Be honest with your girlfriend. Tell her what happened and that you are working on overcoming this addiction. By the way, 48 days is really amazing! It’s hard to look on the bright side after a relapse, but you really are making progress. Our bodies have sexual feelings for a reason. Depending on your goals, you may one day express those feelings in a healthy way with someone you love. I waited to have sex until I was married and I’m glad that I waited because it is something that I have only ever shared with my wife. I can tell you that sex can be a beautiful, fulfilling, bonding experience. You have awakened your sexual desire by looking at porn in the past, and your body starts to crave those powerful feelings after going without it for a while. Even though you relapsed, whether or not you realize it, you are becoming stronger. Just keep going! And be honest with yourself and your girlfriend - don’t hide anything because addiction thrives on secrecy.
Counting or not counting days may or may not have triggered this relapse, but it may have also just been your body wanting to release sexual energy. If you leave it alone, those feelings eventually fade away. It’s hard to do, especially when they come on so quickly and can last weeks at a time.
You’ve got this!
