Fidelity is an important component of a good relationship. However, it is true that every stable relationship faces several threats.
One is an emotional matter.
Can this kind of affair be unearthed in a stable relationship?
An “emotional affair” is an occurrence or event that omits or sets aside any physical intimacy but involves emotional intimacy. It starts innocently enough as a friendship and could aptly be called a matter of the heart.
In this matter, one of the partners enters into a monogamous relationship; an emotional affair is a type of chaste non-consummation non-monogamy. When the affair ends the monogamous relationship, the result is infidelity.
An emotional affair is more damaging to a committed relationship than a one-night stand or casual sex. Studies revealed that men are especially affected by evidence of their partner’s sexual infidelity, while women are more bothered by signs of emotional infidelity.
Many people believe that since there is no sexual involvement; emotional affair is not immoral. But based on the concept that an affair involves secrecy, deceit, and betrayal, it is outside the norm of morality.
In the midst of these types of affairs, the person continues to deny that they are harmful, but this is a ploy to overcome feelings of guilt.
The relationship is an emotional affair when:
1. You keep your meetings and conversations a secret from your partner.
2. You say and do things with someone that you have never said or done to your spouse.
3. Arranges to have private conversations and spend time with the other person.
4. You share a lot of time and confidences with the other person more than with your partner.
Answer these questions honestly and determine if you are having an emotional affair:
1. Do you refrain from telling your spouse how much time you spend or talk with the other person?
2. Do you trust this person more with your day than your spouse?
3. Do you also reveal your marital dissatisfaction?
4. Do you make yourself physically attractive to him?
5. Whether orally or in action, is there sexual attraction between you?
6. Would you feel uncomfortable if your spouse saw you together?
If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, get out of the situation. You are on your way to marital infidelity! Our culture makes it easy for anyone to enter and remain involved in an emotional affair.
Men and women who work together and travel together on business will eventually forge close relationships. They keep in touch through their phones, mobile phones, text or instant messages. The internet is often the culprit because it’s where most things start.
People have the opportunity to reconnect with friends from their past as well as develop good relationships with new ones on many social networking sites.
To protect yourself from the temptation to start such an adventure, you can follow these tips:
1. Don’t be flirtatious. Flirting leads to attractions and warm feelings that you will start to crave.
2. Be careful when you are at work and on the Internet. These are dangerous places where emotional affairs typically begin.
3. Consider the state of your marriage. The more dissatisfied you are with your spouse, the more likely you are to start an affair.
4. Don’t go out alone with a former lover. If you have lost all warm feelings for him, bring his spouse.
5. Do not build friendship with other people who are unfaithful to their partners. It is likely that it is influenced by your state of morality.
Once you have started to get involved in these types of adventures, it will lead to feelings of guilt and remorse.
Many marriages fall apart after going through such an affair. Rebuilding the trust between you and your partner will take a lot of effort and patience.
If you are having an affair, you should admit it and rectify your ways:
1. Make a complete break up, no strings attached, just staying friends.
2. Be responsible to deal with the situation. Accept it and make a clean break.
3. Ask yourself why you let it happen. Is it the status of your marriage? Your desire to build self-esteem? Unconsciously repeating the actions of your unfaithful father? Understand the underlying reasons why you are getting into this mess.
4. Betrayal was the fly in the ointment. Do your best to build trust.
Time is a healer, but it takes a long time to rebuild trust after an emotional affair. Patience is your friend. Don’t expect your spouse to immediately forgive and forget.
Allow time to heal the wound and allow things to get better again with your partner or spouse.
