Do you find yourself in a confusing situation where either your or a cherished partner are have extended the proper bounds to your relationship? Or at least, you strongly suspect so? Has a flirtation perhaps gone a bit too far? How do you define a betrayal? If sex isn't involved is it possible for anyone to really be betrayed. If you are asking these type of questions, you may be going through an emotional infidelity.

Do you find yourself in a confusing situation where either your or a cherished partner are have extended the proper bounds to your relationship? Or at least, you strongly suspect so? Has a flirtation perhaps gone a bit too far? How do you define a betrayal? If sex isn't involved is it possible for anyone to really be betrayed. If you are asking these type of questions, you may be going through an emotional infidelity.

What is emotional infidelity? Simply put, it is when one portion of committed relationship, married or otherwise, becomes emotionally entangled with someone else. Sex is not yet a part of equation, although it probably not far behind. This 'other' relationship then creates a huge disconnect between the partnered couple. And, the pain of isolation soon follows.

What makes it particularly painful is that the involved partner is guilt-free. There's no sexual relationship, yet, to speak of, so what on earth could could possibly cause any shame? The shame is brewing, make no mistake, in a big pot of emotional infidelity. And no one knows when the pot will finally boil over.

If you believe your partner may be involved in an emotional infidelity, be on the lookout for how they spend their time. Do they spend a lot of time away from you, time you used to share? Do they guard their cell phone and time on the computer? Are they emotionally unavailable? Are they unresponsive when you ask about some personal details of their lives? Do they spend free time away from you?

Perhaps you are the one involved in the emotional affair. Or, you think you are. But, how do you know? Do you find yourself planning times the two of can get together to talk, either through email, IM, phone or in person? Are you sharing intimate details that were once formerly shared with your significant other? Does your spouse know anything about these meetings? Do you feel a sexual spark in their presence? If so, you may well be involved in an emotional affair.

There are things that can be done to curb the affair. Stay away from social situations that you view as a danger to your current relationship. Stay away from communicating anything you wouldn't be willing to have your partner see or hear. Avoid making special time for anyone put your intimate partner and family. Invite your spouse to be a part of your relationship with the new involvement.

If you believe you may be involved in an emotional infidelity and wish to end it: really put a stop to it. No messy around. Be firm and upfront. Don't leave the smallest room for doubt. Afterward, attempt to figure out what was missing from your relationship with your significant other and assume the responsibility for it. If you are responsible, you can change.