Once you recognize you’re investing more energy outside the relationship than in it, a good first step involves turning off the tap. What if you’re the one doing it, and you didn’t even realize? A therapist can offer guidance with recognizing the signs of abuse and safely ending the relationship.
In an abusive or controlling relationship, your partner may discourage you from having friendships, and that’s never OK.įriendship can provide some of the emotional support you need (and deserve), but consider talking to a therapist, too. One final note: If you believe telling your partner about an outside friendship would put your safety at risk, you aren’t cheating.
There’s nothing wrong with cultivating intimacy with friends of any gender. What makes this different from platonic intimacy?
You might feel unsure how to bring up the emotional attachment or simply avoid telling them because you want to keep it to yourself.Īt the same time, you might have an explanation ready to describe your relationship if needed: “We spend a lot of time talking about our art, but there’s no attraction there.” If they know the other person exists, they might have no idea they’re anything more than a co-worker, friend’s roommate, or casual social media connection. Other key signs include hesitating to tell your partner about the bond you’ve developed.