What is it Like to Live With a Sex Addict From a Partner’s Perspective?

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE WITH A SEX ADDICT FROM A PARTNER’S PERSPECTIVE?

By Caralee Frederic, LCSW | Certified Gottman Therapist | Couples Workshop Presenter
Partners living with a sex addicts often describe:

  • Feelings of intense loneliness, distancing, confusion, deep hurt, and even betrayal.
  • A sense of being disconnected, reaching and never being able to arrive at the heart of his or her spouse.
  • A deep sense of rejection which often seeds feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
  • Repeated attempts to adapt to what he/she thinks the addicted spouse needs.
  • Failure to achieve a sense of oneness or intimacy.
  • Exacerbated confusion.
  • A sense of hopelessness.
  • Anger from his or her own unmet needs.
  • Shame, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Sometimes, a partner may develop a reactive form of Intimacy Anorexia in response to the damage incurred by the addicted spouse.

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