An emotional affair generally starts innocently enough as a friendship.

Emotional affairs can also act as gatewayaffairs, eventually leading to emotional and sexual infidelity.

What Is Emotional Cheating?

signs of an emotional affair

Verywell / Jessica Olah

Emotional cheating is opening a door that should remain closed.

Another key difference is that people involved in emotional cheating often feel a sexual attraction to one another.

Sometimes the sexual attraction is acknowledged, and sometimes it isn’t.

When examined collectively, these actions can readily be perceived as leading to overt cheating in the future."

Warning Signs of Emotional Cheating

How can you tell if something counts as emotional cheating?

Emotional affairs commonly develop over time progressing toward deeper and deeper emotional investment and intimacy.

And he is not alone.

But others call this approach problematic.

The reality is that it takes both partners in a relationship to guard against emotional infidelity.

If you or your partner are involved in an emotional affair, consider talking to a couples therapist.

They can help you discuss your concerns and improve your communication as a couple.

Protecting yourself from emotional cheating doesn’t have to mean cutting yourself off from your friendships.

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