I Can’t Stop Taking What Isn’t Mine: What Stealing Teaches Us About Desire and Control

Ever caught yourself reaching for something just because you can? Maybe it was a pen, a lipstick, or a pair of shoes that were just too tempting to leave behind. Now, imagine feeling that urge not just once but over and over, like an itch you just can’t scratch off. That’s the raw struggle laid bare in a recent Dear Abby letter titled “Help! I just can’t stop stealing things.”

If you missed it, the letter, published June 26, 2025, on the Boston Herald, reveals a confessional from someone who started by accidentally leaving an item in their shopping cart and quickly spiraled into compulsive theft — shoes, makeup, jewelry, clothing — things that spark desire and then vanish in an instant. You can read the full candor-packed letter here: Dear Abby: Help! I just can’t stop stealing things.

So, what does kleptomania—or compulsive stealing—have to do with fertility, parenting, or home insemination kits, you wonder? Stick with me, because this thread links directly to control, desire, and the emotional rollercoaster many face on the path to parenthood.

When Desire Becomes a Tug-of-War

At its core, compulsive stealing is about an overwhelming desire to take control or fill an emotional void. It’s rarely about the value of the item itself — more about what taking it represents: power, relief, or momentary satisfaction. On the flip side, fertility struggles and the journey to parenthood echo similar themes.

The desire to conceive, to hold your own child, is intense, often overwhelming. And the control you lose during fertility treatments or medical appointments can leave you desperate for agency. That’s where at-home insemination kits step in, offering a unique blend of empowerment and privacy.

Reclaiming Control at Home

MakeAMom, a pioneer in accessible, affordable home insemination kits, understands that desire for control and privacy intimately. Their range of kits, from the CryoBaby for frozen sperm to the BabyMaker for users with sensitivities, allows individuals and couples to take the reins on their conception journey — at home, on their terms.

What’s truly remarkable? All MakeAMom kits are reusable and discreetly shipped, respecting your privacy and budget. And here’s the kicker: their users report a success rate of 67%, a beacon of hope for anyone tired of clinical coldness or pricey treatments.

If the idea of taking your fertility journey into your own hands intrigues you, you might want to explore this clever home insemination kit designed for low-volume or frozen sperm. It’s a testament to how innovation and emotional wellness go hand in hand.

Why Emotional Wellness is the Hidden Fertility Factor

The emotional tug-of-war exhibited by kleptomania reminds us parents, hopeful or otherwise, that healing and mental well-being are foundational. Fertility isn’t just biology — it’s a mix of emotional resilience, hope, setbacks, and often, anxiety about control.

Just like the letter-writer in Dear Abby is wrestling with urge and impulse, many on the fertility path wrestle with fears — about outcomes, finances, and time. Recognizing this shared human vulnerability can be eye-opening.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

  • Desire can be complicated. Whether it’s a sudden urge to steal or the deep yearning to create life, understanding these urges opens a door to empathy.
  • Control matters. The rise of at-home fertility solutions like MakeAMom’s kits shows how vital feeling in control is for emotional wellness.
  • You’re not alone. Many silently battle urges or fears, and opening these conversations helps reduce stigma and build support.

Your Turn: How Do You Take Control?

Whether you’re navigating fertility or wrestling with personal challenges, what tools or habits help you reclaim your power? Have you ever felt an urge you couldn’t explain? How did you manage it?

Drop your stories below—because the most powerful thing is knowing we’re in this together. And if you’re curious about blending control with hope in your fertility journey, take a peek at this innovative home insemination kit option that’s transforming lives quietly and effectively.

Until next time, keep embracing your journey with grit, grace, and a sprinkle of wit. We’ve got your back.

Author

Marcus Taylor

I’m Marcus, a proud dad, LGBTQ+ family advocate, and former nurse with a passion for reproductive wellness. After navigating the world of at-home insemination with my husband, I dedicated myself to making information accessible for every family. When I’m not researching kits and sharing stories, I enjoy biking and photography.