In this episode of the Pausing Porn Podcast, I am starting a new monthly series called The Recovery Inbox where I answer your questions directly on porn recovery. Today's question comes from someone in a recovery community on Reddit asking: should you tell your partner when you relapse?

I share my honest take based on lived experience and what I have learned in my recovery from compulsive porn use. I talk about the difference between healthy transparency and harmful over sharing, why your partner should not be your accountability partner, and how full disclosure can sometimes create pressure, anxiety, and more secrecy. I also explain why relapse details belong with an accountability partner, therapist, or recovery group, and how selective transparency can protect both your relationship and your healing.

I also cover how compulsive porn use impacts intimacy, emotional connection, trust, and communication in a romantic relationship, and why experts warn that daily disclosure can overwhelm partners and create secondary trauma. My goal in this episode is to help you understand when transparency is healthy, when it becomes damaging, and how to communicate honestly without hurting your partner or sabotaging your recovery.

I hope this gives you clarity on how to navigate honesty, boundaries, setbacks, and support as you work toward a life free from porn.

If you want to submit a question for a future Recovery Inbox episode, you can message me on Reddit @pausingporn or comment directly on the podcast. I appreciate you being here and I hope this episode helps your recovery journey.