Q: "I know many people like to look at porn but is it considered cheating if someone also likes to look at websites that involve escorts and cams/forums where you can see and talk to another person in cyberspace, but nothing goes beyond that?"... Andy, via FHM.com.au
A: Anne Hollonds, CEO of Relationships Australia, says, “To have fantasies is a normal thing. It isn’t anything to worry about and if you’ve done it just once, no big deal. But to choose to regularly make contact with people other than your partner is problematic.
"It doesn’t have to be physical to be sexual, but the main problem is regular interaction with someone other than your partner isn’t strengthening or contributing to your relationship and robs it of the intimacy it should have.
"It can also become addictive and can be an indicator there are problems either with yourself – depression or low self-esteem – or with your partnership. It’s also risky because virtual relationships aren’t real. They get in the way of engaging in a real relationship because the latter can never match up.”
The answer is counselling one-on-one or as a couple – or both. If you think you’re on the edge, contact Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.
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