Would you equate flirting with cheating?

There is a very thin line between flirting and cheating. And while some equate one with the other, there are several others who simply believe that harmless flirting can’t hurt anyone. The reason for these varying degrees of opinions is the way people define and interpret the word flirting. While to some it means admiring an attractive man/woman, to others it means hitting on them with an agenda. Also, with the changing trends on social media, what you consider flirting has also undergone a dramatic shift. As a result you have many curious cases even posing the — Is flirting cheating question to  Google Trends.

However, what started out as a simple query sharply divided people on two sides of the camp. While one side believes that behaving flirtatiously when you have a partner is wrong, especially if you are invested in them. For others, flirting is healthy and natural as long as it doesn’t lead to anything physical. But when does flirting become cheating? We got reactions from women and an expert to help you pick a side in the flirting v/s cheating debate.

‘Flirting is like window shopping’

Lily Shroff, freelancer writer and editor
Flirting is simply appreciating something hunky or admiring something pretty. Like mere celeb appeal or lusting over a hot gym instructor. There’s no harm in looking. Like window shopping when you eye a priceless limited edition designer bag knowing you cannot swipe your card to buy it. There’s no harm in admiring the alternative attractions of life. It’s human till the point of a casual chat, a cozy selfie even. It’s when the simple desire for the unknown escalates from that feeling of excitement to crossing over into a foggy area of discontentment. It results in actions that are not accepted by one’s own conscience. It is then that cheating becomes a possibility. It’s cool to flirt, but keep in mind that hearts are fragile and it’s upto us to protect them.

‘It’s not cheating if the rules are the same for both’

Anumita Ghosh, software developer
Flirting is healthy if both people in the relationship are okay with it and both are alllowed to flirt. As long as the other person is aware that you are committed and this is simply a casual chat that won’t go beyond this, it’s okay!

‘Flirting is healthy till it takes a toll on your relationship’

Dona Dey, student of journalism
Healthy flirting is fine till your partner is okay with it, and it does not start taking a toll on your relationship.

When does flirting become cheating?

Psychiatrist Dr Hemant Mittal, says, “Flirting is natural. However, when it happens and it comes out of the motive of sexual gratification from someone, it can be considered as cheating. Also, when you flirt, and decide to keep that secret from your partner it again can be labelled as cheating. Cheating is basically breaking the trust a person has placed in you. So, flirting with the purpose of taking that trust for granted or neglecting that trust is part of cheating.”