Is emotional infidelity cheating?

We normally think of infidelity as intimate or sexual contact between one of the members of the couple and a third party. However, lately The concept of traditional infidelity is being redefined to encompass other types of manifestations. categorized as emotional deception.

This does not necessarily imply contact on a physical level. But, in the same way, constitutes a violation of trust, and the implicit or explicit contract that exists in all couples. Of course, as long as they are established as closed and committed relationships.

What is emotional deception?

Emotional deception is defined as any bond that occurs through feeling or thought, even if intimate contact does not occur. Thus, it would encompass situations such as fantasizing about a person other than your partner, or thinking about consummating relationships with them. But it would also define actions that involve communication and the exchange of feelings with a third party.

With the impressive technological development that we have experienced in recent decades, our customs have changed. Thus emerging opportunities and possibilities that were not contemplated before. Thus, The idea of ​​deception or infidelity has expanded, making room for contemporary behaviors such as:

Exchange intimate messages with someone via mobile.Meeting a person through the Internet. Maintaining a close and intimate relationship through any available non-physical source. Viewing pornographic material through any medium or device.

What is the cause of emotional infidelity?

Obviously, each particular case is different and has its own characteristics. However, in any case, these are damaged or deteriorated relationships. Couples who, to a greater or lesser extent, present deficiencies in some area of ​​their relationship. A healthy relationship would hardly be involved in emotional deception, since in it communication and respect are fundamental and well-consolidated pillars.

That said, one of the most common causes that lead one of the members of the couple to commit emotional deception is the desire for evasion. When the relationship becomes routine or conflictive, when affection, intimacy and complicity are lacking between both members, one of them can resort to this strategy to alleviate the dissatisfaction they feel.

A curious fact is that, generally, Those who carry out emotional deception do not have the intention of ending their relationship.. What’s more, in many cases they will consider that they are not committing infidelity since there is no physical contact with this third party.

It is likely that they will hide behind this fact to justify an act that, clearly, incurs a lack of respect for the person with whom they share their life. However, Emotional deception can be the first step for infidelity to move to the physical levelgiven the close bond that is created between the two.

How is traditional cheating different from emotional infidelity?

The main difference lies in the absence of physical contact that occurs in emotional deception. While traditional infidelity involved the consummation of a relationship between two people who were in the “real world,” in this case it is even possible that both do not know each other personally.

Many times Emotional deception is carried out through electronic devices such as the computer or mobile phone. And it is usually based on an exchange of opinions, feelings or support. Even when a certain intimate tone, with sexual connotations, is involved, people do not really establish direct physical contact. Normally this occurs through phone sex or video call.

Nonetheless, Communication with this third party usually involves flirting, seduction and flattery. The unfaithful person gives their attention and interest to someone who is not their partner, and establishes an important bond with them. Even if this is restricted to the emotional level.

Thus, The commitment established with the couple is being violated and the bond of trust that should be shared is being disrespected.. When emotional infidelity occurs, it will be important to review the relationship and do an exercise in sincerity, both with ourselves and with our partner. Discover what the deficiencies are that have caused the deception and decide if you want to repair the relationship or end the relationship.

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