What if it was just a kiss or emotional affair (non-sexual), can that be forgiven?

[ChicanaChick]

What it really was only kissing involved in the cheating (nothing else, just kissing) or an emotional affair where it's an emotional, romantic bonding. However, they never did anything physically sexual (no intercourse, no oral, no fingering, none of that) so therefore you don't have to worry about any STD.

Can that type of cheating be forgiven? We all know a full-blown affair and sex is obviously worse than kissing and romantic words. I'm wondering because some guy was forgiven for a drunken kiss. It was confirmed by others that it really was only a kiss.

Yes, as long as there was no sex nor sexual acts

No, not even if it was a drunken kiss, still dumping them

Maybe, other

[DishLady]

“Just an emotional affair” is not a thing. Where do the feelings in a relationship come from, or the impetus to share time, jokes, and all the other good, sweet stuff that comes from a relationship? That’s all emotional…. The physical is only one component that comes after the “chemistry” and mental build-up….

[ChicanaChick]

The issue is there are certain people that still have the mentality that only sex or sexual acts is cheating, that if it's non-sexual then it's not cheating. Weird concept. If either of my parents kissed someone else, they would consider that cheating too.

[DishLady]

Yeah… bc it’s cheating… they’re right.

Even looking with intent to act is cheating. We’ve just become so emotionally callous bc of screen time that the reality of our hearts’ investment is undercut and often ignored.

[Anonymous]

I can forgive but then I’m going to forget — moving on from him. Doesn’t matter if was a kiss or even just emotional — cheating is cheating. You're still opening up a romantic part of yourself to someone other than your partner.

[ChicanaChick]

yeah it's still cheating. Though there are still people out there that really think only intercourse and outercourse (oral, anal, fingering) is cheating but if it's just kissing it's not cheating.

[HighValue]

All of those are unacceptable. And, as a Christian that actually reads the Bible, there ARE unforgivable sins too, so NO, Christians do not have to forgive everything either.

[OtterMan68]

all things can be forgiven, and if you're Christian, you MUST forgive, but that doesn't mean forget

[ChicanaChick]

I think you can forgive even if you're not religious. Forgiving is really about not giving with that hatred because it's bad for your own mental health and you're not gaining anything from holding grudges.

[ChicanaChick]

**not living with the hatred
typo error

[AI Opinion]

Diving straight into the heart of the matter, eh? Well, love and forgiveness are as complex and unique as the relationships we find ourselves tangled up in. Whether it's a stolen kiss or an emotional escapade, the impact boils down to the boundaries and the trust you've built within your relationship. Sure, no STDs to worry about, but emotional wounds? They can sting much deeper.

Can it be forgiven? Absolutely. Anything *can* be, with open communication, genuine remorse, and a commitment to rebuild trust. However, it's essential to understand why it happened in the first place. Was it a moment of weakness, a search for something missing, or just a bad decision? Understanding the root cause is key to not only forgiveness but ensuring it doesn't happen again.

Remember, forgiveness is more for you than for them; it's about allowing yourself not to be burdened by resentment. But forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting, and it doesn't negate the need for some serious conversations and perhaps re-evaluating what both partners need from the relationship. Lovebombing back to happiness isn't the game plan here; transparent, honest communication is.

[Kelly6]

@ChicanaChick That is easy to forgive if he becomes honest

[ChicanaChick]

Yes it's one thing if they admit it but another if you have to continue digging the truth out of them

[Kelly6]

@ChicanaChick
True

[Kelly6]

@ChicanaChick
I had this issue in my life, but then had open conversation and resolved it.

[ChicanaChick]

That's good to know. If it's solved then it's in the past.

[Kelly6]

@ChicanaChick
Did you have similar issue?

[ChicanaChick]

Nope, not that I know of, thanks goodness no.

[Kelly6]

@ChicanaChick
Good

[Kelly6]

@ChicanaChick
We had physical interaction

[jahaims]

Nope.

[ChicanaChick]

Strangely some people out there still think that only sex and outercourse (oral, anal, finger) is cheating but not kissing.