In today's digital age, the boundaries of what constitutes infidelity in a relationship have become increasingly blurred.

With the advent of smartphones, the prevalence of sexting – sending explicit messages, photos, or videos to someone outside the relationship - has become an emerging topic, especially if sexting is considered cheating.

What is sexting?

The word sexting is a combination of 'sex' and 'texting'. It refers to the exchange of sexually explicit messages or images using text messaging or various social media platforms. Sexting often involves playful messages that describe sexual fantasies both partners desire to explore together. Occasionally, these exchanges may even include suggestive photos or nude images.

Sexting or engaging in erotic digital conversations serves as an enjoyable method to initiate intimate discussions within a relationship. Sharing sensual messages can be an exciting way to kickstart conversations about your desires or can serve as a playful form of foreplay. However, in this blog post focus is sexting with someone outside of your intimate relationship.

Is sexting outside the relationship considered as cheating?

Relationship boundaries vary, making the definition of cheating subjective and dependent on the specific dynamics of a relationship. Different couples might have different views on a partner sexting someone else.

However, for most couples sexting is seen as a significant breach of trust and a form of serious infidelity. Sexting is generally equivalent to cheating in a committed relationships. The short answer is yes - sexting with someone other than your partner is cheating (unless you have not agreed on something else).

Why is sexting cheating? It makes you feel desire for someone other than your partner, fueling sexual fantasies and diverting attention away from your primary relationship. Additionally, sexting may foster emotional attachments to others, creating barriers within your relationship and damaging trust. Engaging in this behavior directs sexual attention outside the relationship and even if it begins as 'just for fun,' it can escalate into physical encounters.

Of course there are also couples who might perceive cheating as a harmless and playful interaction. In polygamous relationships, where there is mutual consent to have multiple partners, there may be a greater level of acceptance for various forms of consensual non-monogamy, including that partner sexting someone else.

Communication, consent, and respect for agreed-upon boundaries remain central to healthy relationships, regardless of their structure. So, while sexting outside the relationship might be more accepted in certain relationships, it is always vital to have clear and ongoing communication about expectations and boundaries to maintain trust and understanding among all partners.

When you have differing views on sexting

If you find out that you and your partner have differing views on whether sexting should be considered cheating you need to find a solution. Remember - it is all about feeling safe, valued, and respected.

If you for exemple discover your partner sexting someone else, especially after you've communicated that sexting is off-limits, it undoubtedly qualifies as a breach of trust and a violation of your established boundaries, akin to cheating.

Despite occurring solely through text-based conversations without physical contact, sexting remains a deeply intimate act when you are committed to a relationship.

Are you sexting: How does it affect your partner?

Are you engaged in sexting with someone outside of your primary relationship, or considering it? What matters most of all is how it affects your partner. Are you absolutely sure that your partner would be okay with the text or picture you are sending, if he or she found out?

Sometimes it's easy to become caught up in the moment and make choices without fully considering their impact. However, when it comes to decisions that have to do with trust in your relationship, taking a step back and thinking about your partner's perspective becomes essential. Your partner might consider sexting as cheating.

By putting yourself in your partner's shoes, you can gain a deeper understanding of how your actions may affect them emotionally. Consider their feelings, their boundaries, and their sense of trust. Imagine how they might feel if they were to discover your messages or explicit photos. Would they feel hurt, betrayed, or uncomfortable?

In a loving and committed relationship, both partners should feel safe, valued, and respected. Ultimately, what's most important is the emotional well-being of your partner. It's a testament to your commitment to the relationship when you prioritize their feelings and emotional security.

Communication is key. Having an open and honest conversation about boundaries and expectations regarding sexting can lead to a deeper connection and a more harmonious partnership.

Non-sexual texting: A form of betrayal?

Sexting refers to the exchange of sexual explicit messages, but texting without sexual content could also be viewed as a betrayal.

Sharing emotions and intimate feelings in a text-based conversation can be a form of emotional connection and communication within a relationship. Like sexting it involves sharing personal information and is considered an intimate action.

Like with sexting, whether it constitutes cheating depends on how it affects your partner. The question 'is sexting cheating?' is a common one. In a general sense, texting without sexual content could be considered a betrayal if it involves other forms of emotional infidelity, secrecy, or dishonesty that breach the trust and agreements within a relationship. It encompasses any behavior that violates the established boundaries and expectations in the relationship.