Just a Friend

I am so grateful to report: friendship is repaired and stronger than ever.

That said, having almost zero exposure to addiction until recent years, I’ve learned many things in the past year. I continue to read journals here regularly to continue my education, so I can best prepare for a time when I might require this knowledge.

Lessons for me:
1) Porn is (generally) a solitary activity/addiction; recovery is similarly solitary.
2) No matter how much I empathize, I will never fully understand the epic struggle/strength required in recovery and reprogramming an addicted brain.
3) There’s an important distinction between “support” and “enmeshment.”
4) It has nothing to do with me. I didn’t break it, and I can’t fix it.
5) That old proverb: “If you love someone, set him/her free. If s/he returns...”*

My friend returned; I will cherish him forever.



(*Corollary of #5: “If people want to walk out of your life, let them.”)
 
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justafriend said:
I am so grateful to report: friendship is repaired and stronger than ever.

That said, having almost zero exposure to addiction until recent years, I’ve learned many things in the past year. I continue to read journals here regularly to continue my education, so I can best prepare for a time when I might require this knowledge.

Lessons for me:
1) Porn is (generally) a solitary activity/addiction; recovery is similarly solitary.
2) No matter how much I empathize, I will never fully understand the epic struggle/strength required in recovery and reprogramming an addicted brain.
3) There’s an important distinction between “support” and “codependency.”
4) It has nothing to do with me. I didn’t break it, and I can’t fix it.
5) That old proverb: “If you love someone, set him/her free. If s/he returns...”

My friend returned; I will cherish him forever.
Click to expand...
It's great that you aren't struggling with this addiction yet you give up some of your time to help understand people and make their recovery easier and less alone
 
justafriend said:
I am so grateful to report: friendship is repaired and stronger than ever.

That said, having almost zero exposure to addiction until recent years, I’ve learned many things in the past year. I continue to read journals here regularly to continue my education, so I can best prepare for a time when I might require this knowledge.

Lessons for me:
1) Porn is (generally) a solitary activity/addiction; recovery is similarly solitary.
2) No matter how much I empathize, I will never fully understand the epic struggle/strength required in recovery and reprogramming an addicted brain.
3) There’s an important distinction between “support” and “codependency.”
4) It has nothing to do with me. I didn’t break it, and I can’t fix it.
5) That old proverb: “If you love someone, set him/her free. If s/he returns...”

My friend returned; I will cherish him forever.
Click to expand...
Hey good to hear from you! And I also respect you for reading up and trying to help others even though you don't fully understand. I'm wishing you well justafriend
 
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