A 2020 study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that 91.5% of men and 60.2% of women reported pornography use within the previous month.1
An increasing number of couples report that pornography is causing difficulties in their relationships. Research shows that pornography
But even if porn isn’t kept a secret—even if partners are open and honest about their consumption—it can still do real harm.
In "An Open Letter on Porn," world-renowned clinical psychologists and relationship experts Drs. John and Julie Gottman write about how porn negatively affects relationships.7
Use of pornography by one partner leads the couple to have far less sex and ultimately reduces relationship satisfaction
. Sometimes this might only affect one person in the relationship, but in many cases, both partners may be left feeling isolated and cut off from their partner.
One of the most common reasons why married couples feel as if they are drifting apart is due to the pressures from family and work.
Sometimes the challenges that couples face together can create rifts in a relationship. A stressful or traumatic event can put a strain on even the strongest of relationships
In some cases, your feelings of loneliness might have less to do with your spouse and more to do with other needs that aren’t being met.
Making unrealistic comparisons to relationships you see portrayed on social media can also contribute to feelings of loneliness.