My Boyfriend Supports His Ex. Is it Wrong to Feel Like I’m Being Used?

My Boyfriend Supports His Ex Financially Is Wrong Feel Like Im Being Used
Updated:
Dr. Wendy Walsh
Lillian Castro

By: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Editor: Lillian Castro

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Reader Question:

My boyfriend still supports his ex financially and now he’s constantly surfing porn. Is it wrong to feel like I’m just being used because he can’t get what he really wants?

-Julie S. Silverdale (Washington)

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

You’ve asked two separate questions here. As for him supporting his ex financially, I don’t know if there are children involved, a divorce decree, or if this is just him staying attached emotionally. I’d explore what the meaning of this financial support is and what his end goal is to wean her or not.

As for the porn question, that’s a big red flag. A lot of guys don’t realize that easy access to porn can make their brains become addicted to constant images of new and hot digital lovers, and it makes it difficult to find sexual satisfaction in a long-term monogamous relationship.

I would talk to him about his porn. Do some research and help him understand that porn is a drug like any other that can cause dopamine rushes and have an addictive quality.


No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by consumers in search of general information of interest pertaining to problems people may face as individuals and in relationships and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.

About the Author

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Dr. Wendy Walsh

By: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Women's Dating Expert

Known as America's Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh is an award-winning television journalist, radio host & podcaster, and the author of three books on relationships and thousands of print and digital articles. More than 1.5 million people follow her sage advice on social media. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and teaches in the Psychology Department at California State University Channel Islands and has been the host of "The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show" on iHeart Radio's KFI AM 640 since 2015. Walsh is also a former Emmy-nominated co-host of "The Doctors," as well as former host of the nationally syndicated show "EXTRA." She was named a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2017 after speaking out about harassment at a major news network.

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