When it comes to the difference between adultery and infidelity, adultery is the easier term to define. Adultery, as defined by Merriam-Webster, specifically refers to physical sexual acts that take place outside of marriage or other committed romantic relationship. Before the invasion of online communication, adultery was a more common form of cheating in a monogamous relationship (via the American Psychological Association). If your partner has a few too many drinks at a bar and hooks up with a stranger, they’ve committed adultery.
Whether a physical affair is more serious or damaging to a relationship than an emotional one is a contentious issue. The truth may be that the answer varies from couple to couple – or even person to person – and can be greatly influenced by the possible consequences associated with having sex outside of marriage, including unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. According to Brides, both types of affairs result in about the same risk of the relationship ending.
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