When a person in a committed relationship forms a deep emotional connection with a third party, they are engaging in an emotional affair. This connection does not involve sexual contact or any type of physical intimacy , this is an emotional relationship, whereby two people share their emotions, thoughts, and support with each other. Elements of emotional infidelity include an emotional connection
What Is Emotional Infidelity? (Plain Language Explanation)
Emotional Infidelity refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Emotional Infidelity
- Symptoms: The specific ways emotional infidelity shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen emotional infidelity
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When emotional infidelity occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Emotional Infidelity
- Emotional Infidelity is far more common than most people realize
- Emotional Infidelity is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with emotional infidelity see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about emotional infidelity is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing emotional infidelity, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.