Is it cheating if you don't have sex?

[mrsprissy1]

I was reading this month's Essence and the lead story had the title of "Is it cheating if you don't have sex?" Situations included cyberromances, just look at other women online without talking to them, having a friend that you are attracted to and gets you charged, and being in an emotional relationship with someone else. I personally feel anything that detracts from a relationship, especially when it hurts or may hurt the other person is cheating. If it is emotional or otherwise, in order to give to a second relationship, you must subtract from the first, which means less than 100 percent is being given. To me, it is an affair and cheating. What do you think?

[The Original Ape]

Originally posted by mrsprissy1:
I was reading this month's Essence and the lead story had the title of "Is it cheating if you don't have sex?" Situations included cyberromances, just look at other women online without talking to them, having a friend that you are attracted to and gets you charged, and being in an emotional relationship with someone else. I personally feel anything that detracts from a relationship, especially when it hurts or may hurt the other person is cheating. If it is emotional or otherwise, in order to give to a second relationship, you must subtract from the first, which means less than 100 percent is being given. To me, it is an affair and cheating. What do you think?

I can see why some people feel that, and to some small degree, I agree. I happen to believe cheating begins with intent. The minute your initial intent "changes", cheating begins. You think; therefore you DO.
It's a gray area; and for me to really call it, I'd need more facts.

[PrincessELG]

I agree with you mrsprissy cheating whether emotional or otherwise is wrong but the forgiveness factor changes with action. Once you have exchanged words of emotions or touching was involved the line of forgivenss has been crossed and it would be next to impossible for me to forgive it. But just thinking about another person is a little bit more forgivable.