Betrayal in Love: 7 Types
Betrayal in Love: 7 Types
What are the 7 types of betrayal in a romantic relationship? What tools can online therapy offer couples to help them overcome betrayal?
When we think of betrayal and infidelity, sexual dynamics usually come to mind first. However, there are many other forms of betrayal within a couple. Here are seven of the most common, including sexual betrayal—some of which are more subtle and harder to recognize:
- Sexual betrayal
- Emotional betrayal
- Affective betrayal
- Betrayal of trust
- Financial betrayal
- Virtual betrayal
- Serial betrayal
Let’s look at them more closely.
1. Sexual betrayal
This is the form most commonly associated with the idea of “cheating.” It is primal and physical, involving the body and emotions. It often occurs when emotional or sexual distance grows between partners. While sporadic episodes may end in guilt and forgiveness, deeper attachments to a third person often lead to a definitive breakup. According to a study reported in State of Mind, about 40% of couples experience infidelity, 30% admit both partners cheated, and only 30% claim to have remained faithful.
2. Emotional betrayal
Here, the physical aspect is secondary. Emotional betrayal happens when one partner forms a new intimate mental bond outside the couple—often after intimacy within the relationship has waned. This new complicity gradually replaces the old connection, making recovery more difficult than after purely physical infidelity.
3. Affective betrayal
This is similar to emotional betrayal but centers on attention and care given to someone else. A partner may begin sharing more thoughts, energy, and emotions with a third person (often a friend or colleague) than with their partner. Over time, comparisons emerge, and the third party may even take the partner’s place.
4. Betrayal of trust
Not necessarily sexual or emotional, this occurs when a partner breaks a bond of trust through actions, secrets, or broken promises. It may involve revealing confidences or acting against the partner’s best interests. Even without physical intimacy, this type of betrayal leaves deep scars and damages the individual’s ability to trust in future relationships.
5. Financial betrayal
One of the most damaging forms, financial betrayal undermines the very foundation of a couple’s shared life. It involves hidden financial actions—covering debts, secret spending, or personal gains at the expense of the partner. Trust and stability are deeply compromised, sometimes irreparably.
6. Virtual betrayal
A modern form of cheating, virtual betrayal occurs through chats, social media, or other online platforms. Messages and emotional involvement can evolve into an obsessive connection, sometimes even crossing into real-life encounters. Even if limited to the digital world, courts in some countries equate virtual betrayal with physical infidelity.
7. Serial betrayal
The most destructive form. A serial cheater repeatedly betrays their partner without remorse or even emotional involvement with the third party. Such relationships are corrosive to self-esteem and almost impossible to sustain unless both partners agree on non-monogamy.
How can online therapy help?
Online therapy can be an essential tool for couples facing any form of betrayal—sexual, emotional, financial, virtual, or otherwise. Therapy helps partners:
- Understand the nature of the betrayal and its impact
- Process unresolved wounds and emotions
- Explore whether rebuilding the relationship is possible
- Or decide, with clarity, if it is time to part ways and pursue separate paths
For information, contact Dr. Jessica Zecchini
Email: consulenza@jessicazecchini.it — WhatsApp: +39 370 32 17 351
