What is an affair? Created: 04 May 2012 - Last Updated: 04 May 2012 Administrator FAQ, For Women Only (0) Men describe a affair as ongoing sex with or without emotional connection, in the same way they view casual sex. Men see an affair as physical involvement, not necessarily having an emotional connection. Women define an affair as an emotional event, whether it involves physical sex or not, and it is often called an “emotional affair.” It includes talking on the phone, sharing personal e-mails or intimate texting, regularly going to lunch or coffee, and so on. An emotional affair is a relationship between two people other than a spouse or lover that has an impact on the level of intimacy, emotional distance, and overall balance of their marriage. The partner being unfaithful may spend an inappropriate or an excessive amount of time with someone of the opposite (or same) sex. That is time, emotional energy, and care taken away from the faithful partner. He or she may confide more in the new “friend” than in the permanent partner and may share more intimate emotional feelings and secrets with that person. This type of relationship is not necessarily physically intimate in the beginning but almost inevitably leads to a physical relationship. To the majority of women, however, it’s still an affair. Sex only emphasizes the pain because it demonstrates the depth of the emotional affair.