By: Ollus Ndomu
Cheating in a relationships has become more prevalent that committing to someone now looks more of a suicide mission. Perhaps the advent of social media and technology has significantly changed our perception of faithfulness and self-respect so that sleeping around, anyhow and with anyone is no longer a big deal. One common factor that is worsening the cheating problem is opposite gender besties. While having a best friend of the opposite gender may seem harmless, it often create a loophole for cheating to occur. In this special edition of The Spotlight, we will examine the reasons why opposite gender besties a tempting path to cheating and the steps that can be taken to prevent it.
The main reason why opposite gender besties a loophole for cheating is due to the emotional connection that they share. People tend to confide in their best friends more than anyone else, and when it is someone of the opposite gender, it can create an intimacy that may lead to romantic feelings. This emotional bond can be a slippery slope, especially if one of the parties involved has feelings that go beyond friendship.
Another reason why opposite gender besties can be detrimental to a relationship is that spending time with someone of the opposite gender without your significant other can create feelings of jealousy and suspicion. It can be easy for one partner to feel left out or excluded from the friendship, which can lead to insecurity and trust issues. This can ultimately lead to cheating as one partner seeks validation and companionship elsewhere.
In addition to emotional connections and jealousy, physical attraction can also play a role in cheating. When spending time with someone of the opposite gender, physical attraction may develop, especially if the person is attractive and has similar interests. This attraction can be a spark that ignites a cheating situation, as the person may begin to desire more than just a friendship with their bestie.
To prevent opposite gender besties from becoming a loophole for cheating, honest communication is key. Partners should discuss their thoughts and feelings about the friendship and set boundaries if necessary. Time spent with best friends of the opposite gender should be done together, when possible, to avoid feelings of jealousy and suspicion. Lastly, honesty about any romantic feelings that may develop should be discussed immediately to avoid any cheating from happening.
Summarily, while having an opposite gender bestie may seem harmless, it can create a loophole for cheating to occur. The emotional connection, jealousy, and physical attraction that may occur can be dangerous to a relationship, leading to infidelity. However, by practicing open and honest communication, setting boundaries, and being aware of potential risks, couples can prevent their opposite gender besties from becoming a path to cheating.
