Affairs.

No one wants to talk about them because they're painful. Painful to think about the possibility of an affair happening within your relationship, and, of course, painful if your relationship has been impacted by an affair.

Either way, it’s important that we do talk about affairs. Research data shows that between 15 to 20 percent of married couples are affected by infidelity.

As a couples therapist who works with childhood emotional neglect, I’ve worked with many couples who experience not just sexual affairs but also emotional affairs. These two types of affairs are different and impact a couple in unique ways. It’s crucial we talk about emotional affairs—the lesser talked about kind of cheating.

Sexual affairs tend to be rooted in anger, while emotional affairs tend to be rooted in loneliness. The reasons for having an emotional affair discussed below are by no means a way to excuse this form of betrayal. They are only intended to help you prevent an affair, and to help you understand yourself, your relationship, or any affair you may have experienced, so that you can heal.

It’s also necessary to note that the healthiest way to deal with relationship issues is to talk directly with your partner. If that seems too difficult, couples therapy is a safe space to discuss difficult topics. If the issues are unresolvable, it’s still crucial that you end your relationship before getting involved with someone new. The way you end your relationship impacts the mental well-being of yourself and your partner. You both deserve to move forward with respect.

1. A Conflict-Avoidant Personality: Jerry hates arguments. He grew up watching his parents fight, and he swore he would have a very different marriage than them. But now, when issues do arise in his........

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