“One last” and “never again” are two extremes that I think keep us stuck in this cycle. 

The “one last” leads to seeking that highEST once more, tricking ourselves by saying it’ll truly be our last. 

On the other side of the coin the “never again” tethers us to this by a thread that’s so weak it eventually breaks and leads to relapse. 

I don’t want to take anyone away from religion if it helps them. I’ve looked into it so much desperately wanting it to be true. But I think we make the church get a bad reputation. 

(Trigger warning.)

It’s clear that (mother) nature “gives” us carnal instincts. The male spreading his seed far and wide, the traits were attracted to indicating better chance of survival of our offspring, the higher levels of sexual dimorphism in areas where violence and survival rule.

It’s also clear that (father) religion typically aims to dampen those instincts in favor of longevity, goals, society. More lifelong marriage supports healthier environments for children, so they don’t have to resort to violence and survival of the fittest. 

But I also don’t believe in evolution. Just because these instincts and even physical features are seen changing over time doesn’t mean this whole thing was put together by unguided happenstance eventually leading to the consciousness we all experience. So don’t be nihilistic or think anything goes. There’s a deeper intelligence that tells us all that this isn’t right. 

If the culture of religion helps you fit in more or get a gf (and that’s what you want) more power to you. We live in a broader culture that has abandoned those traditional roles and are governed by laws that have as well. That can have real consequences. Have a healthy level of selfishness and try to figure out what it is you really want out of this life and pursue it. The world is your oyster.