If you’re wondering how do affairs start, the answer is not simple.
Usually, everyone gives their best in their relationship – not because they don’t want to be cheated on, but because they believe their partner deserves the world.
However, it still happens and people wonder how it all happened and even blame themselves.
C’mon, let’s dive right in for answers!
How do affairs start generally?
To put it quite simply, there are many reasons why affairs start. In most cases, it’s because a certain person met someone else, fell in love, and both of them thought they would make a great pair.
It has long been known that humans are capable of loving more than one person. And this is mainly the reason why people get attracted to people other than their partner.
There are also other reasons why someone would want to strike up a relationship with another individual in spite of being in a relationship.
For example, someone might feel unloved or constantly disrespected. Or they might feel that their sex life has gone down the drain! All these reasons could lead someone to seek comfort in another person.
But if you’re particularly curious about how it progresses at work, let’s keep scrolling…
How do affairs start at work?
Workplaces are some of the most common areas where people often start a romantic or sexual affair.
This is because people spend a large chunk of their time at work and get to interact with a lot of individuals.
And among them, one coworker might find another incredibly attractive, kind, or amazing. This is also the reason why many offices have a strict “no dating coworkers” policy.
Mostly, workplaces don’t really care about employees having affairs. But office romance and affairs take a mental and emotional toll on a person, thereby affecting their performance.
When two people share a common office space, it’s natural for them to become close friends and then lovers.
Moreover, if one or both of them feel unloved by their respective partners, it can further lead them to share their feelings with each other.
The only problem with affairs in a workplace is that it’s difficult to ignore those feelings and maintain a professional environment. And people often cross the limit in the heat of the moment!
Next, let’s know how things roll online here…
How do affairs start online?
Social media has taken the world by storm. Even though it has a hundred positive aspects, online affairs are a very common nuisance.
If someone wants to cheat on their partner or spend time flirting with others, social media is the perfect spot.
Not only can you keep your identity a secret, but you don’t have to bother meeting or actually talking to them!
In many cases, a simple chat on social media starts off as an innocent banter between two friends. But things escalate quickly.
People blame technology for infidelity. But in reality, it all depends on users. They know they always have a choice to turn their back on flirting and cheating,
But with internet connectivity and technical advancements, it’s really easy to hide chats and private pictures.
Ultimately, you’d want to point fingers at the person starting an affair, but as compared to earlier times, cheating has become much easier today.
If you’re wondering which kind of affair to pardon, let’s keep reading…
Which type of affair is easier to forgive? What is the deciding factor?
If you feel that you can forgive them and start afresh, then you must look forward to your new relationship!
On the other hand, if you think forgiving them would make things worse, it’s better to end things immediately.
Either way, the deciding factor is “how an affair evolves” rather than “how affairs start.”
For example, would you forgive your partner more easily if they just had sex with someone else as compared to falling in love with them?
It’s heartbreaking to realize that your partner has been cheating behind your back. But some people find it easier to forgive sexual affairs rather than emotional ones.
But for many, an affair is an affair. It causes trust issues, problems in future relationships, and makes you lose self-confidence.
That is why it’s important to look at every aspect of your crumbling relationship, as well as the affair, and then come to a conclusion.
Remember, forgiving is a personal choice, and you must never rush the process.
If you’re wondering what to do if your partner had an affair, let’s figure things out here…
What to do after you know about your partner’s affair?
The most important thing after finding out about an affair is to move further. there’s no point ruminating over it. So, follow these steps.
1. Take time
Don’t feel too rushed into making any major decision because you’re more likely to run high on emotions rather than logic.
2. Introspect
When you feel that you’re ready to move forward, try to ask yourself questions and answer them yourself. Figure out what went wrong in the relationship and who was at fault.
3. Talk to your partner
Communicate with your partner and let out your feelings. If they sincerely apologize and try to make things right, they’ll be honest with you. They will also tell you that they’re ready to do anything to make you trust them.
4. Plan accordingly if they give a negative response
Notice if they shrug things off or blame you for not putting enough effort into the relationship. Then it’s a good time to reevaluate the future of your bond.
In this situation, your partner might not even be willing to share most of the details with you, which can make you even more paranoid. So, think very carefully before taking any action.
5. Seek a therapist
Being cheated on can make you experience many complex emotions. If you plan to stay with your partner, seek couples therapy. If not, still seek solo counseling and regain your confidence!
Now, if you want to identify whether you’re headed toward an affair, let’s keep reading…
5 Signs that an affair is starting
People mostly don’t realize when they encourage an affair! So, if you’re becoming too close and comfy with someone other than your partner, then look out for these signs!
1. Your gut tells you something is off
Your sixth sense can tell you so much more than what you see or hear for yourself!
If it keeps telling you that your relationship isn’t working out and that you’re ready to find happiness in someone else, that itself is a big sign you’re walking toward an affair.
While thinking about this, if a certain person’s name or face is always on your mind, then it’s time to be careful!
If your current relationship makes you feel unhappy, you’re more likely to start an affair.
2. You flirt with others
While flirting can be harmless in the beginning, it often escalates to serious feelings in a short time.
So, if you’re constantly flirting with someone specific, and they flirt back, it’s a sign that an affair is about to start!
Even if you feel that the flirting won’t really go anywhere, it’s best to wisely choose your words and actions before doing something regretful.
3. Someone else is fulfilling your needs
And by needs, you need to take into account all sorts of needs, right from emotional to sexual.
Of course, if you’re having sex with someone who’s not your partner, it’s obviously an affair.
Even if you haven’t had sex, yet feel emotionally connected to someone, an affair is starting.
Perhaps they listen to you and support you much more than your partner. Or maybe you finally feel heard and loved by someone.
4. You like spending time with someone else
Another major sign of an evolving affair is when you like spending time with someone even more than with your partner!
Spending time with a close friend, especially someone of the opposite gender, can lead to serious feelings for them.
For example, if you have a gym or work buddy, it can slowly and unexpectedly make you develop feelings for them!
It’s difficult to be “just friends” with someone, and more so if you have a lot of common hobbies and likes!
5. There is growing sexual tension
Sex is a significant part of any relationship, and a lack of it can lead to people feeling empty and unhappy.
If you’re anticipating or fantasizing about a sexual connection with someone else, that’s a clear-cut sign!
A word from ThePleasantRelationship
Affairs can start due to innumerable reasons, but most of them aren’t justified. Affairs not only cause emotional pain, but they also make the victim scared of falling in love again.
What you must remember is that an affair is never forceful. It always occurs with mutual consent. So, if you’re unhappy with your partner, communicate and don’t get involved in an affair!
