Warning Signs of Emotional Infidelity

Not all infidelity is of the physical kind, but it can often begin with an emotional affair. It seems safe enough — your partner may have friends of the opposite sex, and it’s all platonic. But sometimes, things get more emotionally intimate, and these types of affairs can be just as damaging as physical ones.

What exactly is an emotional affair?

An emotional affair is usually classified as an affair that hasn’t reached the point of sex. You share a relationship beyond that of friendship, and it’s almost always a secret. Some people might think, “Well, they aren’t having sex, so,” but this type of affair can be just as damaging as an all-out physical affair.

In an emotional affair, you’re not only investing more of your time and emotional energy into a relationship outside of your committed one, but you’re receiving emotional support and companionship. You can start to feel closer to this other person, and many times, sexual tension builds to unbearable levels creating a situation in which you’re likely to sleep with them.

As mentioned earlier, even if there’s no sexual contact, emotional affairs end up damaging due to your partner feeling betrayed and deceived.

Warning Signs of an Emotional Infidelity

Here are a few things to look for if you suspect your partner is in an emotional affair:

Your partner becomes defensive when you ask about their friendship.Your partner seems withdrawn or distant during the day, and you spend less time together.Your partner is less interested in being intimate — sexually or emotionally.Your partner spends more time with their friend.RELATED READING

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