I've been cheated on, I've been hurt... I don't know. And maybe I am totally outta line here.
You know, people think online flirting is harmless... it's not. You can learn a lot about someone by talking to them. You can learn things just as easily as you can by knowing them, just because you never met them, doesn't mean you can't connect on some other level. That you can't have some strong emotional attachment. Some of it is harmless though, you know, just random flirting. But people get off on it too.
If someone is in a committed relationship, why would they think it's permissible to flirt with anyone other than with their partner? Not only are they putting themselves into a vulnerable situation where they can fall into temptation, but they're playing with the emotions of someone else.
It takes a sick person to do that to someone. We're to be different than the animals. Being creatures of compassion is supposed to separate us from the animals. I don't see much compassion in this situation. It sounds more animalistic to me.
It's a matter of being a promise keeper or being someone who only cares about themselves and they don't care who they hurt in the process. That's what the person is deciding when they flirt with someone else who isn't their partner... whether it's on the internet or elsewhere.
Just because it's on the internet, it doesn't mean that integrity is supposed to be removed from our actions. Integrity is who you are, and what you do, when no one else is looking. And flirting screams against being a person of integrity... it says, “I'm self centered and I don't care who I hurt in the process.”
The flirting thing is tough to define though... as everyone seems to have a different view of what flirting is, but for me, I consider it cheating if it is something you:
-Know would upset your partner, whether they have directly told you... or you know by their character would upset them.
-Betray the physical and emotional intimacy that is between you and your partner.
-Would not do in front of your partner especially if you cant be upfront and honest about it.
-Would bother you if your partner did it to you.
-If you question it... its probably cheating.
These are just my guidelines really... and yes I would consider cybersex absolutely cheating, and I would consider a friendship/flirtation with someone whom I felt more for than just friends at the very least, treading into dangerous territory. Just because there is opportunity does not mean you must take it... you need to remember the respect for your relationship and partner.
Now that I took one breath and typed a shit more than I thought I would... I end with this. Good thing I didn't get on the porn topic... That'll be another day.
