Cheating can mean different things depending on the couple you ask to define it. And that's okay. Problems arise if partners themselves can't agree on what's allowed and what's forbidden within their own relationship.
A few days ago, Redditor Ill_Championship_73 made a post on the platform, asking its users if he overreacted when he broke up with his long-term girlfriend.
The guy did it because she kissed another woman during a party and refused to believe it was just a joke — which she swore by — since she's bisexual. However, their entire friend group told him he was blowing the situation out of proportion, so he wanted to hear other people's opinions on the matter.
Physical intimacy doesn't have to be serious
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But it still requires respect for boundaries
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Image credits: Ill_Championship_73
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Most people trust their partners to understand their boundaries and hope they wouldn't find themselves in such a situation
A survey of 2,000 sexually active adults found that a majority agree that reading explicit literature (79%) and touching yourself or using toys (76%) are all fair game in a relationship.
Fewer said they would likely feel jealous if their partner danced with someone else (32%) or let someone buy them a drink (31%).
However, 37% would call their partner out if they intentionally hid their phone password, and 41% would do the same if they casually flirted with someone.
Respondents were also sensitive when the past was involved, with half saying they'd confront their partner for having pictures with an ex on their phone or on social media (49%). Even more said they would do so if there were texts involved (62%).
When it comes to kissing another person, a YouGov survey of 2,000 adult US citizens discovered that 88% of women and 73% of men say it constitutes infidelity if you're in a monogamous relationship.
It also found that 63% of those who have been in a monogamous relationship say they have never cheated on a partner, while one-third (33%) say they have — either physically, emotionally, or both. When asked about their experiences being cheated on, more than half (54%) say they have been cheated on — either physically, emotionally, or both.
While most people in relationships are confident that their partner knows their romantic or bedroom boundaries (89%), one in seven would hesitate to be honest if their partner did something that bothered them.
Our Redditor didn't, and the fallout he's had is precisely the reason why some would hesitate to speak up. But his girlfriend didn't hide the act from him, nor does it seem that she did it to hurt or undermine him. I guess it's hard to know how the woman would act in a different scenario solely from this post, but three years is a long time to throw away a relationship over one impulsive moment.
As his story went viral, the guy provided more information about his relationship and what happened that night
Most people said his decision to break up was completely justifiable
Some, however, thought he was acting dramatic and immature
After going through all the replies, the guy posted an update on the situation
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Image credits: Ill_Championship_73
Dealing with relationship or dating drama like this? Visit our Family Dynamics Hub for expert-backed guides on toxic roles, boundaries, and rebuilding trust.