With social media, shifts in societal norms, and a growing population of people who have an unhealthy relationship with pornography, it leaves many modern couples asking themselves where to draw the line when it comes to what they consider “cheating.”
For most people in a monogamous relationship, cheating would constitute as anything physical. But how do we navigate these rules in a world where almost every aspect of our lives is digital? If your significant other texts, direct messages, or chats with someone online nearly every day, is that cheating—even though they have no physical contact with the other person?
If you have a significant other who shows unhealthy patterns when it comes to watching SEM, does that count as cheating? Sure, the chances of them ever meeting these people in real life are slim to none, but when that becomes their escape, is that the same as sneaking off to engage in a sexual relationship with someone that’s not you?
Not to mention that SEM has become so much more than just a one-way transaction. With cam models and streaming sites, your significant other could not only be watching SEM, but also communicating with the person on the other end of the screen, sending smileys, comments, and cash. Maybe you don’t mind if your partner is looking at videos of people having sex, but chatting is definitely out! Have you and your partner discussed this?
As our world gets bigger, different forms of infidelity will ebb & flow and interweave, making it more difficult for us to help our clients understand what a healthy relationship looks and feels like.
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