Reboot Journal - 31yo married w/son

rebootrapp

Active Member
Today was rough.

I'm a political junkie. I check the news a few times a day, listen to talk radio podcasts, tv shows, etc. Yesterday, I got an email from a site that got my email address through a organization I signed up with or something, and it linked to an article regarding the Cruz/Trump wife debacle that's been going on, the headline was about the woman that posted the PAC ad about Trumps wife using the half naked picture of her. This has been in headlines, and this is the first time the PAC person has come forward to say anything about it. So I clicked on it to read it. I read it, it had the picture of Mrs. Trump which I saw but scrolled right by. It's not why I was on that page. When my wife and I were laying bed we talked about infidelity , our opinions about those who have physical affairs, and also about how my day had gone reboot wise. I told her about my temptation I posted about yesterday to check out the actress. I didn't mention the Mrs. Trump picture, because it didn't cross my mind. Not even a little.

I also told her how one of the ways I was taking away my PMO triggers was to wake up later and not have that time in the morning when I would usually do it. I wake up a 4:45am or so, so it's still early, but I used to get up at 4:20 or so, that's a lot of time I don't have anymore. Anyway, today I get up, come downstairs, take a piss, and decide to grab a 5 minute nap on the couch before I get ready. She comes downstairs also use the bathroom and mentions something about how it seems like I still have plenty of time if I can nap. Which I guess is true, but we live 1.5 miles from my job, so I had enough time to nap and get ready and be there on time. My issue is not actually being late for work, but getting a parking spot. So I'd just have to walk a little father of anything.

So she's already a little mad, goes upstairs and grabs my phone and goes through it. I've told her that I've got no issue with her doing this, if anything it might help. This article I hadn't closed, and it popped up in my private browser of Safari, I really don't know why. So she saw that, in private mode, which I've told her is where I would check out P, and it sent her over the edge. She came flying downstairs and dropped my phone in front of me, and confronts me about it. She's super serious about it, and I'm struggling to get into serious mode a little, I can see she's pissed but it's a political article. That's why I had read it. I couldn't care less about Melania Trump being half naked, if I really wanted to pull up P and try to hide it, it wouldn't be Melania Trump embedded in a political article.

But she's still hurt obviously from all the years of lying about P in the first place. P has turned me into a man that upon reflection, I don't like. I'm trying to live my life differently for me, for her, and for our son. But she can't see that, she doesn't believe a word I say, and this certainly isn't going to help.

I've made it three weeks now with only two serious urges to view P or P subs, and have told
her both times. Admittedly, I didn't tell her right away yesterday, it took me a bit to come forward with it. I think that one huge reason why I've made it this far is her support and love. But I could see
her pulling back this morning, withdrawing from me. I asked her not to build a wall, our closeness this last week especially has been amazing.

I fear that it has made me a little too confident in my ability to withstand any urges. Yesterday was my closest call yet with the actress thing. And on top of that now, my relationship with my wife is now set back at least a week, if not more. This shut sucks boys. I'm trying to do things right, but she can't trust me yet. I'm sure you've all been here too. It's rough. I just need to re-center myself, read more, learn more. I hope she'll stay with me long enough to see this through, I love this woman more than she knows. Thanks for reading.
 

pinkerton

Well-Known Member
You're doing well brother. It will take a very long time for your wife to trust again but if you stick with it things will improve. Keep posting
 

Hablablos

Active Member
Hello rebootrapp,

I understand you hardly have any free time but still I'd like to ask you to something different. Do you have any hobbies or is there any activity you do just for yourself like reading a book, working out, fishing and so on?



 

rebootrapp

Active Member
My wife and I have kind of planned out a general idea of activities for each night. One night for TV, two nights for reading, etc.

I'm not a fisherman, but she is. I'd also like my son to fish, so we're going to do that as a family soon.

For myself I play drums, guitar, and video games of course!

The last few days have been spent contemplating how far I've fallen, how awful I've been to my family, and all that. I'm trying to be positive, but you have to try and reconcile what you've don't to move forward. So that's what I've been doing.
 

rebootrapp

Active Member
Today was tough emotionally, we had a talk the other night, she's in so much pain. I wish I could take it all away, take it all back. There is no going back though, only forward, so going forward I will try everyday to be the man she should have, the man she deserves. I have not been that man, I have not been worthy of her love through my actions. The fact that she's still here humbles me. It makes me want to succeed. I need to get past this. But more than the porn, I need to get past the lying. I'm not sure if the P made me a liar or my lying turned me to P, and it really doesn't matter. The end result is the same, and I need to fix it. I've had 29 days with P, and look forward to another 29 more.

I wonder what life will be like in another month without P? The weird part is I don't even miss the P, I don't long to M. I've had a few urges throughout the month, one that almost turned into action but not to M, just to see. I'm glad I didn't go down the path, it may well have turned into M, so I'm glad I didn't go there.
 

Hablablos

Active Member
Thank you for your answer. I'd like to know which book are you reading? Because books really helped me not just with porn addiction, but with my life in general. If you are interested, I made a list of books in my journal, which really helped me along the way.

There is no going back though, only forward, so going forward I will try everyday to be the man she should have, the man she deserves.
That is a noble goal, but don't do it just for her. Do it for yourself as well. Good luck.
 

rebootrapp

Active Member
Today is my one month mark!! I can't believe I made it. The fog is largely cleared, and I've thought about a lot of things that I want for myself, and what I want to be.

