what is an emotional affair? | estes therapy
DESCRIPTION
What is an emotional affair? Am I having an emotional affair? These are questions that may run through your mind when facing a situation in the relationship and figuring out the infidelity. This slide is about how to identify if you (or your partner) is having an emotional affair. Make sure to click on the link to read the full article about emotional affairs.TRANSCRIPT
What is Emotional Cheating
Can you cheat without being physically intimate?
The Relationship is Hidden
O The difference between a
friendship and an emotional
affair is that the relationship
is hidden, secretive, or out
of your partner’s view
O Examples: you step outside
to take a call, text when
your in the bathroom, or
delete your
messages/photos
Emotional and Mentally Consuming
O Thoughts and
emotions no longer
consist of your
partner
O It can make you feel
“alive” again
O It can give you
something to look
forward to
Emotional Reaching
O You no longer reach out for your partner,
you reach out for emotional comfort and
closeness with the other person
O The other person is your first person you
reach to for comfort
O Examples: exciting news, feeling worried
about work, or upset about a family
member
The HIGH
O This new relationship causes an emotional high and a new rush
O People can often times survive on less sleep
O The excitement and flirtation is emotionally and physically arousing
Flirtation
O Flirtation comes out more than with
anyone else
O Your mind gets consumed with flirty
comments and humor that you haven’t
had in awhile
O The fun flirty chats are new and exciting
Talking About Them
O You might catch yourself talking about
them more often
O Every topic seems to a have a relationship
with this “friend” of yours
The Held-Back Thoughts
O You hold back from sharing your thoughts
or interactions that you have had with this
person
O Something inside of you holds you back
from bringing them up in conversation
Crossing the Line
O This is when you share inappropriate or
intimate information
O You send intimate photos, sexting, or flirty
messages back and forth
Dreams
O You dream more about this person
O Dreams become more intimate (physical
or emotional)
Ditching Responsibility
O Affairs can cause
people to ditch work
or their
responsibilities to
spend more time with
that person
O Affairs can be
extremely distracting
Internal Justifying
O You justify your actions because at “least
your are not having sex”
O Flirting can often turn into a deeper
connection
Read the Full article here: What is
Emotional Cheating?
Need Help?
O Get more Relationship Advice: Relationships In The Raw
O If you are in San Diego, schedule a counseling appointment: Estes Therapy
By Jennine Estes MFC
Marriage and Family Therapist MFC#47653