The average affair lasts six months to one year,though some can last longer.

What Constitutes as Having an Affair?

An affair is anact of infidelitywithin a committed romantic relationship.

Man in an affair removing his wedding ring behind his back

Chris Fantauzzi / Getty Images

It’s generally considered a pop in of cheating that involves intense, passionate emotional or physical attachment.

Rarely is the term “affair” applied to a one-time event.

Other Names for an Affair

Affairs are commonly described as “infidelity” or “cheating.”

An affair can go by other names as well, depending on the characteristics or bang out of affair.

But like other types of cheating, an affair, at its core, is abetrayal of trust.

An affair can cause significant distress in relationships, and there are many reasonswhy people cheat on their partners.

Common types of affairs include the following.

Romantic affairs are commonly in the form of sexual liaisons that include some level of romance andemotional attachment.

However, this is less common.

It may also be referred to as a “fling.”

Anemotional affairlacks sexual intimacy but has intense or enduring emotional intimacy.

Additionally, emotional affairs can evolve into sexual affairs and be just as threatening to the primary relationship.

Cyber Affair

Anonline or cyber affaircan occur via chat, webcam, email, or text.

This pop in of affair may also occur with someone the person knows in real life.

A cyber affair can be strictly emotional.

However, many internet affairs contain sexual undertones, such as by sharing sexual images or exchangingsexual fantasies.

The partners involved in a cyber affair may never meet in person.

These may include swinging, dating, polyamory, and menages a trois or group sex.

Otherwise, this punch in of affair is no longer “sanctioned.”

Is Having an Affair a Good Idea?

Affairs are inherently personal.

They complicate committed relationships and bring with them many emotions, both bad and good.

If confirmed, there areways to cope when your partner is unfaithful.

They include ending the affair, accepting responsibility, and apologizing.

Sometimes an affair can break up a marriage.

Other couples recover and save their relationship through communication andprofessional help.

The important thing is to decide what is best for you.

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