Cheating in a Relationship: How to Define What Cheating is?
Being in love is the strongest emotion – it’s debatable, really! Ask somebody who’s been cheated upon in a relationship, and they’ll tell you how overpowering and strong those emotions of hopelessness and betrayal are.
The very fact that you’ve even considered this guide is that you’re scared, confused, in denial, or in need of urgent help. Whatever it is, this guide on what is considered cheating in a relationship will clear all your doubts.
Dive in to figure out if your partner is cheating in a relationship and whether sexual contact is the only form of adultery!
So, What is Considered Cheating in a Relationship?
The definition of cheating in a relationship is different for different people – This statement itself should make it obvious that there are different situations that can be considered as cheating or betrayal.
Let’s figure things out based on how the psychology of different minds work.
- Having sex with anybody else besides your partner – This is definitely considered cheating in a relationship.
- Getting intimate with somebody else, but not having sex – Hugging somebody when driven by lust or taking it a step higher by indulging in a kiss also mean that you’re being unfaithful. Thus, having sex with somebody besides your partner is not the only form of cheating. Making any sort of intimate physical contact is also cheating.
- Emotional bonding that’s too deep – Whilst all of us are emotionally bonded to our friends, when one specific person becomes more important than your partner, that’s also cheating. So, yes, emotional cheating is also traumatic.
- Keeping Secrets out of Guilt – Had you not felt it was wrong, you wouldn’t have hidden it. It could have been a moment of weakness and even a passionate chat. If it’s making you guilty and you’re hiding it from your partner, it’s another form of cheating in a relationship.
- Texting, meeting, or calling somebody secretly – If it’s just friendship, you don’t have to do it secretly. But if you are doing it and you have no intentions of telling it to your partner, that’s also a form of infidelity.
To put it simply, anything you do that you know will emotionally hurt your partner and will damage (even end) your relationship is certainly considered cheating in a relationship.
Is sexting cheating if you are in a relationship?
Sexting can be the thin line: after all, you’re neither having sex with anyone nor making any other sort of physical intimacy with somebody. Besides, you might not be emotionally attached to this person either.
Still, sexting, for many people, is indeed considered cheating. In fact, even flirting can be classified as a form of cheating.
What’s cheating in an open relationship?
There are always two sides to a coin. And, in the case of relationships where having sex with somebody else is not considered as cheating are open relationships.
However, for couples in an open relationship, cheating can have a different definition. Let’s find out those factors!
- Making an emotional relationship with somebody you’re also having sex with aside from your partner can be a deal breaker for your partner.
- Sexting without the knowledge of your partner can be classified as cheating in an open relationship.
- Buying gifts for somebody else is definitely cheating.
- Going on dates or courting somebody besides your partner is another form of cheating in an open relationship.
3 Ways to Ensure You’re not Cheated Upon – How to Draw a Line?
Miscommunication is usually the seed that gives birth to cheating. How?
Well, something that’s cheating according to you might not be the definition of cheating in a relationship for your partner.
If the other person isn’t even aware of the fact that a gesture like flirting is cheating in your dictionary, the chances of hurting each other will be much higher.
In order to draw a line, you and your partner should know what that line is. And the only way to identify that line is by talking to each other.
Here’s a point-by-point list on how to identify and draw a line that both of you shouldn’t cross.
- Communicate – Don’t hold back from having this discussion with your partner no matter how intense it gets. Clearly disclose the things that can emotionally hurt you. Tell your partner that even flirting with somebody is cheating according to you.
- Don’t be a hypocrite – If according to you flirting is cheating and unforgivable, then that should imply to the both of you, not just for your partner. If it’s ok for you to flirt, then you can’t say that it’s cheating if your partner does the same. Be fair so that faith prevails. Period!
- Don’t say yes if you don’t agree to it – While you’re having a discussion, if there’s something that your partner says isn’t cheating according to them, don’t accept it as long as you’re convinced. It can be misleading if you agree but deep down you know it will hurt you.
What to Do if Your Partner Has Cheated on You?
The fact that many youngsters grow up to repel love gives an idea that cheating in a relationship isn’t as uncommon as you might think. In fact, even the rising rate of divorce indicates that adultery isn’t uncommon either.
It means, if you’ve been cheated upon, you’re not the only heartbroken person.
There are 3 things that you can do:
- Forgive your partner.
- Leave your partner.
- Take revenge and cheat on your partner to balance the scales.
Although what you do is always a personal choice, breaking up is considered to be the most practical choice.
You ask us Why? Well, the answers are as follows:
- Seeking revenge can make you further toxic. It might give just temporary satisfaction. Later on, it might make you hate yourself.
- If your partner has cheated on you once, he/she has the capacity to do it the second time, and the third, and so on!
The only thing that you should not do if someone has cheated on you is to harm yourself. Torturing yourself physically or going on a self-destructive spree will cause you more pain.
Concluding Thoughts:
Cheating in a relationship can’t be defined as a specific set of rules. It varies and has a different meaning for different people. It’s all about what the both of you are and aren’t comfortable with.
For some people, even flirting is a deal-breaker, for some others, even having sex with somebody else might not be that big a deal.
Bear in mind, the only way to not get hurt and not hurt your partner is to discuss the matter of what cheating in a relationship means to you. As long as both of you are on the same page, you will not feel betrayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is considered cheating in a relationship?
In a relationship, what constitutes cheating? In a nutshell, cheating is being emotionally or sexually disloyal to your monogamous partner. Cheating is commonly defined as being sexually or emotionally acquainted with another individual.
2. Is cheating in a relationship normal?
Cheating is a pretty typical occurrence…. Even those who haven’t been unfaithful have considered it: 41% of males admit to considering cheating on their relationships, compared to 28% of women.
3. Why do people cheat in relationships?
An examination showed eight major factors: anger, low self-esteem, lack of love, low commitment, a desire for diversity, neglect, sexual desire, and setting or circumstance. When people cheated out of want, lack of affection, or a desire for diversity, they reported feeling more sexually fulfilled.
4. What are the benefits of cheating?
When a student cheats, they are more likely to get better grades than when they do not. When compared to pupils who do not cheat, cheating students will receive higher grades. Students are exposed to situations that do not tolerate failure.
5. Is flirting cheating?
What does it take to be a cheater? Cheating is defined by most individuals as any behaviour that expresses romantic interest, either emotionally or physically. Flirting is considered infidelity in general since it goes beyond innocuous banter and might lead to additional amorous behaviours or partnerships.