Many people have their own sets of rules for cheating or infidelity: different people perceive it differently. However, there are certain rules that have been universally set and are considered cheating. If you are confused about your own actions or your partner’s, don’t worry! We have got you covered.
Below is a list of the 7 most common types of cheating. Read on to find out whether your partner is cheating on you or not.
Emotional Affair
It is a common misconception that cheating only consists of physicality. However, there is an emotional aspect to cheating as well. An emotional affair refers to an emotional attraction/attachment with someone who is not your partner. In simple words, communicating to someone on an intimate level while you fail to do so with your partner is considered an emotional affair.
It is difficult to pin down an emotional affair as it is quite similar to a platonic friendship. Therefore, it is said that an emotional affair involved intimate information sharing as well as some amount of flirting.
Cyber Affair
Technology has taken over our lives completely, especially since the pandemic started. Cyber affairs have, thus, also witnessed growth over time. A cyber affair refers to an emotional connection developed online with someone other than your partner. Text message cheating belongs to the category of a cyber affair as well.
Since many people have internet friends, it may be difficult to come up with a definite definition for cyber affairs. Therefore, you should ask whether the internet relationship is being kept a secret, whether it involves attraction or flirting, whether there is a sexual undertone or not. Such questions can help you identify an affair.
Object Affair
Object affair has continued to be one of the most debatable affairs of all. In simple words, an object affair refers to an affair where the person gets obsessed with an object out of the relationship circle. While there is no harm in finding a hobby, an object affair is only considered valid when the obsession with an object starts hurting the relationship.
It may be that the object is slowly occupying the partner’s space in someone’s life and slowly creating a gap between the individuals. It is necessary to not confuse an object affair with being busy or having some personal space.
Physical Affair
A physical affair is one of the most common affairs there is; it is easy to identify as well. A physical affair is when a person is physically intimate with someone outside of their relationship. Even with physical affairs, there is some room for subjectivity left. For instance, many people consider sleeping on the same bed as cheating, while many do not.
To sum a physical affair up, most people refer to the context of physical actions to determine whether it is cheating or not. Any physical activity that involves the purpose of gaining a sexual experience is usually termed as a physical affair.
Micro-cheating
Micro-cheating is a very uncommon term and is usually never heard of. It is defined as a way via which people stay in the dating game without putting their current partners a risk. Many times, people micro-cheat without being aware of it. Experts define micro-cheating as developing a micro emotional attachment outside of a relationship.
Micro-cheating is also very subjective; therefore, it is essential that you discuss it with your partner. It is mostly done via texting or online platforms. Some of the things which are widely accepted as micro-cheating are:
- Playfully flirting with people outside your relationship.
- Still having a profile on dating apps or platforms.
- Flirting online via comments and messages.
Financial Cheating
Financial cheating is a type of cheating where partners lie to each other about their finances. Financial cheating is a matter that usually takes place between adults. Hiding your spending habits, making financial decisions without discussions, or any other such activity is classified as financial cheating.
Moreover, carrying out any financial habits that are destructive or harmful for the relationship despite knowing is also considered financial infidelity by many.
Flirting
One of the most debatable questions of all time has been: if flirting is cheating? The answer to the question is subjective, as some people do not mind the act of flirting while some do. According to a general census, it is believed that the intent of the person determines whether flirting is considered cheating or not.
If a partner is seen flirting because of being sexually/emotionally attracted to them, it is definitely cheating. On the other hand, there are certain boundaries that should not be crossed by anyone in a relationship, even while playfully flirting.
That was all! Now you know the most common forms of cheating. Since the topic of cheating is a slippery slope, it is recommended that you have conversations with your partner to determine what is considered cheating in your relationship.