
The term emotional affair is often
describes a bond between two people that mimics the closeness and emotional
intimacy of a romantic relationship while never being physically
consummated. An emotional affair is sometimes referred to as an affair
of the heart. An emotional affair may emerge from a friendship,
and progress toward greater levels of personal intimacy and attachment. What
distinguishes an emotional affair from a friendship is the assumption of
emotional roles between the two participants that mimic of those of an actual
relationship - with regards to confiding personal information and turning to
the other person during moments of vulnerability or need.