Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

June 11, 2018

The “Ew” Factor

It is important to recognize relationship as part of sexual attraction and arousal.  This ability to recognize relationship as part of sexuality is the basic difference between men who are sexually attracted to teenagers and men who are not.  A man who does not experience relationship as an important aspect of sexuality has no “ew” factor.  The “ew” factor is the awareness of teenager’s relational immaturity and, therefore, their inappropriateness as a potential sexual partner.  Without the “ew” factor there is little perceived difference between a physically mature teenager and an adult woman.  In recovery, we need to experience relationship as an important part of sexual attraction.

Have I experienced relationship as an important part of sexuality?  If not, how have I been inappropriate in my thoughts and actions?  What gifts await me as I recognize relationship as part of sexual attraction?