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This fifth type of affair is commonly referred to as
an emotional affair.  Although some would not consider an emotional
entanglement an affair, this type of relationship can be just as
devastating and destructive as a sexual affair. Emotional affairs
are not commonly talked about and frequently often their lack of
sexual involvement is used as a rationalization as to why it’s not
it’s not an affair. But technicalities in no way absolve the reality
of the situation. The notion that a lack of sexual involvement somehow
prevents this type of relational intimacy from being an affair is
baffling. Anytime someone other than our mate is permitted to enter
the most intimate areas of our life we are giving something that
we have no right to give. I have already given and committed my
heart and being to another. One good way to identify this type
of affair is if your mate’s “best friend” has information or
more insight into your mate's life than you. Our definition
of infidelity is “the keeping of secrets.” Does their “friend”
know more about your marriage than you? If your mate is closer
to a friend than to you, then it is already and affair. It may seem
harmless because they’ve yet to cross the sexual/physical line,
but it is an affair nonetheless.

Characteristics:

• Boundary issues are a factor.
• Your mate is better friends with another individual
  than they are with you.
• Your mate keeps secrets with their friend rather than
  you.
• Your mate does not want to choose between their friend
  and you.
• Your mate wants to stay married.