thompson wrote on 17 Jul 2025 15:42:
Dear Thompson,
I'm not here to take you on a guilt trip or to judge you. What you did yesterday was unfortunate. You tried escaping the discomfort, but it hurt you, and you know it.
Remember how you felt for the two weeks leading up to yesterday. You were energized, you had the drive to connect with your wife, and there was a spring in your step. Contrast that with how you feel now. Depleted. Lethargic. Irritable. Your mind is scattered all over the place. Last night, you almost yelled at your son to shut up as he described his day at camp. This is not the life you want. This is not the husband your wife deserves, nor the father your children need. Everyone needs you to take responsibility for your life. Your problems, while not your fault, are your responsibility. Only you have the power to create a life worth living.
I want to reiterate, I don't judge you for what you did yesterday; I have the utmost compassion for you. You lost your equilibrium because of that memory, and in a moment of desperation, you decided that the fastest way to get out of the storm of it was by watching it. I understand the rationale. But as we advance, let's remember that a) it didn't work - four hours later, you watched porn again, and b) it's better to ride out the discomfort of an unwanted porn scene hijacking your brain than to feel like a dump for the next day.
I'm here to remind you that you can do this. You were doing great, putting in hard work over the past few weeks in several key areas of your life. Keep it up. Let's use this experience to internalize that, as gratifying as it might be - and I'm not diminishing that aspect - porn hurts you, and the costs far outweigh the benefits.
With love and compassion,
Thompson (the father version).
Thank you. To me personally, this is the best post I’ve seen in a while.
Besides the courage and vulnerability, the growthfulness, there’s a lot to learn.
Thankfully I haven’t messed up with inappropriate content or behavior in a while, but I’ve done things I regret (in other areas).
thank you for showing us how to approach healthy, compassionate regret in a constructive way, while avoiding counterproductive guilt….
For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing incredible work, and that sharing it as you are is probably helping folks.
Here’s an admiring, warm hand,
chaimoigen