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Virtual Affairs

 

VIRTUAL AFFAIRS
 
Are you being unfaithful to your real-life partner if you have a 'virtual’ partner online?
 
With the growth in popularity of websites that offer virtual ‘lives’ (such as Second Life http://secondlife.com/)  a whole new question is beginning to be asked - does having a virtual partner and spending quality time with him count as being unfaithful to your real life partner?
Why Do We Do It?
Of course it’s tempting to try to escape the mundane, depressing aspects of everyday life. Your virtual partner will never see your cottage-cheese thighs. You won’t argue about whose turn it is to take the rubbish out. You’re free to idealise yourself and him. He’s Romeo, you’re Juliet. Perfect! 
So Where’s the Harm in It?
The emotions in an online affair are just as real as anywhere else. You may start to reveal intimate details about yourself that you may not even share with your spouse. You may develop strong feelings for that person, at the cost of distancing yourself from your "real" relationships.  Just because you call it "cyber" doesn't make it any less real. You have to judge it based on the effects it has on your life - which may be exactly the same as if you had an affair in real life.
Useful Sites

Relate offers advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support face-to-face, by phone and through their website. Click here to visit.

 

The BBC website offers excellent advice on all aspects of managing your relationship.  Click here to visit

 

 Do your or your partner have a 'virtual' other life?  How does it affect your relationship?  Click here to visit our forums or post a comment below.....

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