It seems that emotional affairs are on the upswing. We spend a lot of time with others outside our home, at work, the gym, or engaging in hobbies. We also easily connect with others on social media. Some platonic relationships can slowly morph into deep emotional friendships. When this person is attractive to you or sexual chemistry exists, you face a slippery slope pulling you away from your marriage.
What Is an Emotional Affair?
Emotional affairs can wreak havoc on your marriage as well as your family. You only have a certain amount of “emotional energy.” When you are not focusing this energy on your spouse, where might it be going?
Most emotional affairs and physical affairs start as benign friendships. There usually is no intention for these bonds to become anything more. Regardless, the line is thin between close friendships and emotional affairs. Furthermore, emotional affairs can also quickly lead to flirtation and sexual encounters.
Signs of an Emotional Affair
If you are not quite sure if you are having an emotional affair, here are nine signs that indicate you probably are:
Impact of Emotional Affairs
These types of affairs can seem like a vacation from your everyday life. You only get the best of this other person and they see the best of you. You do not see them “24/7” and learn about their bad habits and unattractive features. Your image of them is mostly based on fantasy and an idealized persona, which will certainly make this relationship very alluring.
If you think are having an emotional affair, it may be time to seriously evaluate the state of your marriage.
Even when such affairs do not cross the line by becoming physical, the impact can be just as damaging and puts your marriage in the danger zone. The intimacyinvolved in emotional affairs can frequently have a degree of intensity deeper than a sexual affair because you are more emotionally invested.
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