“I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!” (Network, 1976)
Forgive my language, but to borrow from the movie, if you are married to a sex addict, it may be that until you are mad as hell and unwilling to take it anymore, your spouse will not get desperate.
Don’t misunderstand. His addiction is on him – 100 percent. But don’t feel like you have to give him a soft landing. Sometimes, doing what is hard is doing what is right. It’s okay to erect boundaries. It’s okay to draw a line in the sand. In fact, it may be necessary.
Karen Young wrote a poignant article, “When Someone You Love Has an Addiction.” She says, “When you’re protecting them from their own pain, you’re standing in the way of their reason to stop.”
An unwillingness to “take it anymore” may be the greatest gift you ever give your spouse. For that, you have this promise: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Recovery Step: It may be time for you to stand up and shout, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!” If that is where you are today, that’s okay. Be strong. Be courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you.
