It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.
For most sex addicts, sexual acting out masks not only day-to-day stress and emotional discomfort, but underlying issues related to a longing for intimacy. Without the constant distraction of sexual fantasy and activity, this longer-term condition can rise to the surface and cause intense feelings of loneliness, fear, isolation, and unhappiness. These feelings are perfectly normal and to be expected. After all, in recovery we inevitably find ourselves grieving the loss of our primary relationship (our addiction), and we naturally feel a need to replace it.
Just for Today
Think about what your addiction kept you from feeling. Was it an unfulfilled longing for intimate connection? Talk about this in therapy or in a meeting.