Emotional affair?

by Joani

I have a close friendship with a man at work - we find each other intellectually stimulating and share a lot of interests, but don't talk about our personal issues or home lives.

Our spouses doesn't know about our friendship. Is this an emotional affair? I need to know if this is wrong and if I need to back away from this? My husband is very precious to me and I don't want to risk my marriage in any way.


My answer:

An emotional affair usually includes flirtation and sexual attraction. There is also usually sharing of the problems in your marriages/personal issues and keeping this hidden from your spouses and friends. It involves secrecy and lying to a degree.

An intellectual friendship is just that: a friendship. Men and women can be friends without being "involved" with each other. To keep things on the up and up, tell your husband about this friendship and even consider inviting your friend and his wife over for dinner.

You have nothing to worry about :)