Know The Difference Between Friendships And Affairs

What are the appropriate boundaries of a friendship with someone who is already in a relationship or even married? Who decides what those boundaries are? Is there an important difference between friendships and romantic relationships? What is an emotional affair and is it wrong to have one? Is such an affair beneficial to a marriage because it allows a partner to vent and release frustrations? Or, does it mean the end of the relationship?

What exactly is an emotional relationship?

We all have friendships where we share are extremely close.  However, when a close friendship develops with an individual already in a committed relationship, it can be considered an emotional affair.

An emotional affair is when you share intimate details with someone who is merely a friend. This widely accepted definition especially applies when you keep your partner in the dark about the circumstances.

Is an emotional affair harmful?

If a spouse thinks that mutual trust has been abused after learning about a close friendship, the marriage can suffer. If your emotional connection with a friend continues to grow stronger, it’s possible that you’ll start revealing more emotional details with your friend than with your spouse.

This is difficult for your partner and things can go south quickly.

Why do people have emotional affairs?

These affairs often begin due to physical attraction or because one simply needs a close friend to connect with. One may feel it is necessary to discuss emotional details with a pal already in a committed relationship. They may feel uneasy about such closeness with their own partner.

These signs point to the same conclusion: an emotional affair may be the gateway to starting a physical connection and cheating with someone else.

To avoid cheating, find ways to share more intimately with your spouse, best friend, or an unmarried individual. Better yet, a couple of visits to a counselor or therapist allows the opportunity to externalize intimate feelings and issues.

How can you avoid emotional relationships?

If you’re having an emotional affair, you should question what is is you are really looking for. Why do you feel the need to talk about everything with this person? Pause, think, and discuss it with an appropriate individual in a healthy and honest way.

If you have been closer to your friend than you think you should be, honor the bonds formed by their relationship commitments and remember your vows, if you are married.

Can I fix it?

Avoid further damage and start by apologizing for the emotional affair. Take ownership of any mistakes and move forward with integrity. It may not be fun to make the change, but you will be a better person for it.

Yes, your relationship may suffer initially. However, it may become stronger over time and, ultimately, be one built on trust and loyalty.