That said, I totally agree with your view about people pathologizing the “healthy” male sexual response.

Compulsions are repetitive, rigidly performed behaviors whose purpose is likely relief from psychological pain, not gratification. Compulsions typically cause distress and interfere with functioning. Think of an OCD who isn’t certain he turned the stove off — not a happy person.

By contrast, impulsive behavior is when you can’t resist desires that involve pleasure and gratification. Being driven by pleasure is not the same as being driven to reduce inner pain and depression. Impulsive behavior is what little kids do — no boundaries, no limits, no off-switch.

The test is between sexually compulsive and sexually impulsive behavior is how you feel after you’ve shot your load.

If you feel the monkey is off your back and you’ll never do that again, you’re probably compulsive. Of course, you’ll be back to the same old-same old the second the monkey again climbs aboard. Like drunks promising today is the day they finally get cleaned up. Which lasts until the hangover wears off.

If you feel “wow, that was fun and I can’t wait to do it again,” then you’re probably being impulsive. Clinton may have used bad judgment regarding Monica, but I doubt he felt bad about the fun they had.

I like your writing and your blog, but this movie has a powerful message, and one that shouldn’t be perverted by mapping it onto a power struggle between the sexes– his sister in the movie has similar problems to him.