No marriage is affair proof. We are all at risk of losing our focus and being swept into an emotional affair or perhaps even sexual infidelity. But you can do several things to safeguard your marriage. Here are eight ways to do so according to James C. Dobson, author of “Love Must be Tough:”
1. Stay honest with yourself and with your spouse. If you find yourself attracted to someone, admit it quickly to yourself and to your spouse. Honesty is the key to preventing a relationship from escalating into infidelity.
2. Avoid magazines, movies and other forms of entertainment that can increase your tolerance of affairs.
3. Try to see your relationships from your spouse’s perspective. What would your spouse be comfortable with? How would he or she feel about what you are doing?
4. Do not flirt. Most affairs begin with what’s considered “innocent flirting,” but there’s no such thing! Flirting is not a part of friendship.
5. Keep your marriage as your No. 1 priority. Make sure you are working to meet your spouse’s most important needs. If you’re not sure what those are, ask.
6. Grow together spiritually. Pray with each other and for each other.
7. Set boundaries about how you will interact with the opposite sex. For instance, you and your spouse may decide that neither of you will be alone with someone of the opposite sex, even for business lunches or late nights at work.
8. Surround yourselves with happily married couples who don’t believe in fooling around.
You can keep your marriage safe from infidelity, whether an emotional affair or physical one. But it requires open, honest communication and a commitment to do whatever it takes to keep your marriage your No. 1 relationship.