Once the symbols of infidelity were lipstick on the collar and motel bills, today’s indication that a “relationship” may be in trouble is sexting.

Sexting is the act of sending sexually provocative text messages/pix to someone else.  Although sexting may begin as just flirtation, the messages often become more sexual and more explicit.  This risky behavior may escalate to a person sexting from their sofa (possibly from where they may be sitting with their spouse!)

People can call these contacts “platonic” since no actual touching is involved – at least at first.  But it’s the deceit – the breaches of trust – that makes sexting while you are committed to another dangerous.  You may be playing with fire.

Many people see themselves as being virtuous – “I’d never flirt with someone at a bar…” or “[a text] seems so harmless…”  But in retrospect most people will look back and see that these kinds of exchanges were really an accident waiting to happen.  One person will engage in more graphic communication until the other person, craving for more contact, begins to slowly cross the limit.  Often the intimacy of the virtual relationship is what damages the marriage as much as what it may later become physically.