The Different Types of Affairs

The Different Types of Affairs Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems Print 5 Common Types of Affairs By Sheri Stritof Sheri Stritof has written about marriage and relationships for 20 years. Shes the co-author of The Everything Great Marriage Book. Learn about our editorial policy Sheri Stritof Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD on February 01, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Carly Snyder, MD on February 01, 2020 Chris Fantauzzi / Getty Images More in Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems LGBTQ Violence and Abuse An affair is a romantic and emotionally intense sexual or emotional relationship with someone other than your spouse or partner. Generally, affairs do not last long (though there are exceptions) and occur between two people who are not married or otherwise committed to one another. Sex may or may not be involved in an affair, and cyber affairs can happen between two people who may never even meet one another. How Is an Affair Defined? Typically, an affair is considered a betrayal of trust. It has the ability to cause significant distress in relationships and there are many reasons why people cheat on their partners. Affairs are commonly referred to as adultery among married couples and infidelity among common-law spouses and committed partners. An affair can go by other names as well, depending on the type of affair involved. Infidelity can even happen with same-sex couples. Whats important to remember is that your definition of an affair is what matters most. Every person and every relationship is unique, and some couples may differ in the way they view this subject. Types of Affairs You might hear an affair being referred to as a love affair, an emotional affair, a fling, or extramarital relations. Some people simply call it being unfaithful or cheating as well. The most common types of affairs include: Romantic Affairs may be romantic, which is also referred to as an affair of the heart. These are sometimes in the form of sexual liaisons among unwed or wedded parties, though that is not always the case. It may also be considered some form or another of non-monogamy. Casual A casual relationship is a physical (and often emotional) relationship between two people who may engage in sexual relations. However, they often do so without the expectation of a more formalized romantic relationship. Emotional A platonic relationship may also be called a romantic affair as well. Termed an emotional affair, it is one that lacks sexual intimacy but has intense or enduring emotional intimacy. Emotional affairs can easily evolve into sexual affairs and be just as threatening to the primary relationship. Even when this type of an affair doesnt cross the line by becoming physical, the impact can be just as detrimental to a marriage, since the  intimacy  involved in emotional affairs can often have a degree of intensity thats deeper than a sexual affair. Cyber An online affair, or cyber affair, is one that occurs online. It may be anonymous; between individuals who may know basic information about one another, like their names, but have never met; or with someone the person knows in real life. Quite often, a cyber affair has emotional and/or sexual undertones, which is carried out via chat, webcam, email, text, and other forms of communication.?? The partners involved in a cyber affair may never meet in person, but the emotional connection and sensual nature of the affair can strain the committed relationships one or both participants are in. Sanctioned The term affair might also describe part of an agreement within an open marriage (or open relationship). With a sanctioned affair, a couple agrees upon which forms of sex are permitted with someone other than their primary partner and include swinging, dating, polyamory, and ménage à trois.?? An open marriage that works for both parties has to play by the rules that were agreed upon by both parties from the start, or else this type of affair can be just as damaging as the others. Considering the Risk of an Affair The one thing that all these types of affairs have in common is that they are very personal for all parties involved. They can complicate long-term relationships and often bring with them many emotions, both bad and good, depending on your position and perspective. Some people who are involved in an affair even find that its disappointing and not worth the emotional toll it takes on their feelings and their marriages. What to Do When an Affair Affects Your Relationship Just as in any personal relationship, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to dealing with an affair in a committed partnership or marriage. Sometimes it can break up a marriage, while other couples may be able to recover from infidelity and save their relationship through communication and professional help. Certain warning signs and actions may point to the fact that your partner may be having an affair, and there are ways to cope when your partner is unfaithful. If you had an affair and are struggling with consequences in your relationship, there are steps you can take to try to improve things with your partner. The 6 Best Online Marriage Counseling Programs of 2019