I’m home from a long day of work. I’m cranky and my larynx is sore from instructing along w/my normal work schedule. I’m all itchy for a fight when I discover Bent Collective’s rant on “sexual addiction”. He has become one of my favorite reads and I hope he doesn’t think less of me after my rant tonight. That said, I made a promise to myself to be honest on my blog. Course, nothing like sex talk to shake me out of a mood. Rather than tie up his blog w/my madness, I opted to post it here. It would probably help if you jump over and read his post first for a frame of reference.
[insert jeopardy music here]
Back already? Ok.
I’ve often wondered if I am a sex addict. I don’t fit most of the definitions of what it is to be a “sexual addict”. But that only serves to complicate the issue (for me).
For a long time, I applied monogamy for all the wrong reasons. Quite simply, I wanted control. My self worth was lacking and I was hounded by the irrational fear of being abandoned for the bbd (bigger better deal.) I think a large percentage of gay men have this same issue. As I’ve matured, I shed my morals on monogamy along w/my insecurities. I still believe it is possible for two men to be monogamous, just not probable. Is it possible for me to have a monogamous relationship? I can’t really answer that. The truth is I don’t know. These boundries are not etched in stone w/me so I think it’s flexible.
In several of my monogamous relationships, it was very hard not to cheat. Especially with partners who had much lower sex drives than myself. However, I did it. In one particular relationship, it was very hard as my partner travelled a lot. I was often home alone and always horny. I didn’t cheat only to discover later he did and often. Obviously, I have the will power to say no. (Why am I flashing anti-drug campaigns w/all sorts of funny twists right now?)
In my last relationship, we were open and it worked great for me. I found my partners playtime w/o me erotic and greatly stimulating. It often made for some really great sex between us. However, he seemed to have trouble dealing w/it and often hid things from me. The deceit did bother me and when I tried to work thru it, he would twist the argument into me being jealous. I still really don’t understand that one. And he often had trouble w/my playtime away even though he’d never admit it.
So now I’m left examining my carnal side. I find no shame in sex. I crave it almost constantly. The more I get the more I want. I openly find outlets for my desires on a weekly basis. I often visit blowbuddies (look it up if you don’t know) here in the city along w/the occasional online hookup. (when I have the patience) Add to that, living in SF you practically have to be dead not to get laid. Being reasonably attractive and hung doesn’t hurt either. (Ok, I’m bragging.) There is no shame in it for me. I don’t cloak it terms of “dating” either. A habit that so many fags tend to do. Fucking someone and dating are two entirely separate beasts. Having a powerfully strong oral fetish, I feel almost driven at times to find “it”. I’ve had more sex in 10 years than most people have in a life time. (Not bragging here just making a point.) That said, it doesn’t interfere w/my work or social life. And, I don’t avoid other aspects of my life just to get sex. Yet, it does play a large part in my life. As I age, it doesn’t seem to change one way or the other.
I’m quite sure part my drive stems from abandonment issues carried over from childhood. No doubt about it. (Remember way back when I said we would save this conversation and crack it open later? Well, consider it cracked!) I was neglected and almost never touched as a child after the age of 5. And when I was touched, it was usually at the end of a belt, board, or any object my stepmother had handy. Am I substituting love for sex? It’s possible. But is that the only reason? I don’t think so but I’m not entirely sure.
After it’s all said and done, I’m still left asking myself. . . Am I a sex addict?
Dunno.