you more aware of your body and your surroundings
• Call a friend or family member just to talk about whatever - this will strengthen your relationships and make you a more social person
• Practice a creative skill (like playing music, drawing, or writing) - this will make you more skilled and will give you a real sense of accomplishment
• Read a novel (not an erotic one) - this will expand your vocabulary and stretch your imagination and, as long as it's not erotic material, it will take your mind off your addiction

That's the way I've been dealing with urges since I started my reboot, and I'm sure that if I continue to do these sorts of things, I will eventually become a much better person. I don't think you should be reading erotic material to deal with urges. There's clearly much better stuff you could be doing with your time.

 

Reading erotica is porn in your head, so it’s porn. Period.

 

yup, it is consider as porn