But We Never DID Anything - The Dangers of Emotional Affairs

We often define an affair as sexual relations with someone outside of the relationship. We look for rendezvous in hotels, lipstick on collars and misspoken names during peaks of intimacy. However, while physical affairs are certainly detrimental to relationships, emotional affairs are just as destructive.

Emotional affairs are connections with others outside of the relationship that should only be with our spouse or partner. Emotional affairs are intimate conversations, anticipations, levels of trust and expectations of satisfaction that should only be with and for our special someones. True, it is not sex, but too many moments of bearing your soul with that cute coworker or too many heart-to-heart conversations about your hopes and dreams can lead to feelings shifting from your current partner. Emotional affairs start harmless by "just talking" and often find their roots in difficult moments in your present relationship. Soon enough however, just talking can lead to lunches, drinks, dinners and possibly even physical contact.

Be careful in your emotional connections. When you feel that your partner is distant, talk about how connected you both still are. Resume talking like you once did when the courtship phase was in effect and save those special anticipations, levels of trust and expectations of satisfaction for the one you're with.