Could fantasizing about real women actually help us rewire?

[qrayzHD]

I read an article on YBOP about fantasizing and came across this.

Research on mental imagery indicates that fantasizing or imagining an experience activates many of the same neural circuits as performing it. In other words, fantasizing about porn reinforces your addictive pathways.

That seems true for porn but what about fantasizing about making out with someone you know, wouldn't that be just like doing it for real, at least in the mind?

 

[Yelashade]

I suppose it is alright, but remember to not to sexualise anyone or anything in your fantasy. Perhaps also fantasise about dating this person or doing romantic things. Hope this helps

 

[Mbg]

In my experience, fantasizing about sexual encounters with real women, even my wife, only instigates my addiction.  For me, my excessive use of pornography only skewed my perception of healthy sexuality and my fantasies became obsessions.  I would attempt to recreate my fantasies with my wife, manipulating situations without considering her feelings.  In fantasies, I had control of the sexual experience.  This is contradictory to reality.  Where I have found success is by eliminating fantasies altogether. 

I've seen other posters on here mention that fantasizing about real women can also be just another form of porn.  I agree with this as it seems to trigger similar spikes in dopamine and can create obsessions which can become compulsive.  It's all about getting back to reality.  Hope this helps. 

 

[Berens]

Porn is not only sex on the screen but a fantasy on the screen. Having fantasies soon or later will make you want more.

 

[qrayzHD]

Thanks for all your answers guys, it still isn't clear but it seems not to be worth the risk until further studies are done.