An emotional affair? How can you tell? When does it cross the line?
Cheaters are infamous for admitting to an emotional affair before or instead of a physical affair. Because pastors and others are poor at holding them accountable for their own actions, this opens the door for them to blame–essentially–the faithful spouse for such behavior.
But how do we know it is an emotional affair?
To begin, I would say a partner considering a physical affair is already in an emotional affair. They aren’t “forsaking all others” in their heart if this is a real consideration.
The temptation alone–which alone isn’t sin–ought to send off warning alarms to anyone truly committed to monogamy.
As someone once said, “Emotional affairs are just unconsummated physical affairs.” Just give it time and opportunity. Adults are sexual beings.
I would add that many a Cheater will refer to this person as “a friend.” But this is a misdirection move.
A simple friend is NOT someone we would consider having sexual relations with. They are something MORE than a friend.
And this isn’t just about sex.
I am also talking about intimacy. A person can share things with another that ONLY should be shared between spouses. A signal of this crossing the line is if one is uncomfortable with one’s spouse knowing about the conversation.
Another sign is if another person’s opinion suddenly becomes more important than your spouse’s. That shows one’s heart is attune to them and valuing them over one’s spouse.
