1.) Having feelings for someone but never acting on them in any capacity
2.) Acting on feelings in small ways (i.e. flirting)
3.) Sex with someone other than your partner
I land somewhere between 1 and 2 but I know some people that think the only way it can be considered cheating is if you fully engaged in sexual behavior.
Comments
I personally would feel more betrayed if my partner had feelings for someone else vs he got horny and went and had a one night stand
2 & 3. But i think 1 also heavily indicates something about the relationship: because why would you ever put yourself in the position for that to happen?
2 is where the line starts. I think it’s natural to have “crushes” on people and find them attractive in some way but if you’re faithful it can start and stop exactly there.
Flirting can be ok depending on like what is actually said or acted out but it really just depends. Some people have naturally more flirty/funny/outgoing personalities than others who may be more reserved and quiet and boring.
I think 1 can also be considered cheating depending how strong it is. I think everyone sees ppl that they like or think if I were single I would be interested in this person, we would be good together. But to actually have FEELINGS is emotional cheating and not ok
2/3 but 1 under certain circumstances, like if they don't tell me and the person they have feelings for is actively pursuing them (even if my S/O isn't reciprocating action-wise)
Eh it's weird, people get random crushes on people, happens alot when you work with people, but unless they actually act on them I don't think it's cheating?
