Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

7 reasons why men have emotional affairs

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Nov 7, 2023, 21:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/8

​Emotional cheating

Emotional affairs can be just as damaging to a relationship as physical infidelity. While both men and women can be guilty of emotional affairs, here we will focus on why some men may find themselves in this predicament. Understanding the reasons behind emotional affairs can help partners address issues before they lead to betrayal. These are 7 reasons why men have emotional affairs.

2/8

Lack of emotional connection

One of the most common reasons men seek emotional affairs is a lack of emotional connection in their current relationship. Men, like women, crave emotional intimacy and the feeling of being understood. When they don't find it at home, they may seek it elsewhere.

3/8

​Companionship and support

Men often turn to emotional affairs when they feel lonely and unsupported in their primary relationship. They may find solace in the companionship and support of someone outside their partnership, someone who seems to "get" them.

4/8

​Escaping relationship issues

Rather than facing and resolving relationship problems head-on, some men resort to emotional affairs as a way to escape from their issues. It's a temporary distraction from their own troubles, but it doesn't fix the root of the problem.

5/8

​Thrill of the chase

Some men are drawn to the excitement and thrill of pursuing someone new. The idea of a secret emotional connection can be exciting and make them feel desired and important.

6/8

​Boosting self-esteem

An emotional affair can provide an ego boost for men who may be struggling with low self-esteem. Compliments and positive attention from someone outside their relationship can temporarily boost their self-worth.

7/8

​Boredom and routine

Monotony in a long-term relationship can lead some men to seek excitement and newness outside of their partnership. Emotional affairs can provide a sense of freshness and adventure they feel is missing at home.

8/8

​Lack of intimacy

Physical intimacy is essential in any romantic relationship, but so is emotional intimacy. If a man's partner is distant emotionally, he might seek emotional connection with someone who offers the intimacy and vulnerability he craves.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • Rujuta Diwekar shares 3 marriage rules every girl should know
  • African proverb of the day: “If you are threatened by a man, sleep at night, if it is by a woman...” — life lessons on intuition, emotional intelligence, hidden strength, resilience, and why power is not always loud
  • Delhi key Metro station names changed: What daily commuters and tourists should know
  • 4 personality traits of Meryl Streep that make her a legendary actor and a timeless star
  • 5 things Vastu says you should remove from your home immediately
  • The Indian destinations emerging as alternatives to Bali and Maldives
  • What is seagulling? The toxic dating trend keeping you emotionally trapped
  • From Ajay Jadeja’s palatial heritage bungalow to Hardik Pandya’s luxury penthouse: Indian cricketers who own lavish crore-worth homes in Gujarat
  • Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's home is a cosy mid-century abode with a flush of quirks: Art inspirations to take away
Photostories
  • 5 best desi ingredients for ice cube therapy to beat summer skin problems
  • Rujuta Diwekar shares 3 marriage rules every girl should know
  • What Australia’s oldest people eat, how they walk, and what they do differently
  • Anushka Sharma’s chic Rs 33k white dress had more star power than Virat Kohli’s off-duty style
  • The Indian destinations emerging as alternatives to Bali and Maldives
  • 4 personality traits of Meryl Streep that make her a legendary actor and a timeless star
  • All about Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston’s bond: From acquaintances, to co-workers, and lifelong friends
  • These 5 unusual animals also produce milk, and the internet is surprised
  • 5 things Vastu says you should remove from your home immediately
Explore more Stories
  • 6
    5 best desi ingredients for ice cube therapy to beat summer skin problems
  • 8
    How to identify an eastern brown snake safely
  • 6
    Anushka Sharma’s chic Rs 33k white dress had more star power than Virat Kohli’s off-duty style
  • 8
    The surprising places snakes hide around homes during summer
  • 5
    The Giant Amazonian Centipede is straight out of a horror movie
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Relationships
  • /
  • Love & Sex
  • /
  • 7 reasons why men have emotional affairs
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 28, 2026, 03.40PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service