Four More Ways to Avoid Online Affairs

Someone once asked a colleague , Paul Watson, this question:

“You hear all the time about people starting online relationships that result in offline marriages and affairs. With all the online chatting and counseling you do, how do you protect yourself?”

Paul posted this article which gives four great ways to help prevent online affairs. He talks about being accountable to your spouse, communicating with everyone that you are married, bringing your spouse into conversations, and identifying when you are vulnerable to temptation.

Here are four more ways to avoid online affairs:

Communicate!

When a marriage counselor meets with couples, he/she focuses on building communication. When communication goes wrong, spouses feel unfulfilled. Make sure you talk with your spouse and share secrets, because sharing secrets builds intimacy. Make sure they know your hopes, dreams, and needs.

Then listen. Don’t critique. Make sure your spouse feels comfortable enough to share truth rather than what he/she thinks you want to hear.

Meet your spouse’s needs.

Take the first step. Take what your spouse shared and start meeting their needs. If you fulfill their needs, it is that much easier for them to meet yours.

Honor your spouse.

You are probably a busy person. You have a lot going on. You may come into contact with hundreds of people, both online and off. Each of these people may need a portion of your time. Above everything else, make sure that you reserve time specifically for your spouse. Set aside time to go on romantic dinners, for communicating , and for hanging out. Do not let anyone other than your spouse change the dates.

Date your spouse!

Make sure you treat them to a romantic night out every now and then. Special occasions ensure that both of you get the attention you deserve, and give you the opportunity to meet each others needs.

Like many things in life, what you put into a marriage is what you get out of it. Nurture and protect your marriage so that it will flourish!