Compassion Matters

Do you use food to stave off feelings of hunger, only to have to face the same feelings of hunger again later in the day? Do you find yourself repeating this cycle 3 or more times per day?

Do you use sleep to alleviate feelings of being tired? Do you awaken refreshed, but then find yourself hours later at the end of the day starting to feel tired all over again, longing for the temporary relief of rest?

Do you shower or wash to counter feelings of being dirty, finding temporary relief in the refreshing feeling of being clean, only to find yourself returning eventually to a state of being dirty again?

Then, you too may be engaging in addictive behavior.

David,
you have missed the point of using addictive behaviors to emotionally disconnect our feelings. An addict and "healthy" person having done the same "act" will feel differently/opposite when it is finished. The addict will shower to avoid feeling psychologically dirty, whereas a healthy person showers to clean their body or to feel refreshed. etc.

I relate to point number 3. I have rituals for most things. So I would absolutly call myself obsessive compulsive.

I read at least 2 books a month (both of them 300-400 pages in length). I exercise more than the average man. I have mornings routines that takes up at least 1-2 hours (I am a male).

So I can relate. But the question is: do I hurt from being this way? No. Do i avoid reality by living this way? No, I get all of my obligations done in a day and more.

I don´t have any problems sitting down and handle my own feelings and I do confront them head on in more than 50% of cases. If I am angry I analyze why, if I am sad I analyze why etc.

So, even though addictions are presented (most of the time, I have to say) as bad things to change and conquer, I can´t honestly say I want to change this behaviour at all. I like being this way. I like my productive, workaholic behaviour and as long as I do not hurt anyone else by doing so (so far I haven´t) there is nothing wrong being this way.

Though, having drug/alcohol addiction etc is seldom healthy and should therefor be dealt with immediately. The same goes with unhealthy sexual addictions that may actually harm other people (due to rape etc). But at the same time, if you have a liking for internet porn and masturbate 3 times a day. Well, if you like it and don´t see a problem in doing so: go for it. It´s your body and as long as you don´t masturbate in public there should not be any problems.