Infidelity doesn’t have to include sex. A non-sexual relationship can still be intense, emotional, and still be considered infidelity. This can make emotional infidelity just as addicting as a physical affair.

One way that this occurs is when you confide with the other person personal issues that are intimate for you. These are the kinds of emotions that you would normally share with your partner. However, instead, you disclose them to whomever you are having an affair. Normally talking about these emotions would bring you closer to your partner, but instead, you are drawn closer to the person you are having an emotional affair.

Another way emotional infidelity occurs is when you talk about problems that you and your partner are having in your marriage. These are issues that should really be discussed with your partner, or with a therapist. Ideally, it should be both within the context of couples counseling.

When you have these intimate conversations you feel understood by the other person.  This again creates a stronger connection with this person and weakens the one with your partner.  In fact, chemicals such as oxytocin are released which help to further cement that connection.

Something to watch out for if you are slipping into an emotional affair is that you hide what you are doing from your partner. You don’t tell them who you are spending time with. You also make excuses to duck out of planned activities with your partner or your family, or both. Also, you hide any evidence of what you are doing so that your partner doesn’t find out.

Have you caught yourself thinking or even fantasizing about your interest when they are not around? Or, have you ever given or received a gift from them that is personal in nature? Do you both make plans to be alone together? These are big warning signs that you are committing emotional infidelity.

Want to learn more? Read the full post here:  12 Warning Signs That It’s Emotional Infidelity-And Not ‘Just Friendship.’