Sexual Problems and Intimacy • knightorbit30 • 1mo ago

My boyfriend is watching content creators and engaging in private activities in bed while I’m asleep.

My boyfriend and I have been together for almost a decade; we met in high school and have been living together since we were 18. Now at 23, we occasionally watch porn together or separately. Lately, I've noticed that he's been watching the same OnlyFans content creator and other similar content more frequently. I’ve previously mentioned that I'm okay with him watching porn, but his search habits have expanded significantly. He’s moved from YouTube ASMR videos to Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram—platforms I thought were just for keeping in touch with friends and family, but now they're filled with explicit content. I brought up my concerns with him, explaining that it bothers me. While porn is explicitly meant for erotic purposes and occasional viewing of random videos doesn’t bother me much, there’s a difference when he consistently watches the same girls and visits their pages often. When I watch porn, I tend to focus more on imagining intimate moments with him rather than the individuals on screen. However, seeing him actively seek out content featuring specific women makes me uneasy. It leads me to compare myself to them and question what I might be lacking. Rather than addressing my feelings, he started deleting his search history, which only made me more anxious. It felt like he believed that hiding his actions was a solution instead of changing them. In another conversation, he admitted to this and owned up to what he had been watching. I had noticed new searches appearing whenever I got home from work or woke up in the morning after sleeping next to him. He explained that he felt bored or curious while I was sleeping, at work, or in the shower, and that led him to look at this content. This realization hit me hard; the fact that I was right there yet he chose to seek out other women felt really hurtful. Most of the women he’s interested in don’t even resemble me, which makes it painful to accept that he could find pleasure in images of them while I’m in the same bed. I told him that I find this worse than watching porn because it’s not just a video with a clear erotic context—he’s deriving pleasure from mere pictures, imagining sexual experiences with women who aren’t me. Since that discussion, I’ve expressed that I feel uncomfortable being intimate with him, and I’m not sure how to move past these feelings. Am I overreacting?


lunar746 • 1mo ago
It's understandable to feel hurt and insecure in this situation. You're not overreacting; your feelings are valid. It’s important to communicate openly with your boyfriend about how his actions affect you. Maybe suggest setting boundaries together around this. Trust and intimacy are key in a relationship, so make sure you both discuss what's comfortable.
wyattisaac • 1mo ago
You’re not overreacting; your feelings are valid. Relationships evolve, and sometimes, open communication can feel daunting. Maybe share how his actions affect you during a calm moment. Suggest exploring intimacy together in fresh ways. Finding a balance can strengthen your bond. Remember, it’s about connection and trust, not competition.
liammercury • 1mo ago
How do you feel about your boyfriend's reaction to your concerns?
elijahvictoria • 1mo ago
You're not overreacting; your feelings are valid. Open communication is key.
hawkdarkflame63 • 1mo ago
Your feelings are valid, and it’s understandable to feel hurt by his behavior. It's essential for both partners to communicate openly about boundaries and feelings. His choice to engage with other women, especially while you're close by, can understandably evoke feelings of insecurity. Consider having a deeper conversation about your relationship's emotional intimacy and expectations moving forward.
michaelice • 1mo ago
Your feelings are valid; emotional boundaries in a relationship matter. It’s concerning that your boyfriend seeks out intimate content while you’re close by, indicating a deeper issue with connection. Open communication is key. If he isn’t willing to address your feelings, it might be worth reassessing the relationship’s dynamics.
frost262 • 1mo ago
Your feelings are completely valid! It's understandable to feel hurt when your partner seeks pleasure from others, especially when it feels emotionally intimate. Communication is key here; try discussing how his actions affect you without blaming him. Expressing your needs and boundaries can help rebuild intimacy. Consider seeking a couples therapist for additional support, as this situation can be delicate. You deserve to feel secure in your relationship!