Addictive Sex
- Feels shameful
- Is illicit, exploitative
- Compromises values
- Draws on fear or excitement
- Re-enacts childhood abuse
- Disconnects one from oneself
- Creates world of unreality
- Is self-destructive and dangerous
- Uses conquest or power
- Is seductive
- Serves to medicate or kill pain
- Is dishonest
- Becomes routine
- Requires double life
- Is grim and joyless
- Demands perfection
Healthy Sex
- Adds to self-esteem
- Has no victims
- Deepens meaning
- Uses vulnerability for excitement
- Cultivates sense of being adult
- Furthers sense of self
- Expands reality
- Relies on safety
- Is mutual and intimate
- Takes responsibility for needs
- Originates in integrity
- Presents challenges
- Integrates most authentic parts of self
- Is fun and playful
- Accepts the imperfect