How To

How to Avoid Emotional Cheating

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(6 Ratings)

With today's divorce rate climbing higher and higher, couples are desperate to figure out how to make their marriage work. With the mortgage, the kids, your job and the general stress of life, it's easy to see how people can grow apart. One of the first things that deteriorates the marriage is usually not the physical act of cheating but "emotional cheating." Here's how to help avoid it!

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Know yourself. What are your faults? What are the things that will put you in a situation where you suddenly find yourself attracted to another person? You should avoid those situations. While the instant chemical reaction of "attraction" is impossible to stop, giving yourself the opportunity to act on it is like holding a steak in front of a hungry animal--it's hard to resist. There are obvious places to stay out of if you feel you are susceptible to these feelings. Strip clubs, singles bars, places that are known for "picking-up" people. If you still enjoy going to those places, then truthfully you shouldn't be in a relationship. Either the other person isn't right for you or you are not emotionally mature for a relationship. Take stock of yourself and stay out of those places where you will feel tempted.

  2. Step 2

    When you are having conversations with people you find in the slightest bit attractive, keep it professional. Obviously we will all meet attractive people in our lives, but that doesn't mean you need to fish for intimate details. Keep the conversation to the task you must accomplish at hand. This is especially true at work. Many a sexual harassment suit starts with well intentioned flirting. However, if it goes too far, is taken the wrong way or even seen by others in the office, you could find yourself in hot water personally and professionally. That's why it is best to keep conversation at a polite minimum with people with whom you'd otherwise be interested in.

  3. Step 3

    Diagnose the problem. If you find yourself beginning to emotionally cheat, that means that there is obviously a problem within your relationship. That problem could be you or it could be them. But until you take the time to really be blunt with yourself and answer the question of "what's wrong," you will not be able to avoid emotional cheating. Many people seek refuge outside of their relationship because it's easier and more fun to create something new, than work at something old. But the test of a great relationship is working through those issues.

  4. Step 4

    Focus on your partner. Focus on the person who you've committed to. There's a reason you're together. After you've answered the question of what you think is going wrong, it's time to sit down with your partner and have an honest conversation. Truth be told, the other person will probably know something is "wrong," but they themselves might be too afraid to speak-up. Go to a romantic place, focus on each other, and takes turns listening and responding to each other's needs. Be open to suggestions. This is not about anger, this is about answers.

  5. Step 5

    Have sex. Seriously, a lot of sex. Have raw, passionate sex. Physical intimacy is a great way for the two of you to rediscover each other. After you've begun the road to recovery with your emotional problems, and you are both beginning to solve the problem, having sex is a great way to rekindle the fire. Congratulations, you have just learned some tips on how to avoid emotional cheating!

Tips & Warnings
  • Go to counseling. There is no shame. Whatever gets the two of you to become intimate again is the right answer. Go to counseling and seek their professional advice. They can be an objective third party and help prescribe a solution path for your problems!

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