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Relationships

How to Know If You Are Having An "Emotional Affair"

Chiara Bradshaw
· · Updated Jan 16, 2026 · 2 min read
Just because you are married or in a serious relationship doesn't necessarily mean you are immune to having a close meaningful friendship.

But if that friendship is with someone of the opposite sex it can feel more like an intimate companionship and can evolve into an "emotional affair".

 

How To Know If You Are Having An "emotional Affair"

Emotional Affair

 

1. Here Are Some "red Flag" Signals That Show When That Relationship İs Leaving The "just Friends" And Veering Off İnto Something Else

 

2. If You Keep Saying "we're Just Friends" That Usually Means You Are Already Rationalizing Something You Know İs Wrong

If you find yourself daydreaming about him or her chances are the red flag is already raised. You probably don't daydream about your other friends quite like this.

 

3. If You Feel Excited Or Your Heart Starts To Race When You Get Ready To See This Person Then You Are Headed For Trouble

If they are the first person you want to share your news with then chances are this person has become your primary emotional confidant.

 

4. If You Find Yourself Sharing İntimate Emotions Especially İf You Are Sharing Problems Within Your Marriage (or Your Relationship)

Then chances are you are having an "emotional affair" especially if you think this person understands you better than your spouse.

 

5. Before You Think An "emotional Affair" İs Harmless İt Usually İsn't

With an emotional affair a person can feel closer to the other party but at some point may experience increasing sexual tension.

 

6. With A "sexual Affair" A Person Makes A Conscious Decision Whether Or Not To Cheat

But with an "emotional affair" boundaries often get blurred. It's definitely not a conscious decision and it's often hard to tell exactly when the lines have been crossed.

 

7. The İnternet Offers So Much Accessibility These Days To "emotional Affairs"

It's so easy to rekindle old friendships by finding prior boyfriends (or girlfriends)or your first true love. What often starts off as an innocent friendship can easily turn into an "emotional affair" which puts your marriage (or relationship) in jeopardy.

 

You Might Also Like :: How to Prevent Your Man From Cheating

 

Written by

Chiara Bradshaw

Chiara Bradshaw has been writing for a variety of professional, educational and entertainment publications for more than 12 years. Chiara holds a Bachelor of Arts in art therapy and behavioral science from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee.

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