1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Marriage

Emotional Affairs 101

By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com

3 of 10

How is an Emotional Affair Different from a Platonic Friendship?

Image courtesy www.bigfoto.comImage courtesy www.bigfoto.com
A platonic friendship can evolve into an emotional affair when the investment of intimate information crosses the boundaries set by the married couple.

An emotional affair is opening a door that should remain closed.

One of the differences between a platonic friendship and an emotional affair is that an emotional affair is kept secret.

A third difference is that people involved in an emotional affair often feel a sexual attraction for one another. Sometimes the sexual attraction is acknowledged and sometimes it isn't.

Explore Marriage
About.com Special Features

Your last name may reveal a compelling story about your family history. More >

Is someone in your life passive aggressive? Find out why and how to handle it. More >

  1. Home
  2. People & Relationships
  3. Marriage
  4. Points of Conflict
  5. Infidelity
  6. How is an Emotional Affair Different From a Platonic Friendship?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.