Cheating in Relationships

In today's society, emotionally involved couples tend to expect sexual monogamy of each other. However, given the various titles given to relationships--marriage, engagement, exclusive dating, open dating--the "definition" of cheating varies from person to person. Therefore, it is important that you and your partner communicate to one another what your boundaries are, and what you believe constitutes cheating in your personal relationship. For example, many couples define cheating as having sex outside of the relationship while others would include other restrictions in their personal definition.

Although relationships and marriages have been destroyed by cheating, many of these relationships could have been salvaged if both parties openly shared their thoughts, feelings, concerns, and desires. Remember that a relationship takes equal amounts of effort from both individuals, and that the goals of both partners should be established from the start.

Learning that someone you trust is cheating on you can cause extreme emotional damage. If your feelings for your partner are fading, or you think you may be interested in seeing someone else, you should tell your significant other. Although it is difficult to do, it is better to be open with your partner about your feelings than to hurt them immensely by cheating. Being in a relationship requires that you not only look out for your own well-being, but your partner's as well.