Internet Cyber-Affair Obsession

Yes, the internet is dangerous for some. It provides an avenue, one never before experienced in our world, in which the deepest fantasies, fetishes and insecurities of good people can be played out…without ever getting to know someone!

Chatting, emailing, phone calls, and/or phone sex with someone living miles or countries away tug and pull at some who at one level are grabbed and held by an inner world of unfulfilled erotic or emotional powers stirred once the fingers hit the keyboard.

It’s a form of the “I Can’t Say No Affair” that is not played out in strip clubs or with prostitutes but with “cyber friends.” The guilt and shame is still there, most of the time, especially when “caught.”

This activity is easily rationalized – “It doesn’t mean anything! It’s just a game! I just like chatting! No one is getting hurt! – and so forth – all from the comfort of one’s laptop.

But, it does severely limit one’s personal evolution and the evolution of greater intimacy in the marriage.

Read what this woman has to say:

I wanted to find out why my husband did what he did. I thought we had a good marriage but I know now that It was not my fault. This was the third cyberaffair he had. He admitted that he wanted to prove himself that he’s still desirable by chatting and long phone conversation. I forgave him again and again hoping he would stop. I’m afraid it won’t be the last time but I refuse to give up yet. Even though it went as far as emotional affairs but it’s still hurt bad. We still love each other and every time he cried and admitted that he didn’t understand himself why he did it. May be he needs professional help?. May be I’m in denial. He would tell me everything about the affairs. He would answered all my questions. We would have our “Real talk” and then forgive and forget. Neither of us want a divorce. After 20 yrs of marriage when he started his first cyberaffair and that was 6 -7 yrs ago. Second affair was within 12 mos and then this. If he really regret it and really wants to stop it all, we’ll be celebrating our 27 yrs anniversary this May. All in all he is a good husband and a good father and a good man and I know in my heart that he loves me. I do prepare myself for the future if he does it again, I love him enough to let him go and do whatever he pleases. I still respect him and also I do respect myself. Thank you very much for your info and your e-book. It really gave me peace of mind to know that I am not alone and my feelings were not crazy. You answered my questions and helped me get through my day with dignity. Understanding his behavior helped me deal with the situation and made me want to find more info and answers to help “HIM”. Everyday I longed for you e-mail and more info to help me cope with confusion and hurts. I felt a whole lot better than a few weeks ago when I found out from our cell phone bill that he had secret phone calls while I was away(out of the country with my mom).

Confronting the Other Woman: Take Off Blinders

When confronting the other woman or other man, it is important to study, research, and reading to know what possibly faces you.

Do not assume that the other person will listen to you or even come close to agreeing with your situation.

Do not assume that the other person is thinking clearly (a characteristic of infidelity is thinking marked by delusions and rationalizations.)

Do not assume the other person cares about you. An affair is marked by intense personal need meeting and that assumes all priority.

Take some time to reflect on the type of affair your spouse has chosen. That will guide you in the way you approach the other person.

If you spouse is strongly aligned with the other person and does not exhibit ambivalence about the affair, confronting the other person does not stand a good chance of succeeding.

Here’s a case study of a woman who gave little forethought to the confrontation (although it was a great learning experience for her):

1. What was your purpose for confronting the OP and what did you say/do?

I wanted to let her know what she was doing to me and to my children. I wanted her to know that it was not the fantasy that she envisioned but was reality because there was a wife and children.

2. What happened? What was the outcome?

She did not care and went on acting as if she was the wife and not the mistress. They grew closer and I was the outsider.

3. If you were to do it again, would you do it differently? What did you learn?

I’m not sure that I wouldn’t do it again. I can’t say. I would do some things differently such as not giving them the power they had over me. I let them control the situation. I learned that you can’t change anyone unless they want to be changed.

Infidelity Support: Infidelity Chat Room

Many find the chat room a place of healing and comfort. If you find it helpful to talk through your concerns, want to feel that you are not alone and are looking for some friends, Please try out the chat room.

Here are some comments by chat room visitors:

1. List 2-3 ways the Chat Room has played a significant part in your “recovery.”

1. I am able to tell people who understand how I feel in a safe,distant, but compforting and friendly place. 2. I found that I have advice too, and helping someone else makes me feel good.

I am the WS and its good to hear BS’s feelings. My BS is also a memeber and we go into chat together, so people can see R is possible. I thank god for the chat room, when I ‘took off’ ,u H had a place to talk to people in the same situation.

reassurance that im not going crazy, other people in my shoes, and suppory in recovering my marriage

I can say exactly what is on my mind. The people know the pain I am going through

gives me a place for a group therapy session gives an outlet with those who have experienced the same level of pain and agony that I am going though provides hope with those who have survived

2. What are a couple pieces of advice you would give a newbie to the Chat Room?

1. Be open and honest. The people in the chat room are friendly and care. They will become your friends if you allow them to. 2. Never be angry or judgmental in the room, everyone in there on either side of the fence is hurting and needs/wants help.

R is a long process, forgivness plays a big part in the recovery. Vent all you want, we’re here to sipport you.

There are people here from both sides, listen and dont be afraid to share even your dark

Speak freely and say exactly how you are feelingthoughts

do not be afraid to tell your story, everyone here is or has walked in your shoes