Deciding to Limit Relationships -- No!
We disagree with the often made suggestion to limit your interpersonal relationships/friendships.M. Gary Neuman in his book, Emotional Infidelity: How to Affair-Proof Your Marriage and 10 Other Secrets to a Great Relationship,(Buy Direct) makes the controversial statement: "Insulate and protect your marriage against emotional infidelity by avoiding friendships with members of the opposite sex."
Neuman believes that limiting your relationships/friendships is "the single most important thing you can do for your marriage."
One of the reasons we question the suggestion to limit relationships/friendships is because it creates couples living in isolation. Isolating a spouse from friendships is one of the warning signs of emotional abuse.
Another reason we disagree with Neuman's limits on interpersonal interaction is the idea that a spouse has exclusive, 100 percent rights over a mate's friendships, interests, and sense of space and privacy.
Neuman's other suggestions for protecting your marriage from an emotional affair are more acceptable and include:- Touching each other five times a day.
- Have a weekly date.
- Have a long discussion with one another four times a week.
- Plan an all-out romantic lovemaking night once a month.
