"Emotional infidelity" is a sort of hidden, long-term connection with someone who isn't your primary relationship. It is the unilateral decision of one individual to nurture nonsexual closeness with someone other than their primary love partner in a way that weakens or undermines the relationship. Mental cheating occurs when someone else's thoughts and opinions become yours. You share your partner's feelings about things such as where to go on vacation, what kind of house to buy, and which schools your children should attend. Even if they don't say it, most people want these decisions made easily by both of them. If one person controls all the decision making in the relationship, then they have not truly shared their feelings with each other, nor have they been open and honest with one another. People can mentally cheat on anyone, but it's common among couples who have problems communicating. If you find yourself thinking and acting like your partner whenever they aren't around, then you are mentally cheating on them. Even if they tell you they don't want that type of relationship with you, you should still use caution not to undermine your marriage or relationship in any other ways. Mentally cheating on someone can be very difficult to admit, but once you do, you will have taken the first step toward recovery. There are programs available that can help people who struggle with emotional infidelity.