Emotional infidelity, although it does not involve physical or sexual intimacy, is still considered a betrayal of a spouse or partner. It does not break marriage vows, cause illegitimate children to be born, or catch venereal disease. Cheating of this kind is not associated with the standard meaning of cheating, but is infidelity nevertheless.

The problems it causes a marriage can be very serious. Some are even of the opinion that it is more damaging than a real affair. What is weird is that it may not be done on intention.

People may talk casually with each other at work or at a social event. In time it grows into something serious. They make an effort to see each other more often, taking lunches together, sitting by themselves, giving each other gifts.

There is a real attachment. They think of each other a lot because of emotional bond that has developed. These qualify the relationship as emotional cheating.

The Internet plays a major role for emotional infidelity to flourish. It can start in forums, chat rooms, and discussion groups. Casual chatting can get more familiar developing into intimate conversations. What makes this so devious is that those involved may never even meet personally.

They can do this in the office, at school, on the beach, or even at home with the spouse within close distance. The anonymity the worldwide web affords can make people more impulsive. They could end up revealing very private matters to one another that they otherwise would not in person.

There is also an element of fantasy play involved in this. Having not met the person on the other line, they can make each other witty, kind, good-looking, and sexy. It is the lie and the wishful thinking that are some of the negatives of emotional infidelity.