Types of Cheating in Marriage

Cheating can encompass more than just physical acts.

Finding out a spouse has cheated on you in a sexual manner can be a heart-wrenching experience. But there are other definitions of cheating that also can harm or test a marriage. In any relationship, and especially in a marriage, it is important that both parties agree about what they consider as cheating. This way, both spouses can understand what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

Sexual Acts

The most severe form of cheating is a sexual act. With this type of act, there is little room left for interpretation. It either happened or it didn't. A sexual act can take many forms, but each form involves sexual contact with someone outside of the marriage. This type of cheating may be a one-time event or a regular act. Because a sexual act is easily definable, cheating that involves sexual content is a recognized reason for a divorce.

Physical Acts

A physical act of cheating does not involve sexual contact, but it can involve an act that is physical in nature. This type of act could be kissing, inappropriate hugging or handholding. While these acts may not appear as egregious as sexual acts, they are a form of cheating and can be extremely hurtful to the other partner.

Flirting

There are two main kinds of flirting -- flirting that is harmless and flirting that has an ulterior motive behind it. Some men and women are naturally flirtatious, and when both partners know this -- and know that the flirting is harmless and would never go beyond simple comments -- there may be no problem. Harmful flirting, however, can take place when one partner makes suggestive comments to someone outside of the marriage.

Strip Clubs

Some people find strip clubs perfectly harmless; others consider this form of entertainment as a form of cheating. If a man or woman frequents a strip club after telling her spouse about going, this act may be seen as aboveboard and honest. Perhaps you are pressured into visiting a strip club as part of a bachelor party or with colleagues from work. If this is the case, your spouse may not exactly approve, but may accept it. If you're visiting a strip club without telling your spouse, however, and are going with the goal of engaging contact with a stripper, this can be considered a form of cheating.

Emotional Cheating

When a man or woman confides in a friend of the same sex, it may be seen as no big deal. But when either partner confides in a member of the opposite sex, the other partner may take offense. The term that is often used to describe this situation is emotional cheating. For many people, a marriage is based around a physical and emotional connection. When one partner betrays that emotional connection, even if it is done unintentionally, the other partner may be hurt.

References

• The Soko: 7 Types of Cheating
• Your Tango: 4 Types of Infidelity