Cheating in a relationship extends beyond just physical actions; it encompasses emotional betrayal as well.
According to Wikipedia:
Cheating by thinking of, touching, and talking with someone you are attracted to may be equally damaging to one of the parties. Emotional cheating may be correlated to that of emotional abuse, which to date is treated seriously in a court of law as physical cheating. Some couples simply believe that cheating constitutes doing anything, whether verbal or physical, that one would not do in front of their significant other. Such examples would include: expressing attraction to another person, electronic communications, kissing, making out, and sexual relations.
The heartbreaking reality is that the person who engaged in the betrayal often refuses to admit their actions and persists in denying the truth. When confronted, they may resort to crafting excuses or alibis to justify their behavior. Disturbingly, some cheaters may even shift the blame onto their partners, pointing out flaws, differences, or any perceived shortcomings in an attempt to justify their actions.
Such behavior can be emotionally devastating for the betrayed partner, adding further pain to the already hurtful act of infidelity. Emotional cheating can be just as damaging as physical cheating, as it involves a breach of trust and emotional intimacy within the relationship.
