Nathan and Shelby Astle: Open Communication in Relationships When Pornography Is an Issue [3]

How can young couples navigate the tough topic of pornography when one (or both) are working to stop using it? Nate and Shelby started this conversation while dating and are still relying on the power of open communication in their marriage. Hear what they mean by not letting pornography define a person or a relationship. Validating both partner’s feelings and not taking on the emotional labor of someone else’s work have been key factors in their connection. Nate shares tools for getting out of a shame cycle, learning self-regulation, and the importance of realizing his actions were causing Shelby pain. Together they resist narratives about “the creepy guy in the basement” and hold to the view that we are all whole people even while we have both strengths and weaknesses. Every relationship is unique, yet we can learn from each other’s experiences as we navigate our own. You can support our nonprofit podcast and get show notes at https://reach10.org/nathan-shelby-astle-open-communication-relationships-pornography-issue/