Physical vs. Emotional Affairs

When most people think of affairs, they visualize fiery passion, secrecy, and the adrenaline-pumping effects of sneaking around and lying. While this can be true in some cases, such as physical affairs, there is also another type of affair—emotional infidelity.

At the altar, people usually are not imagining an affair or picturing themselves confronting their spouse about cheating. However, some statistics show that about a quarter of married men and 14% of married women participate in an extramarital affair—physical or otherwise.

Physical Affairs

Physical affairs are exactly what they imply—infidelity that involves having sexual relations with a person outside of your marriage. According to your own definition of cheating, this may only apply to sexual intercourse itself, but some people believe that even long, sensuous hugs count as physical affairs.

Excuses for physical affairs include sexual addiction, the spouse withholding sex, accidental seduction, etc.

Emotional Affairs

The lesser-known type of affairs, emotional affairs are not necessarily physical at all. With these affairs, the cheating spouse begins to turn to another man or woman with his or her problems and other things that a person should discuss with a spouse instead. Emotional affairs can start as platonic friendships that grow and grow until the emotional intimacy of a marriage is not actually shared within the union.

Although some people do not consider this type of relationship to be an affair, let it be known that about half of these affairs do turn into physical affairs, according to some estimates.

Contact Us

Affairs, physical or emotional, are hurtful and damaging, and can even lead to the complete destruction of a marriage. If your spouse has been unfaithful to you and you are considering a divorce, you should seek expert legal counsel to help you get out of this relationship.

For more information on affairs and other divorce-related topics, contact the Frisco divorce lawyers of Alexander & Associates today at 972-420-6570.