Is it norm to watch porn?

"Heather" be thy name

Quick question: does MFP count as "porn"?

Absolutely normal and OK, and in fact very healthy. Most married people who watch porn alone only do so because their spouse won't watch with them. And to my knowledge, all people either watch porn, want to, or would if they weren't burdened by Catholic guilt or the like. I would advise anyone that getting sexually involved with someone who won't watch with you is probably going to end up in a fight at some point, because that person is not very sexually aware or comfortable with his or her self.

It is the norm. And it can affect intimacy adversely. Some men become addicted and find that they cannot be pleasured any other way. There are web groups where men who are trying to quit it because of that reason, get together to support each other.

My husband is a marriage counselor, who sees many couples who are having problems for this very reason.

while I don't doubt what you're saying at all, this argument is a bit like saying that no-one should drink alcohol because some people become alcoholics. Marriage counsellors see a skewed sample of the population, i.e. they'll see all the couples that are having trouble because of one of the couple's excessive use of porn, but not the happy couple that use it together or in moderation when not together, because people with happy marriages don't see marriage counsellors.

Also, this goes back to what I said earlier about it being better for couples to enjoy it together (even if they watch it in private as well) - if one is using porn to the exclusion of the other (not wanting them to join in at all, or in total secrecy), then that IMO is indicative of a problem or potential problem. Sexual arousal and what turns people on can be influenced by pavlovian style conditioning, and this is where the problem you describe comes in, as in the case where one using porn excessively instead of having normal sex or involving his or her partner in it in some way, they end up being conditioned to liking porn only and not the real thing... but if a couple are using porn together (at least some of the time) and it's part of their foreplay or whatever, then it's not going to condition either of them into only being turned on by porn and not real sex. There also needs to be questions about why that one partner turned to watching so much porn in the first place, rather than blaming the whole entire problem on porn. Research shows that nearly all men watch porn at least sometimes, yet most couples don't have this problem.

That said, I do think it's important for people to be aware of the kinds of problems that can occur due to excessive use, same as people should for alcohol, fast food, and all the rest. Knowledge is power and knowing how to use things safely and moderately is a very important life skill.

Absolutely normal and OK, and in fact very healthy. Most married people who watch porn alone only do so because their spouse won't watch with them. And to my knowledge, all people either watch porn, want to, or would if they weren't burdened by Catholic guilt or the like. I would advise anyone that getting sexually involved with someone who won't watch with you is probably going to end up in a fight at some point, because that person is not very sexually aware or comfortable with his or her self.

I'm going to beg to differ here. I've watched porn before, but I do not currently and have not in probably the last few years. I'm very comfortable with my sexuality and with sex in general. I was actually probably more comfortable when I was heavier, but I don't have any problem expressing myself to my SO sexually. Watching or not watching porn has nothing to do with being comfortable with him or herself or being sexually aware :noway:

It's saddening to think that pornography has become so casual and acceptable. I believe porn is a distortion of true marital love and creates a fake, comforting mirage of the genuine love we all deeply want. I know first hand the effects of porn on a personal/mental level and in a relationship. Kick the habit out love for yourself and your partner. You deserve the real deal, don't settle for the cheap counterfeit.

I have a healthy relationship and I adore my partner and she adores me. Does not make us monsters or any less intimate nor romantic to watch it.

I had a problem with my ex who forced me to not to watch it but also refused to be intimate with me. On a 5 year relationship.

So no, I'll def keep watching it.

What has this got to do with weight management and fitness? Pick another forum whilst I report this as inappropriate.

this is CHIT CHAT....stupid **** will always be posted here.

Everything in and about my life is a porn flick in the making.

He or She, with the most "funny feelings" in the end wins. So get all you can..... :drinker:

Watching it at home alone or with your partner/giant love doll? Yes.

Watching it in a crowded shopping mall with a mannequin from The Gap? No.

And now "Lars and the Real Girl" is playing on the screen of my mind {shudders}

I enjoy porn (but prefer erotic lit), and I don't care if my husband watches it.

I do have several friends that consider it cheating though and their husbands aren't "allowed".