3 minute read
Infidelity in the Inbox
With the prevalence of email, chat rooms, and other online technology, a married person today can engage in a completely private and even intimate relationship with someone other than his or her spouse – all without leaving home. And in the hothouse of secrecy, seduction can flourish unabated.
Lynn started off her friendship with Bill in a chat room. As a loving wife and mother of three, Lynn had no intention of getting mired in an adulterous relationship. She was simply curious and bored. Bill and Lynn hit if off right away. His clever little comebacks and talent for deep, meaningful conversation impressed Lynn and kept her coming back for more.
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Over time they decided to exchange photos, which only fueled the fire of intimacy, and eventually bumped up the level of innuendo in their private emails. As they grew closer, both felt that they should meet. A terrible fight with her husband Anthony gave Lynn the excuse she needed to finally meet Bill face to face. And while she was disappointed to discover that Bill wasn’t all she had hoped, their relationship continued, finally resulting in adultery.
Because of the constant guilt that Lynn felt, she eventually separated from Anthony. And now that the forbidden fruit had been sampled and was no longer forbidden—well, it wasn’t long before Bill was out of the picture also. The turning point came when a hotel room receipt with Bill’s name on it showed up in the mail, causing Anthony to suspect that Lynn had been involved with someone else. Confronted by her husband, Lynn admitted everything. Then she apologized from her heart and asked for his forgiveness. Anthony forgave, and God restored. It was a long process, and Lynn admits that her actions hurt her husband deeply. Six years later, Anthony and Lynn’s marriage is solid. Lynn is grateful that she didn’t leave Anthony for Bill, the “charming impostor.”
Infidelity in the Inbox When TEMPTATION is at your fingertips
Maintaining online integrity Perhaps you felt instantly conscience-stricken when you read this story about email correspondence. Maybe what began as a platonic online friendship has slowly become a fun, flirtatious, almost romantic relationship. And although you love your spouse, this ongoing email exchange is starting to thrill you.
Let’s say your spouse decided to take a look at your private e-mail account. If anything in there would cause you to feel embarrassed or defensive, then you have a problem. Take a minute to answer these four questions. 1. Do you check your e-mail compulsively, hoping to see that person’s name in the inbox? 2. Do you often laugh out loud at his clever comments?... blush when she throws a little flattery your way? … Sigh with contentment when he shares his heart with you? 3. Have you ever gotten up at night to check email and correspond with him or her? 4. Do you glance over your shoulder to make sure no one is watching while you read emails from him or her?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it’s time to make changes. Discontinue the “friendship” and change your email immediately.
by Paula Friedrichsen
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