Mike Tucker: Online Affairs
Published: Fri, 12/14/12
Is an online relationship cheating if there isn't
anything sexually inappropriate happening?
Suppose the two people never meet - never
do anything that would make grandma blush,
but they spend a LOT of time together online.
What then?
And what if without even really realizing it,
they become emotionally attached?
Is it cheating?
Yes.
There's more than one way to be unfaithful, and
becoming emotionally attached to someone other
than our spouse is one of them.
The Internet is a wonderful technology that allows
us to connect instantly with anyone anywhere in
the world.
Getting back in touch with long-lost friends is great!
Beginning new friendships with people is
anything sexually inappropriate happening?
Suppose the two people never meet - never
do anything that would make grandma blush,
but they spend a LOT of time together online.
What then?
And what if without even really realizing it,
they become emotionally attached?
Is it cheating?
Yes.
There's more than one way to be unfaithful, and
becoming emotionally attached to someone other
than our spouse is one of them.
The Internet is a wonderful technology that allows
us to connect instantly with anyone anywhere in
the world.
Getting back in touch with long-lost friends is great!
Beginning new friendships with people is
totally awesome, too.
But I think many people are unaware that they
are flirting with danger because of how easy
But I think many people are unaware that they
are flirting with danger because of how easy
the Internet makes it to become emotionally
attached to another person - without even really
realizing that it's happening at first.
What about you? Do you have any online
relationships with people of the opposite sex?
I'm sure you do - we all do.
But in thinking about those relationships, do
any of them stand out, if so, why?
Are you spending considerably more time with
a certain person online than with others?
And are you spending more time with your online
"friend' than with your spouse? Do you feel closer,
safer, and enjoy a stronger emotional connection?
If so, then this is something you really need to
What about you? Do you have any online
relationships with people of the opposite sex?
I'm sure you do - we all do.
But in thinking about those relationships, do
any of them stand out, if so, why?
Are you spending considerably more time with
a certain person online than with others?
And are you spending more time with your online
"friend' than with your spouse? Do you feel closer,
safer, and enjoy a stronger emotional connection?
If so, then this is something you really need to
address before it ruins your marriage because I
can promise you that it is already taking a toll on
your relationship with your spouse.
My advice is to end that relationship just as one
would in the case of a sexual affair.
There is a certain kind of emotional attachment
that is exclusive to a husband and wife.
Our spouse should be our best friend - the
go-to person in our life for comfort, strength,
courage, playfulness, and for our sexual and
emotional fulfillment, too.
If that doesn't describe you and your spouse -
if you've identified a safe haven outside of your
marriage online - then your relationship is either
in trouble or will be soon.
Just something to think about about this week.
Until next time, this is Mike & Gayle Tucker,
and we're mad about marriage!
P.S - Here's the link to a post I wrote about this
very thing today over at the blog: