Is it possible to have an emotional affair?

say you're a husband who is seeing another woman but you're just talking.. No sex involved. Is that considered cheating?

YES. You can't get close emotionally with other women. 22
No, if you're just talking, there's nothing wrong 8
As long as your wife knows about it and is okay with it 27
You want to have sex with her. Just admit it. 14
Other (Add a comment) 3
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Comments ( 12 )
  • If you love someone else but haven't physically cheated then I would say it's still classed as cheating. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't love supposedto be more than just what you do physicaly?

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    • florencexo

      I agree. I find the thought of my boyfriend cheating on me physically revolting, id be pissed. But when I think of him feeling more comfortable with someone else, laughing more with someone else, sharing more with someone else and connecting more with someone else.... it hurts me in a different way... and a worse way.

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  • howaminotmyself

    If you. Think you are having an emotional affair, you probably are. There is nothing wrong with having close friends as love comes in many forms. But you shouldn't keep these relationships a secret from your partner. No good will come of that. If the other person offers you something that your wife doesn't, you should probably discuss the issue with her. She may not be okay with you discussing some issues with someone who isn't her. It all depends on how positive the experience is for you as a whole...and as a part of something else. Does this relationship benefit your wife in any way?

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  • Emotional intimacy + no sex = friendship.

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  • BlueAlice

    To be honest, I think affairs usually help make a relationship work for the better. HOWEVER, there are exceptions and it's important to communicate how you feel with your wife as much as you possibly can.

    There has to be a reason that you're doing it, OP: Are you bored with your relationship/job? Do you feel like all you've done is what society considers it acceptable for someone of your demographic/age/gender to do? Do you feel taken for granted/unappreciated by your wife? Are you looking for a space away from your wife? Or are you just hoping to make a friend and nothing more? Or could it even be something else?

    I think that's what you need to ask yourself before you do anything else.

    The answer to that question might hold some influence as to the possibility of an emotional affair (minus anything sexual).

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    • Thanks, that actually helps a great deal

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  • theincrediblemachine

    I can tell you, sex or no sex the emotional tie to another woman is going to hurt your wife. I have been through that and believe me, she is going to be hurt and your marriage will suffer. If you spend more time, or share intimate details of your life, or do things with her that you do not with your wife you are going to destroy your marriage. You marriage STARTED with an emotional affair of sorts. You need the emotional attachment to be there before the sex, and before the i do's.
    Think about it.

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  • Angel_in_a_Glass_Dress

    If you're investing your emotional energy into someone besides your partner that is cheating.

    even if you're not kissing or sleeping with them.

    not to mention it's pretty selfish

    why don't you invest that energy into the person you vowed to love instead?

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  • niniozo

    i guess having a crush on another women is sometimes inevitable, but the important thing is that you never act on it, unless you can honestly say you love them more than your wife.

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  • NothingxCrazy

    It really does depend.. there's a difference between just talking and being friends.. and flirting but not having sex.. I consider flirting the stepping stone to having sex for most men and women.

    But if they're really just shooting the shit, then it's perfectly fine. Especially if the wife is well informed.

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  • dappled

    Depends, doesn't it? Men are usually most hurt when their partner sleeps with someone else. Women more when their partner has feelings for, or professes to love, someone else.

    So I guess your perspective depends on your gender. Either way, don't expect it to be the same as your wife's.

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  • Neophilia

    Well what kind of talk was it? If it was just normal talking, then its okay. If it's flirting then I guess that's cheating. If its sex talk (talking dirty) then it's cheating

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