How do I develop a more healthy relationship with porn and erotica?

[u/Extreme_Artist3218]

[18+ only, mental health, talk of sexuality, masturbation and nsfw art]

Hi, I’m 21TF. I’m in a bit of a unique situation, I want to develop a more healthy relationship with pornography and erotic art. However I don’t want to quit, at least I think I don’t.

To give the short story, erotic art and literature has been central to me for a while. A lot longer than I should’ve been exposed to I’ll concede, that being said erotica is my biggest artistic inspiration and most of the artists I look up to and idolise are erotica artists as well, in fact they are the inspiration that got me to start teaching myself to draw. I find the subject matter beautiful, particularly pieces that are artistic expressions of queer joy.

The problem I’m having is I don’t think I have a… healthy, relationship with it. I’m consuming it pretty much daily, as I go to look at nsfw media for inspiration or look at my favourite artists (largely erotica artists) Then I end up getting worked up and needing to relieve myself, so I don’t get much work done and honestly with how often I’m doing it, it doesn’t even feel that nice unless I can force myself to hold off for at least a few days.

Idk what I’m looking for really, maybe some camaraderie at minimum and some advice would be nice as well.

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[u/alecmendezz]

Just don't watch it or entertain it, simple but not easy

[u/Extreme_Artist3218 → u/alecmendezz]

That kinda defeats the point of it being one of my biggest inspirations in my art. I’ve tried to find different inspirations but nothing sparks my creativity like erotica.

[u/alecmendezz → u/Extreme_Artist3218]

Oh I must have read it wrong, like you were a gooner or something struggling with the problem. Idk man just put the stuff away and sit in silence for like an hour, let the divine give you some insight. Idk I could be wrong lolll

[u/EmbarrassedArmy7827]

In a similar boat, though usually after “relieving” myself I feel a deep pit of regret. It never leaves me feeling positive. I’m unsure how to overcome it.

[u/Extreme_Artist3218 → u/EmbarrassedArmy7827]

I don’t usually feel regret per se, more just annoyance. As it’s kneecapping my artistic progress and what I want to achieve for myself.

[u/Left_House8305]

🫪

[u/Holiday_Rich3265]

There is no middle ground or balance. Cut it off, it’s cancerous