One of the most damaging occurrences that can take place in one’s marriage is an emotional affair. It is a tricky topic and can be confusing to many as to whether or not it really is “cheating”. Let’s take a look today at just how emotional affairs and marriage do not mix.

1. Emotional Affairs and Marriage - Why Emotional Affairs Are So
Dangerous to a Marriage
http://www.saving-relationships.com
One of the most damaging occurrences that can take place in one’s marriage
is an emotional affair. It is a tricky topic and can be confusing to many as to
whether or not it really is “cheating”. Let’s take a look today at just how
emotional affairs and marriage do not mix.

2. It is not uncommon for your spouse to have a friend of the opposite sex with whom
they share a close bond. Often your spouse may have had this friend before you and
they met. You may not particularly like the idea, because of the potential of it leading
to something more, but you may or may not have accepted it.

3. It is not uncommon for your spouse to have a friend of the opposite sex with whom
they share a close bond. Often your spouse may have had this friend before you and
they met. You may not particularly like the idea, because of the potential of it leading
to something more, but you may or may not have accepted it.
But perhaps your spouse has developed this type of relationship with someone since
you were married. A co-worker or someone they see at the gym regularly. In today’s
day and age with technology, you find they spend a great deal of time chatting or
texting with this person. You may be finding yourself having thoughts you may not
normally have about your spouse. Indeed, you may be having doubts as to what their
intentions are for this relationship.

4. It is not uncommon for your spouse to have a friend of the opposite sex with whom
they share a close bond. Often your spouse may have had this friend before you and
they met. You may not particularly like the idea, because of the potential of it leading
to something more, but you may or may not have accepted it.
But perhaps your spouse has developed this type of relationship with someone since
you were married. A co-worker or someone they see at the gym regularly. In today’s
day and age with technology, you find they spend a great deal of time chatting or
texting with this person. You may be finding yourself having thoughts you may not
normally have about your spouse. Indeed, you may be having doubts as to what their
intentions are for this relationship.
If you find yourself in this situation, you may be experiencing a common, and normal,
reaction and asking yourself, “why is he or she not pulling closer to me?” Or perhaps
you are wondering, “Is talking all that they are doing?”

5. The reason you are feeling this way is that your spouse is expending emotional energy
with a person that isn’t you. They are building an intimate connection with a person
outside of your relationship, and naturally you feel like that connection should be built
with you. They may not yet have a physical relationship, but if your spouse has built
an intimate connection with this person, then more than likely they are currently
having an emotional affair.

6. The reason you are feeling this way is that your spouse is expending emotional energy
with a person that isn’t you. They are building an intimate connection with a person
outside of your relationship, and naturally you feel like that connection should be built
with you. They may not yet have a physical relationship, but if your spouse has built
an intimate connection with this person, then more than likely they are currently
having an emotional affair.
The Damage Emotional Affairs Cause to a Marriage
When an emotional affair occurs between your spouse and someone else, the
intimacy that exists between you and them starts to erode. The affection that should
be directed to you is instead directed to their friend. They may be sharing their
deepest and innermost feelings, and this forms a strong emotional connection.

7. This also means they are probably not sharing these things with you, the person that
they have pledged their life to. This can cause the foundation of your marriage to
become damaged. Even if the relationship has not become physical, it is indeed a form
of cheating.

8. This also means they are probably not sharing these things with you, the person that
they have pledged their life to. This can cause the foundation of your marriage to
become damaged. Even if the relationship has not become physical, it is indeed a form
of cheating.
Often times, couples will argue extensively over whether or not this relationship is
appropriate or is indeed cheating. If find yourself in this situation, a common
trademark of an emotional relationship is a lack of openness or transparency. Do they
hide their screen when they chat online? Do they only talk or chat on the phone in
private? These are telltale signs of an inappropriate emotional relationship.

9. Getting the Emotional Connection Back Where it Belongs
So what do you do to get your spouse to turn their attention back to you and not to
someone else? To indeed intercept things before they do indeed turn physical. First,
your spouse needs to own up to the fact that they are in fact involved in an
inappropriate emotional relationship with a member of the opposite sex outside of
your marriage. They may not even realize it has crossed a boundary, but the two of
you need to discuss it open and honestly.

10. 1. Rebuilding Your Own Emotional Connection
To rebuild your own emotional connection, you need to first do an analysis of your
relationship with your spouse. Has there been a breakdown in communication
between the two of you? Are there signs of neglect to one another? When is the
last time that you said something to each other that made you or them feel
special? Whatever the answers are, it is time to put forth the effort to rebuild your
emotional bond.

11. 2. Assess All of Your Communication
There are two types of communication that exist in a relationship: verbal and non
verbal. In order to have a full and completely intimate relationship, you need to have
both.
Verbal communication is easy…you talk to each other in a supportive and positive
manner. Non-verbal is spending time together. It’s those little things you do when
you are together, such as holding hands, touching each other, special looks shared
together.

12. 2. Assess All of Your Communication
There are two types of communication that exist in a relationship: verbal and non
verbal. In order to have a full and completely intimate relationship, you need to have
both.
Verbal communication is easy…you talk to each other in a supportive and positive
manner. Non-verbal is spending time together. It’s those little things you do when
you are together, such as holding hands, touching each other, special looks shared
together.
Make a commitment to strengthen both types of communication with each other. In
most cases, it is simply a matter of setting aside more time for each other. Make
time each night to spend time together instead of watching TV in separate rooms.
Set a weekly date night. Go grocery shopping together.

13. 3. Be Persistent
Communication tends to take time to break down, very much like erosion.
Conversely, you may find that it takes time for your communication with each other
to improve. Be persistent and stay the course. Your marriage and relationship could
be at stake.

14. 3. Be Persistent
Communication tends to take time to break down, very much like erosion.
Conversely, you may find that it takes time for your communication with each other
to improve. Be persistent and stay the course. Your marriage and relationship could
be at stake.
You will probably find that you need to do things differently. Perhaps in the morning,
instead of just grunting good morning without looking up from your laptop, get up
and give your spouse a hug to say good morning. Look them in the eye and start
the day off on a positive note.
Changes in habits that have developed over time can be difficult and will often feel
awkward, but you will find that by staying persistent and determined, you and
your spouse will begin to develop that emotional bound that you shared when the
two of you took your vows in the first place.

15. These are just a few quick suggestions to help you through emotional affairs and
marriage. Whether you are experiencing a cheating spouse or are afraid that it could
occur, to restore the trust and save your marriage from divorce I strongly recommend
for you to download the 7-Part Survive an Affair course from Dr. Frank Gunzburg. Click
here now for instant access.
Taylor Ranidae is passionate about love and relationships and writes
articles focusing on helping people save their relationships and marriages.
Her articles are a must read for anyone who is looking to either salvage or
further enhance their relationship.