Home > Relationships & Family > Dating > Dating Dilemmas & Advice
Created on: February 21, 2011
Emotional cheating seems to be quite misunderstood and differs quite a bit from person to person. If success can come from this article than first it is important to clarify what it is that is being written about here. Emotional cheating at its foundations is invisible to the partner being cuckolded. It involves little more than a person acquiring or providing a feeling from pr for someone else that they would be expected to get from their chosen partner. Examples of this can be as simple as the sympathetic ear. It can even be as innocent as retuning to a coffee shop just to talk to or look at the barista that works there.
So with this the first question is better asked now. Are these things just described to be considered cheating? Personally I have always held the opinion that cheating of any kind becomes defined when the "cheater" recognizes that he or she has gotten something from someone other than the person they are with when they know in their hearts that it should have come from their partner. A cheater feels guilt.
This is what makes court trials so complicated. When the accused does not appear to feel any guilt, it is much more difficult to judge what took place. If you are in a relationship that you feel is open to the concept of sharing feelings with friends and co-workers, then no cheating takes place. There are many who attempt relationships where the line is drawn to isolate solely the one act of sexual intercourse. So for them there would be no such thing as emotional cheating.
But for the majority of us, when we know we've done something that, if made known, would assuredly hurt the one we claim to love alone, then we have cheated. So the most important thing is to know your partner; to know what it is that they expect from you and make the promise, whether to them or just yourself, that you will uphold those expectations. From there on any action, or feeling even, outside those expectations is to be considered cheating. It then matters not whether emotional or physical, the lines have been drawn and the relationship becomes much easier to navigate.
To sum up, emotions are nothing more than bundles of feelings. Those feelings have their place and every adult should know where theirs belong. Relationships involve promises made to one another and even something as small and seemingly insignificant as a single feeling placed outside that promise can make one unfaithful.
Hopefully after reading this those who are confused may now understand why serious romantic relationships are so difficult to hold together.
Learn more about this author, Mark Bearing.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
Is there such a thing as emotional cheating?
Emotional cheating is as real as cheating of any other type. If someone has a closer emotional relationship with someone's mate
Skeptics tend to feel that emotional affairs do not truly exist, because there is no proof. How do you prove that your
by Ann E. Smith
Is your husband or boyfriend cheating on you? Does he seem distracted and distant lately? Is he giving you the cold shoulder,
Emotional cheating is very real and fairly common, but most people don't realize it right away because there are other things
by Cheryl Scott
There is such a thing as emotional cheating. When a couple has agreed to live a monogamous relationship, they are not only
View All Articles on: Is there such a thing as emotional cheating?
Helium Debate
Cast your vote!
Should teens be allowed to use online dating websites?
Click for your side.
Featured Partner
Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP)
The Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP) has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse PCAP's featured titles, pick an issue and write! You can also donate your article earnings. Share...more