Our Sexperts are often asked ‘What counts as cheating online?’. The answer varies for everyone, but it’s safe to say that if you’re using an online dating site, no matter how casual you’re keeping it, it’s probably cheating.
Whether the website you’re utilizing is specifically for sex, or if it’s to find a soul mate, chances are your current partner isn’t going to approve if they find out you’re using the website. Now that the mandatory ‘if you think it’s wrong, it’s wrong’ speech is out of the way, we thought we’d take a closer look at what social standards really consider cheating.
The online converser
When many people are bored with their current relationship, they turn to the internet to find someone new to interact with. It feels safe to flirt with someone you don’t know online as opposed to someone you do because if you find yourself indulging a little too far into raunchy topics, you don’t feel as guilty. As far as where an online chat fits into cheating, you’re in safe territory.
The casual hang out
We’ve all had those relationships where our boyfriend or girlfriend gets jealous when we hang out with anyone of the opposite sex (can’t guys and girls be just friends?). If you’re in the midst of a rocky patch in your relationship and you meet someone of the opposite sex for a casual hang out, there’s one fail proof to determine your true feelings: Did you tell your significant other of your social agenda? If you made the plans to meet someone for a coffee or dinner and did tell your significant other, then you’re not cheating. If you didn’t let them know, for whatever reason, then you’re on a date with someone you’re not supposed to be! Although it’s not physically cheating, you’re reaching waters that most couples would frown upon.
The flirty text messages
Sending texts to friends is something most of the world does, but what does the context of your messages contain? Do you joke about hooking up? About becoming a couple? Texting someone other than your boyfriend or girlfriend isn’t cheating, but it could boarder on the intention to do so. Think about those text messages and ask yourself: If your boy/girlfriend had your phone for a day and saw your message inbox, would they still be your boy/girlfriend the next day?
The first kiss
A kiss is the first big true test of your chemistry. What does the kiss tell you about the other person? Are you compatible? Is there a spark between the two of you? A kiss is an important factor in the dating game. By locking lips with someone, you’re essentially trying to see if the two of you are going to work as a couple, which means that you’re considering entering a relationship with that person. No matter how good your intentions were before the kiss, once you’ve locked lips, you’re in the red zone– Kissing is cheating.
The romp in the sheets
If the clothes have come off and you still have to ask ‘Is this cheating?’, you probably shouldn’t be in a relationship!
If you’re dating someone and are starting to feel guilty about your extra-carricular relationship activities, simply ask yourself: How would I feel if it was my partner doing this? Know the difference between an acceptable conversation with someone online and an inappropriate one, and you’ll better be able to prevent getting yourself into hot water in your home life.