How Do You Define Cheating?

Lawyers are known for being very technical, and so it should come as no surprise that in many states adultery is clearly defined as vaginal penetration, which often is not necessarily proven by catching someone in the actual act, but by showing that someone had the opportunity and disposition to have an affair. Over the years, what I've found most interesting is that many spouses are more hung up on the emotional connection that their partners develop with someone else, and regardless of what the law says, they feel completely betrayed by relationships that may never have become physically intimate. After many, many discussions with people about this, although the law may not agree, I think the best definition I've found for what constitutes as cheating is whether you would feel betrayed if roles were reversed. This is way too subjective of a standard for the law to ever embrace, but I think it is definitely one worthy of consideration on a personal level. The other point to keep in mind is that every action causes a reaction-- when one person feels the other has committed a transgression, it often gives that person an excuse to act badly as well. Soon, there is a slippery slope problem that erodes a couple's trust, destroys their intimacy, and regardless of whether anyone gets caught with their pants down, this pair will soon find themselves at a crossroads-- either work really hard to repair the damage done, or accept that it is time to part ways because the hurt feelings are beyond repair. There is no right or wrong answer, it's whatever works best for both parties. All I can say is choose wisely.