Types of Infidelity

Object Infidelity: An object affair can be described as obsessively pursuing an outside interest. In this pursuit, you are neglecting your own relationship and becoming consumed with that interest and they are your “top priority” in all areas of one’s life. Even eating and sleeping take a back seat and one’s once balanced life is now out of balance leading to relationship chaos. In a secure relationship, a partner chooses interests that are enjoyed by both partners. It is key to remember that the interest should bring the couple closer and not infringe on the relationship negatively.

Internet/social media Infidelity: Cyber infidelity occurs online. It is when you participate in the acts of sexting, texting, chatting, or video chatting with a sexual context, without the awareness of your partner. Participating in internet/social media activities with one’s partner can be beneficial to a relationship. For example; sexting can start foreplay and establish a feeling of connectedness with spice.

Emotional Infidelity: Emotional infidelity occurs when one partner becomes emotionally attached to someone other than their partner. Emotional infidelity is when one partner is connected to another person in a way that should be reserved only for that special person. A partner spends an unbalanced amount of time communicating with someone about personal matters and providing an intimate door into their life. Having an intimate tie to another person other than your partner takes energy and attention away from establishing an emotional connection that divides one’s current relationship and leads to emotional infidelity. Remember that sharing problems, issues, life dreams, and goals with someone are essential in a successful relationship as it encourages vulnerability and fosters a strong partnership. That’s why such experiences are often reserved for a committed relationship.

Sexual Infidelity: Sexual infidelity is when one has sexual relations or intercourse outside the relationship. In sexual infidelity, emotional attachment isn’t present it’s purely physical. Examples may be one-night stands or hiring a prostitute. In a committed relationship where monogamy and sexual exclusivity are agreed upon this creates a space to build trust and foster a safe place for each partner to be vulnerable.

Financial Infidelity: Is the secretive act of spending money, possessing credit and credit cards, holding secret accounts or stashes of money, borrowing money, or otherwise incurring debt unknown or unwilling to one's partner.