The age-old debate has resurfaced—which one hurts more? Emotional cheating or physical cheating? Let’s see which side you’re on.
If you are remotely active on social media, you might have come across a video from the Amazon Prime talk show Two Much with Kajal and Twinkle. While the two hosts say that emotional cheating is worse than physical one, Janhvi Kapoor argues that both are equally despicable. This, expectedly, created a buzz on social media, with people choosing sides—which is actually worse? And for a few naive ones, what is even emotional cheating?
Cheating has always been a relationship villain, but in today’s hyper-connected age, its definition has stretched far beyond stolen kisses or late-night hotel room escapades. Cheating is not only physical anymore. It thrives in the subtle, quiet corners of messaging apps, in “harmless” friendships, in confessions shared with someone who isn’t your partner. And that’s exactly why the age-old debate—What’s worse: emotional cheating or physical cheating?—feels more relevant than ever.
On one hand, you have physical cheating, where actions cross a boundary that is universally understood. On the other, emotional cheating, a surprisingly deep betrayal that doesn’t always involve touch—but often cuts much deeper. For many couples, emotional closeness with someone outside the relationship feels more intimate, more secretive, and more threatening than even an extramarital affair. Maybe that’s the point the movie Metro In Dino tried to make (Yes, it justified extramarital affairs with forgiveness and acceptance.)
So let’s break it down with Wedding Affair.
Table of Contents
- What Is Emotional Cheating?
- Physical Cheating: The Classic Betrayal
- Why Emotional Cheating Hurts More for Many People
- Why Physical Cheating Is Still a Dealbreaker
- Signs Your Partner May Be Emotionally Cheating
- Which Is Worse—Emotional or Physical Cheating?
- How Couples Can Rebuild Trust
Read Also: 5 Signs to Know If He’s the Right One for You
What Is Emotional Cheating?
Let’s get the keyword out clearly: what is emotional cheating?
Emotional cheating happens when one partner forms a deep emotional connection—romantic, intimate, or secretive—with someone outside the relationship. There might be no physical contact at all, but the emotional exclusivity shifts from the partner to a third person.
It often involves:
- Sharing personal details or vulnerabilities you no longer share with your partner
- Seeking comfort, validation, or companionship elsewhere
- Keeping conversations or interactions hidden
- Fantasising about a deeper or future connection with the other person
- Feeling guilty—but excited—about interactions
If your partner becomes your roommate while someone else becomes your emotional centre, that’s emotional cheating.
Physical Cheating: The Classic Betrayal
We all know what physical cheating is—crossing the physical, intimate boundary with someone outside your relationship. It could be kissing, making out, or a full-blown sexual relationship.
Most people recognise physical cheating instantly. It’s visible. Observable. Tangible. It’s “proof.”
And it carries its own weight:
- Sexual betrayal
- Health risks
- Trust collapse
- Attachments formed through physical intimacy
Physical cheating often gets labelled the “bigger” betrayal because it’s concrete. But is it actually worse?
Why Emotional Cheating Hurts More for Many People
Here’s where the debate begins. Many believe emotional cheating is more devastating because:
- It replaces emotional intimacy. Your partner isn’t just touching someone else—they’re connecting with them.
- It involves secrecy. Deleting chats, hiding calls, keeping things “private.”
Secrecy amplifies betrayal. - Emotional bonds are harder to break. A physical fling may fade. Emotional attachments linger.
- It often signals deeper dissatisfaction. Emotional cheating is rarely about lust.
It’s about unmet needs. - It erodes trust slowly. The breach is gradual, often disguised as friendship, which makes the pain feel more profound.
For some, physical cheating feels like a momentary lapse, but emotional cheating feels like a chosen replacement.
Read Also: 10 Feel-Good Romance Movies for a Cosy Date Night
Why Physical Cheating Is Still a Dealbreaker
Though emotional cheating hits harder for many, physical cheating remains the universal line-in-the-sand. Why?
- It breaks a clearly-defined boundary.
- It can emotionally and physically endanger a partner (think STI risks).
- It sometimes indicates an ongoing extramarital affair.
- It often comes with guilt, shame, and deliberate lies.
Physical intimacy is sacred to many couples—so crossing that boundary feels like an irreversible stain on the relationship.
Signs Your Partner May Be Emotionally Cheating
Emotional cheating can be subtle. Some signs include:
- They suddenly hide their phone
- They frequently talk about this “friend”
- They share jokes, secrets, or inside stories with someone else
- They stop confiding in you
- They compare you to the other person
- They are emotionally unavailable but overly excited to message someone else
- They defend the “friendship” aggressively
A partner who is emotionally elsewhere is often physically present but mentally absent.
Which Is Worse—Emotional or Physical Cheating?
There is no universal answer.
The “worse” form depends on values, boundaries, and the emotional structure of each relationship.
For some, physical cheating is the ultimate dealbreaker, because it’s a clear act of betrayal. For others, emotional cheating is worse because it means your partner chose to share their inner world with someone else.
Truth? Both forms of cheating break trust.
And once trust is broken, the relationship’s foundation is shaken—whether the betrayal happened in a bedroom or in a secret WhatsApp chat.
How Couples Can Rebuild Trust
Recovering from any form of cheating is hard, but possible with effort.
- Acknowledge the betrayal honestly. No half-truths. No minimising.
- Understand the root cause. Was one partner emotionally neglected?
Were boundaries unclear? - Set new rules and boundaries. Healthy relationships need goalposts.
- Prioritise transparency. Passwords? Location sharing? Only if both parties agree.
- Seek therapy if needed. A neutral space helps navigate pain calmly.
- Rebuild intimacy—slowly. Both emotional and physical. Healing requires patience, consistency, and commitment from both sides.
Read Also: 50 Non-Cringe Hinge Prompts That Are Conversation Starters
FAQs
- Is emotional cheating really cheating?
Yes. Emotional cheating involves intimacy, secrecy, and emotional investment outside the relationship, which counts as betrayal even without physical contact.
- Can a relationship survive emotional or physical cheating?
Absolutely—but only with mutual effort, honesty, therapy (if needed), and a commitment to rebuilding trust.
- How do I know if I’m emotionally cheating?
If you’re hiding conversations, sharing intimate thoughts, fantasising about a deeper bond, or prioritising someone else emotionally—it may be emotional cheating.
So, whether you are team Janhvi or team Kajal & Twinkle, be wise and communicate with your partner. Don’t cheat! One may be worse than the other, but that doesn’t make the other right.
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