What does hiding this condition cost us?
Telling two people in my life about paruresis this week — what their reactions taught me about the cost of hiding, and why awareness matters.
Blog
For the first time in 30 years, I stood at a urinal next to another guy and peed
Eight weeks in, the breakthrough that didn't feel like one — peeing next to a stranger and feeling totally mundane, plus what I learned about practicing imperfectly.
I Want to Believe It's Possible to Get Over This
Another week of pushing through discomfort at urinals, with small wins that prove change is possible if I keep showing up.
I'm Not Stopping
After a demotivating week, I kept showing up anyway—and finally had a real breakthrough at a busy grocery store.
It's So Embarrassing to Fail
After a string of wins, I hit a wall—two sessions where nothing happened. Here's how I'm dealing with it.
I Challenged Myself to Push Further
Back at the Walmart urinal for round two—this time aiming for three minutes. I didn't expect what happened next.
Why Do I Let This Fear Consume Me?
Two exposure wins in two days—peeing with my wife in the room, then standing at a Walmart urinal with strangers nearby.
After 30 years of this, I finally took my first real step forward
I worked my edge for the first time—fluid-loading, breath-holding practice, and my wife standing outside the bathroom door.
Week 1 Reflection
What went well, what didn't, and what surprised me after my first week of facing paruresis head-on.
I Want To Be Free
After 30 years of hiding paruresis, I'm done avoiding it. Here's what I'm going to do about it.
Why This Exists
An introduction to Unstalled — a blog about shy bladder, written by someone who lives with it.