When anyone mentions "infidelity" I believe that most of us think of "sexually unfaithful". Can a person be "emotionally unfaithful"? How would you define it? Has any one ever heard of "emotional infidelity"? Is there such a thing, or did I just come up with a new term?

When it is said that a person "cheated" on their spouse, is it possible for them to cheat "emotionally" or is that called something else that I can't think of the name? This may be an old question; but it's the first time I ever thought of it.

What is your opinion?

Emotional affair - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Although I hadn't heard of it, it seems like this term is a common one!

Yes, there is such a thing as an emotional affair.
Here is an example -
You and your partner are having a strained relationship, you just can't seem to communicate or anything else for that matter.
You find out that he is having phone conversations, internet chats with one person all the time. You have begged him to talk to you and he just won't. He talks to her.

That would be an emotional affair.

I agree with "NowWhat" up to a point. There is a huge difference between a flirtation that lasts a few days or weeks, and one that is long lasting and is based on love. President Carter admitted to "lust in his heart," yet that was certainly not an affair. After one divorce and a second marriage that has lasted almost 30 years, I have concluded that an affair of the heart, an emotional affair, is far more devastating and hurtful than one of the body. Sadly, we all seem to get the 2 mixed up and put too much emphasis on the physical than the emotional.