An affair is a romantic and emotionally intense relationship with someone other than your spouse or partner. Generally, affairs do not last long though there are exceptions and occur between two people who are not married or otherwise committed to one another. Sex may or may not be involved in an affair, and cyber affairs can happen between two people who may never even meet one another. Typically, an affair is considered a betrayal of trust. It has the ability to cause significant distress in relationships and there are many reasons why people cheat on their partners. Affairs are commonly referred to as "adultery" among married couples and "infidelity" among common-law spouses, same-sex couples , and other committed partners. An affair can go by other names as well, depending on the type of affair involved.

We believe a romantic partner is there to provide us with love, comfort and security. So people are quick to make judgements and lay blame on perpetrators of what they see as a significant violation of relationship norms and betrayal of trust. Infidelity highlights the potential fragility of our closest and most important of relationships.

L ove and happiness are certainly important to me in my year marriage to Stephen. They are also important to me in my nine-year affair with Michael. I know people have affairs for all sorts of reasons and think ultimately that they have a goal in mind — the end of their marriage, a lasting new relationship or a complete change to what they see as a boring life.