Lack of communication, emotional neglect and declining commitment are among the factors that can contribute to marital infidelity, Rev. Benjamin Boateng of Cornerstone Chapel, Assemblies of God, Community 9, has said.
He defined marital infidelity as a breach of the agreements, expectations and boundaries established between married partners, which may involve emotional or sexual involvement with another person. Commonly referred to as cheating or adultery, infidelity occurs when one partner violates the marital commitment made to the other.
Speaking on managing the effects of infidelity on Nyansapo Fie, Plan B FM’s family, relationship and lifestyle programme, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, Rev. Boateng identified different forms of infidelity, including physical, emotional, digital, fantasy and financial infidelity. He explained that physical infidelity involves breaking an agreement on sexual exclusivity, while emotional infidelity occurs when a partner develops an inappropriate emotional attachment to someone outside the marriage.
He further explained that digital infidelity involves inappropriate interactions through online platforms, while fantasy infidelity involves developing romantic or sexual fantasies about someone outside the marriage. Financial infidelity, he noted, occurs when one partner secretly spends or gives away money without the knowledge of the other, particularly when financial decisions affect the household.
Rev. Boateng identified poor communication, emotional neglect, sexual difficulties, opportunities to cheat, revenge and a lack of commitment as possible causes of infidelity. He added that anger and changes in marital routines can also contribute to dissatisfaction, especially when couples stop making efforts to maintain the connection they shared earlier in their relationship.
He stressed that although the reasons behind infidelity may differ from one marriage to another, couples should prioritise effective communication and address problems in their relationship rather than allow unresolved issues to deepen.
By: Lydia Owusu
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