There is marriagebuilders.com and loveshack.org, but if you want something just for emotional affairs, it’s very easy to set one up on msn (or yahoo, or probably several other places, but msn’s message board format is easier to read).
Funny you should mention that, because while I have struggled for years to say the Rosary with devotion and attention, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is what I always turn back to, and I seem able to pray it in a way I can’t, the Rosary.
Tee, I still think his actions speak to a deeper issue and that emotional infedelity is one aspect of what is going on.
okey…go ahead… mail me on my roselawig_lai@yahoo.com
You may be correct on this, however, I don’t think people that have not gone thru this realize that EA’s and all the lying and trying to shift blame ARE ABUSE IN THEMSELVES. EA’s and PA’s ARE AN ABUSIVE, SELFISH ADDICTION. With most addictions there is abuse involved. IMHO. Thankfully, in my sitch, that is behind me. Since we have come to an understanding, and my spouse REALIZES what he was doing and how he hurt me, it has become a completely different relationship that we have. Of course, it has only been not quite 2 years, so of course, I still take it one day at a time. I think he realizes that if the relationship between he and his friend continued, he WOULD NOT have a marriage left. I made that quite clear. I also made it quite clear the manner that I expected to be treated, and the type of relationship I expected and pretty much demanded in marriage. Hate to sound so demanding, but with certain aspects of our marriage it was either my way or I was OUT. That STILL holds true and will ALWAYS.
I would say that it’s not just men who don’t get it. I hate when women begin men bashing b/c of a few bad seeds. I would venture to say that more women have emotional affairs than men. Also, with every affair there is another person, so 50% of men and 50% of women are involved in affairs (whether emotional or physical).
Theology of the Body is one GREAT example of how the Church ISN’T failing marriage. If individuals aren’t doing their part, then the Church shouldn’t be blamed. Women are to RESPECT their husbands, Men are to LOVE their wives. These are two distinct commands that are totally different. I have heard many wives disrespectful towards their husband and many husbands unloving towards their wives.
Good golly, there are so many marriage retreats and spiritual seminars offered by Catholic Diocese and parishes. There are men’s groups out there to help men balance being Catholic with the stressors of work and parenting and being a good spouse. There are women’s groups out there to help women pray and learn more about building strong marriages and relationships. I don’t know how you could say the church does nothing to help married couples. That’s just not true. You’ve got to make the effort to seek out these opportunities and then sign up to attend them. There are many Theology of the Body seminars, Bible Studies, prayer groups, and so on to help all Catholics live the call.
A spouse cheating may not be reason enough for a divorce, but try out these affects of an emotional affair:
The address is sent.
I appologize if it seems as if I was judging. That was not my intention. However, the marriages that I know of that ended were due to a lack by both parties in one manner or another.
Thank you, gmarie, and I really am sorry for unloading on you like that. You are not the problem. I just let my frustration boil over for a moment.
I actually had just finished a novena to the Holy Family asking for my marriage to be healed when I found out the worst about my hubby’s friendship. I still don’t get it…God works in mysterious ways. The upside is it’s brought me back to the Church.