ERECTION: SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR FAILURE

March 27th, 2009 by admin in Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction

Let’s look at an example of unconscious and extremely effective self-sabotage. William, 43 years old, is a hardworking engineer for an aerospace company. He has been married to his second wife, Sharon, for the last four years. Like any couple, they have their ups and downs, but for the most part, this is a happy marriage of two career-oriented, busy, productive people. William is somewhat more formal than his gregarious wife; more precise in his speech and meticulous about his appearance. Sharon, eight years younger than her husband, is more relaxed and casual in her attitudes and manners. Together, they make an interesting study in contrasts, and value their differences as well as their shared beliefs in hard work and persistence. William and Sharon have no children, but William’s two daughters from his first marriage visit frequently.

During the last few months, William has been under a lot of pressure at work. His responsibilities have increased and he’s had to put in long hours. He is in the running for a hotly contested promotion, and is determined to beat out his younger competitor.

William’s doctor has been after him for years to quit smoking, so William has cut down on the number of cigarettes he smokes, but he hasn’t stopped completely. The doctor recently told William he has high blood pressure, and that he must take medication for the problem every day. And William has to admit that recently he just hasn’t been feeling his usual energetic self. Some changes in work assignments mean that he now spends most of his time at his desk. And although for years William could eat anything and remain almost skinny, in the last six months he’s put on an extra 30 pounds. Secretly, he hates the weight and thinks it makes him look older, but he’s uncomfortable admitting that it bothers him. His doctor also wants him to exercise regularly, follow a low-fat diet and lose weight. William tries to follow these recommendations but pressures at work seem to make it difficult. Often he doesn’t take a lunch break and just has a sandwich at his desk, so his once enjoyable noontime squash games have become a thing of the past. When he comes home from work, he’s so tired he just wants to rest, not jog or play tennis. And although he knows a low-fat diet will help him lose the extra pounds, he’s a meat and potatoes (smothered in sour cream) eater of long standing. Trying to change his eating habits just adds one more stress to his life.

Because Sharon also has had a rough schedule at her city planning office, the couple has been spending little time together during the work week. Saturday and Sunday are “their” days together—once they do the household chores, sort through a stack of mail, pay bills and spend some time with William’s daughters.

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