7 types of cheating in a relationship
Cheating is a common occurrence in romantic relationships. Cheating means being unfaithful to your partner. There are several types of cheating, so it goes beyond having sexual intercourse with someone while you’re in a committed relationship with someone else. Either way, cheating is devastating and can cause damages to yourself and your relationship with your partner. Sometimes, the damages are irreparable because of the betrayal and lack of trust.
However, the consequences don’t seem to stop the cheaters from cheating. Rather, the forbidden fruit is more alluring. Sometimes, many cheaters are not even aware that they’re cheating. In their minds, as far as sex hasn’t happened yet, they’re not cheating. This piece will educate you on the 7 types of cheating so you’ll know how to identify when you’re in one or several.
Table of Content hide 17 types of cheating in a relationship 1.11. Sexual cheating 1.22. Emotional cheating 1.33. Online cheating 1.44. Financial cheating 1.55. Hobby/job cheating 1.66. Micro-cheating 1.77. Serial cheating 2Conclusion7 types of cheating in a relationship
1. Sexual cheating
Sexual cheating is what most people refer to when they want to describe being unfaithful to your partner. It’s the most common type of cheating in romantic relationships. Sexual cheating is typically a pure physical affair that requires no emotional attachment. You can call it casual hook up, casual sex or one night stands. The only difference is that the people involved in it are already committed in other relationships. For instance, a person who has a high sex drive that their cannot meet will most likely cheat with another partner. It’s not because they no longer love their main partners. They just want to satisfy their primal instincts. So they begin no-string attached relationships with other partners.
ALSO READ: 7 types of relationships and how to define them
2. Emotional cheating
This is when you have feelings with someone else other than your partner. Sometimes, sex is not involved. It usually begins with a harmless friendship where the other person becomes very easy to talk to or relate with. Before you know it, you’ve fallen for the person. In your mind, it’s not cheating because “nothing happened” but you know it’s cheating because that person is sharing an emotional space with your partner where you’re concerned. But believe me, if you let it continue, “something” will definitely happen.
Emotional cheating is often dangerous as it connects you with your cheating partner on a deeper level. You’re left confused, wondering what to do. This is when you begin to mentally compare your main partner with your cheating partner. Sex may occur but it’s not the main thing. Once you’re emotionally attached to a person, it’s difficult to detach yourself from that person.
3. Online cheating
Social media has made cheating easy. You don’t even have to meet a person face to face to begin an affair. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchats, Whatsapp, FaceTime and so are platforms to connect with random people or old friends and acquaintances. When you connect with someone online and begin to have conversations you should be having with your partner, you’re committing a technological or digital affair.
You may say that it doesn’t matter, that you’re just “catching cruise.” But you know that it’s still cheating. You want to know how you know? If you find out that your partner is doing the same thing or even think about it for a second, you won’t be happy. The betrayal will almost be like catching them in bed with someone else.
4. Financial cheating
”Ah, but this is not cheating na,” you may say. But when you’re being insincere about your finances to your partner, it’s called cheating. For instance, you lie to your partner who approaches you for some money to solve an important need when you know you have the finances. Perhaps, you l’ve budgeted the money for a side chick or side dude.
Financial cheating may not sound like a big deal compared to other types of cheating but it hurts your partner all the same. You’re supposed to be open to each other regarding your finances so you’ll know how to make your budgets. It when you decide to hide or be stingy about your finances, you’re cheating.
5. Hobby/job cheating
This is when you give more time to your hobby or job instead of your partner. Instead of spending time with your partner, you will prefer to spend it on your video games, office, business, workout and other activities that you’re interested in.
This doesn’t mean that developing a hobby is bad. But like everything else, it should be done in moderation. There’s a time for everything. A time for your partner and a time for your hobby or job.
ALSO READ: Open relationship: What you need to know
6. Micro-cheating
Micro-cheating refers to developing inappropriate connections with other people at the expense of your partner. It’s often harmless and doesn’t always involve sex. This is a common type of cheating that many who are engaging in it are not aware of. It’s almost like the online cheating.
Stalking your ex on social media, having an active profile on dating sites to flirt with random people and sending flirty chats to social media users asking for their nudes are all part of micro-cheating.
7. Serial cheating
This is a type of affair with sex addicts. It’s not just about sex for them, it’s about the thrill of having intercourse with a new body. Playboys are firmly on this table.
A serial cheat is not considerate about the partner’s feelings. As far they’re concerned, their cheating is just a hobby. As long as they fulfill the basic needs of their partners, they’re free to cheat with as many people as possible. They may apologize when caught but they can’t seem to know how to overcome the temptation. Sex with multiple partners is like a drug to them.
Conclusion
From the previous points, you can see why cheating is very common in committed relationships. Sometimes, the cheating partners don’t know they’re cheating. Some know but can’t help themselves.
If you’re on any of these tables and you’re still in denial after reading this, you probably need help. Cheating comes in different ways other than having sex with someone who’s not your partner. Now that you know, monitor your actions so you’ll avoid things that will hurt your partner.
ALSO READ: Top 10 reasons you are single
