Sexual attraction is often associated with feelings of excitement, anticipation, desire, pleasure, and satisfaction.
It can also have negative effects on people's lives if they feel trapped by their desires towards someone who already has a partner. This phenomenon is called "emotional infidelity," which occurs when an individual experiences intense sexual desire for another person even though they are committed to someone else. It can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. The emotional processes that occur during this experience may be difficult to understand, but there are some ways to cope with them.
Emotional infidelity usually begins when an individual meets someone new who sparks their interest physically or emotionally. They may start spending more time together than usual and sharing intimate details about themselves. As their relationship deepens, so does the intensity of their feelings towards each other. At this point, they may begin to question whether they should act upon those feelings or ignore them altogether. This dilemma causes emotional distress as they try to decide what to do next.
One way individuals may deal with these feelings is by rationalizing them away. They might tell themselves that nothing will happen between them and the other person, or that their current relationship is not worth saving anyway. Another approach involves suppressing their feelings completely and ignoring any thoughts or urges related to the new person in their life. Some people choose to express their feelings directly to their partner, hoping to work through them openly and honestly. Still, others may seek outside help from friends, family members, or professional counselors who specialize in relationships and sex therapy.
Whatever approach an individual takes, it's essential to remember that emotional infidelity is a complex issue that requires careful consideration before taking action. It's often difficult for two people who have been together for some time to suddenly break up because of another person, even if that person isn't around anymore. Therefore, those experiencing this phenomenon must carefully weigh their options before making any decisions that could harm their existing relationship.
Emotional infidelity can be a challenging experience to navigate, but it doesn't have to ruin someone's life. With patience, understanding, and self-reflection, individuals can find ways to manage their desires while still staying true to their commitments.
Communication and honesty are key when dealing with any type of infidelity. By being open about how they feel and why they made certain choices, partners can build trust and intimacy in their relationship despite external threats.
What emotional processes occur when individuals experience sexual attraction that threatens existing relational commitments but cannot be ignored?
The individual may experience ambivalence about their sexual attraction towards someone outside of their current relationship. This could cause them to feel guilty, confused, ashamed, and torn between their loyalty to their partner and their desire for new experiences. They may also have difficulty understanding why they are feeling this way and question their own values and beliefs. The individual may attempt to suppress these feelings through denial, rationalization, or avoidance.