by Ever Famous

Created on: August 13, 2008

This is Anne. A faithful mother of three and a loving devoted wife who has been happily married for nearly nine years now. She passes by the same electronics shop every morning on the way to work. It's right next door to the coffee shop. She's noticed John and he's nothing like her husband. He's got ruggedness about him that she finds appealing. Every morning John smiles brightly and waves good morning to Anne. She becomes giddy this particular time and decides to wink back at the hunk while continuing on to get her favorite coffee shop then off to her job. That my friends, is only flirting.

The difference between flirting and cheating is extremely clear. As adults we are very aware of what we do that crosses the line when we are in a relationship. By definition flirting is playful' yet can be sexual. It is also superficial, trifling behavior. Flirting, according to a dictionary is meant to not be taken seriously. Evidently this is not always the case. But perhaps the problem lies in what each person defines as a relationship and what each couple deems as cheating. These days there are so many types of relationships that cheating and flirting is often bewildering for both sexes.

Lots of couples have open relationships where each is allowed to date or even become intimate with another person. The smart couple with the open relationship discusses the stipulations before problems arise. You're not allowed to have sex with a stranger, for example, let me met him or her first, may be such a rule. A couple of this caliber may even say to each other that there is to be no kissing outside of the relationship because for some that is a very special personal act. Some continue to have traditional relationships. And just like snowflakes everybody is different in regard to what is called flirting. Flirting can also be done unintentionally. An accidental brush against someone can be translated by another person as a sexual advance. It's tricky indeed but flirting is usually done without malice.

Cheating on the other hand is a deliberate act that goes against the rules that were set between you and your partner. Cheating is very conscious. Now if in the previous example our loving wife Anne, decides to go back and get chatty with John this can lead to cheating. Planning to meet Mr. Rugged at the local motel after work has gone way past playful banter.

For some there is yet another type of swindling usual called emotional cheating. Let's stay with Anne. Say in her passing

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>