Marriage And Work Friend: Am I Cheating on My Wife? Part 1
By Dr. Coach Love
I have a particular friend at work who is going through a rough time. She has been confiding in me more and more about her marriage over the last six months. I listen, but only share a few of my own stories. I tried to be helpful and comfort her. I like her and feel sorry for her. We text each other occasionally on the weekends. Recently, she asked me to meet her after work so we could talk longer. I said I’d check with my wife to see if we already had plans. My friend looked surprised and asked me why I had to get permission. Didn’t I have any privacy, she asked. Now it occurs to me something more is going on here— but I am tempted to go. Am I cheating on my wife?
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What you are describing is at least the beginning stages of an emotionally intimate relationship between the two of you. So far, it seems that you have put some limits on it by not sharing too many of your own stories. But …
You mentioned texting each other on the weekend. Big question — – does your wife know about the messaging contact? If you have kept the texting a secret (or private), why? Look out! Secrecy and not sharing the relationship with your wife sets the tone for emotional cheating.
Additionally, your work friend is likely very vulnerable—as are most people when experiencing marital difficulties. Her invitation to meet after work combined with her suggestion that you keep a secret from your wife spells big time trouble with a capital T. Add to that that you are actually tempted to meet her without your wife’s knowledge… Well, I will say that you are at least cheating your wife out of your time, attention, and an opportunity to share with you how you are helping a friend in need.
What do you think? Check back for Part 2 and in Find –It-Fast for more discussion, tips, and help to identify and prevent emotional cheating.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Regards,
Dr. Coach Love
MORE INFO LINKS: http://familyandrelationshipcoachblog.com/2-find-it-fast/
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