Author: Anne Marie Miller

If you’ve watched TV recently, you would have noticed emotional affairs is a problem being recognized even outside of our little Christian bubble. On the Today show, they had their resident psychologist on talking about emotional affairs. The show created so much buzz, they had her on again…and again.

With the introduction of internet communication as well as overworked career minds and the fallout of under met needs, it’s no wonder so many people are struggling getting a grip on their emotions and their thought lives. No longer is it just the stereotypical vice president sleeping with his secretary; but it’s the stay at home mom hooking up with her newly divorced neighbor. The assistant pastor messing around with the woman whose marriage is falling apart.

And maybe they’re not even having sex.

As a woman, this is an area in my life I have to constantly guard.

There’s a book out there called Every Woman’s Battle: Discovering God’s Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment.

This book has some valuable information in it. Whether you’re single or married – emotions are something that need to be guarded. They have to be guarded.

If you’re young – learn how to now. Learn the warning signs early. Guys can have emotional affairs too, so this doesn’t just apply to us girls

• Are you thinking about someone constantly. Does he or she pop in your head more than a few times a day?
• Do you dress yourself based on who you are going to see (need to impress?) that day? If you know you might run into a particular person, do you make sure you look good?
• Are you always anxiously awaiting a phone call or email from a certain person that isn’t your spouse?
• Do you find yourself thinking, “I wonder if he (or she) finds me attractive?”
• Do you dwell on thoughts of what it would be like to hug, touch or kiss a certain person?

Those are some of the red flags mentioned in Every Woman’s Battle that show you might be leaning on the line of an emotional attraction that isn’t healthy.

Especially if you’re married or with someone and you’re having these thoughts – talk to someone right away (but not the person you’re having the thoughts about!)

The Bible talks about sex (including thoughts or actions) outside of marriage like this:

“There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact.” (1 Corinthians 6:16a – The Message)

and a few sentences later:

“Run away from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does.” (6:18 – NLT).

Run away-Fast!

Not just from having sex with someone you shouldn’t be having sex with?but from your thoughts and your emotions.

We were created to follow our hearts and the desires we feel, but when they lead us away from God’s plan and into someone else?s arms instead (even if it’s just in our imagination), nothing?nothing good can ever come from that.

This is serious business…and not something to be blown off as just a crush or infatuation.