Many people think of “sexting” as a harmless activity that poses no threat to their otherwise romantic relationship. However, if a person who is already in a relationship, “sexts” another person – it is cause for worry. If they indulge in sexting, it means they are not content with their relationship and are looking to meet their needs elsewhere. Sexting is no less than cheating and below we discuss four reasons why –
- You are dishonest with your partner – Honesty is essential in relationships. When a person in a relationship cheats, they do so in ignorance of their partners. Similarly, when you send messages with sexual undertones to a person who is not your partner, you will not be transparent about this activity with your partner. Keeping them in the dark betrays their trust and can be equated to cheating.
- You are emotionally cheating – You do not need to have any physical interactions with the person you are sexting. Merely the act of exchanging messages with them with an intent to cheat counts as infidelity.
- You are sharing with another, space you should be sharing with your partner – Your partner is entitled to your sexual self when they are in a relationship with you. Unless it has been mutually agreed upon and is an open relationship, sexting with somebody outside the relationship is cheating as it defies the rules of your relationship.
- It keeps you distracted – Sexting carries your attention away from your partner and so, can definitely be considered cheating. It keeps you busy, and you are not able to participate in your relationship as much as you would otherwise. Sounds like cheating? Because it is.
Sexting may seem innocuous, but beware of the harm that it can cause to your relationship. If your partner finds out that you’ve been sexting with somebody else, they will be as hurt as they’d be if they found out you were unfaithful to them.