Being faithful, does the same apply to a long-term relationship as marriage?

Question

Including all intimate acts, even kissing. If not, what is considered ok, and why?

Answer 1

This is a moral question, so the answers will vary depending on how you view "cheating" which like "sex" (as we learned from Bill Clinton) has a different definition for anyone.

Personally, when you become exclusive with someone -- short-term, long-term, or married -- then in any intimacy is too much. The way I look at it, if I would not do this with my wife in the room, then I shouldn't be doing it when she's not in the room.

Answer 2

I can see why people think a LTR equals a committed relationship (marriage)...but you're not committed if you're not married. Bottom line. Until you seal those vows, you are a free man or woman. However, no one deserves to be lied to. Be honest with each other.

***I need to clarify my answer a little bit...Layd_bak took my answer way out of context. Basically what I'm trying to say is that some people get engaged or stay in a 'LTR' with no true intention of settling down. It's a promise that doesn't have to be fulfilled. I just don't think one owes another person complete and utter loyalty without a marriage commitment. This is coming from someone who once lived the single life and has been happily married to the man of her dreams for the past 4+ years. It isn't easy for me to admit to the first part of my answer. I have found it to be correct in my life. Other folks may feel differently. This is only a forum to get opinions. As I said before, it is always important to be honest with your significant other, no matter what type of relationship you're in.***

Answer 3

If you're in a long-term relationship, which you can see yourself falling in love with him/her soon...yes, same rules apply. Nothing else with another person is acceptable. No hand holding, no kissing, no sex [obviously], no dating, no ANYTHING. How would you feel if your significant other were doing those activities behind your back with someone else?

There are some things called "open relationships" in which both partners agree that they are allowed to see/engage in sexual activities with other people. Although, a relationship such as this really isn't morally correct and probably ends up hurting all parties involved.

Bottom line: If you truly love someone, deeply love them, can someday see a future with them...don't do anything with anyone else. Because it will probably cause a break-up and you will be kicking yourself for the rest of your life over what you lost.

Answer 4

Well if you're not "committed" if you're "not married" as the previous answerer claimed, then why label it at all? What is the point of a "LTR" if you're not going to stay committed? Why do ANYTHING long-term if your heart ain't in it? Not only are you lying to the other person in the relationship, but you're lying to yourself as well. Do what your heart tells you, and go where it points you... Anything else is a complete waste of time and money (one woman/ let along two can be very costly, playa)...

And I further take issue with the fact that someone would believe that until you are married, you are completely free... Well, what if you're engaged like me? I'm not married, but that doesn't mean I'm not committed to that woman... So of course, being faithful applies the same in a long-term relationship as marriage (at least in my case)...and in your conscience I believe it applies in your case as well... if you're not going to be "faithful" no point in being in a long-term relationship... it's contradictory.

Answer 5

That would depend on who you talk to. I feel if its a long term relation ship then, yes, being faithful applies. Unless of course, you have talked about it and agreed to play the field if so desired.

Answer 6

Being faithful includes everything, sorry if that isn't want you want to hear.

That being said, you don't have to be faithful if you don't want too, just risk losing the one you love. Clearly if you are thinking of cheating then you don't love the other person anyways. Cheating isn't right, if this is what you want to do, then break-up first.