It's still hard to believe how poisoned I had become because of my PA. It's nuts how it's twists your whole mind and you become a completely different person inside, while trying to maintain outside appearances as if all is normal.

Anyway, thank you guys for all the love and support , it's been great taking in this journey with you. Here's to another month PMO free!
 

rebootrapp

Active Member
Today was pretty great. Work was productive, and had a great time with my family when I got home. It was beautiful outside so I fired up the grill and had some hot dogs!  Here comes summer baby!
 

rebootrapp

Active Member
The other night my wife and I talked, and I finally laid everything out on the line. She knows everything now, and it feels so liberating to look her in the eye and know that I'm not hiding anything else from her. She is an amazing woman, I'm so lucky to have her.

I've been good urges wise. Nothing. I've felt myself check women out so much less than I used to. We were at dinner last night and my wife says that I lingered on a blonde waitress, I don't remember that at all. So I know I've still got a long way to go in that respect, but I'm making a conscious effort to stop.
 
rebootrapp said:
It's still hard to believe how poisoned I had become because of my PA. It's nuts how it's twists your whole mind and you become a completely different person inside, while trying to maintain outside appearances as if all is normal.

Agreed.  Sometimes it still feels like I've woken up from a coma when I think of my life before. In some ways life gets easier (not as much wasted time).  But there's also no more "quick fix" when rough emotions come up... Keep living life out in the open. I am so glad for you that your wife is a big part of your healing. Also that she saw the poison and called it out.  I hope your healing continues to positively affect the healthiness of your marriage as well as the future of your son. 
Keep up the good work!
 

rebootrapp

Active Member
Thanks for the replies guys. I really appreciate the feedback. We're still trucking along here. We had a marriage counseling session the other night, which went really well.

I'm still battling the instant eye movement to a woman's butt whenever she turns around, I did well with that today thankfully. (Except for wife, as hers is friggin tremendous :) ) We still talk about how I'm doing and how she's doing everyday, it's so great being able to be honest about everything with her now.

I've not had any P urges lately, but I know I'm not immune to it. I must remain vigilant or I'll slip, and I'm so happy where I am now. I've got no desire to turn back.

I hope you're all well.
 

Hablablos

Active Member
I'm still battling the instant eye movement to a woman's butt whenever she turns around, I did well with that today thankfully. (Except for wife, as hers is friggin tremendous :) )

I am affraid you are damaging your relationship by this action. But you don't have to take me seriously in this one, because I know nothing when it comes to relationship. But I found a good article, which might change your mind about this: http://markmanson.net/6-healthy-habits
 

rebootrapp

Active Member
I am too man, that's why I'm trying to change. I know it hurts her, but it's an involuntary thing these days. I've done much better with it since starting my reboot, but still catch myself sometimes.

Thanks for the article!
 
I'm with you rebootrapp.  As for me, anything that starts kicking in my dopamine into overdrive has to go for now.  I honestly don't know how long I will need to be this careful.  Maybe until I'm brain-healthy, maybe for the rest of my life...  This I know, my wife tells me she feels loved and cared for when staring at a beautiful woman means looking at her.  I see beautiful people every day and recognize their beauty.  It's the second glance that I have to stop. Bouncing your eyes: the automatic reflex of suddenly shifting your focus away from boobs, butt or whatever is your stimulus.  Let's keep flexing those bouncing muscles!  Keep up the good work.
 

rebootrapp

Active Member
Yesterday was an amazing day. I know if won't be everyday, but hopefully it's a little look into the future of our healthy happy marriage. We were frisky with each other in the car on an hour long drive, then engaged in intercourse 4 times throughout the night, twice to completion.

The look in her eye and smile on her face was the most genuinely happy I've seen since this reboot started. Today hasn't been quite as good, no big deal.

I've been P urge free since last update, so that's good. Today has been a test of my will, out in public with women all around. She was triggered with anxiety, and I'm trying to keep my eyes in neutral ground or on her or my son as much as I can.

It's still amazing being an open book with her and answering any question she has. I'm looking forward to the day when she doesn't question every answer, though I know that I've earned her mistrust by past actions.
 
I can feel your pain about lying.  That is a struggle for me as well. My lying is now confined to porn and sexual behaviors but it used to be what I did to try and shine in front of everyone I met. 

It is a very tense way to live. 

It took a long time to be honest with my wife about the full extent of my problem but when I did (through careful though and guidance of others who had done the same) it was a powerful moment for both of us.    Unfortunately I am back into a lying state with her and it is tearing me apart.  I continue to look for ways to make amends for behavior of which she is completely unaware.  The ultimate amends will be no longer engaging in those behaviors and these posts are a positive move in that direction.

Thanks for your share and keep posting!  You and your family are worth all the effort!
 

rebootrapp

Active Member
Sorry to hear that you've relapsed into the lying man. I think you tell her whatever it is now. Tonight.

The longer you wait the harder it will be for her to reconcile and forgive. Waiting will only make it worse man, and you know you're going to tell her sometime. Just get it over with. I hope it works out for you.

I pray that if I find myself in your situation I'll be brave enough to follow my own advice, I know it ain't easy.
 
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