What Actually Counts as Cheating?

Throwback to another one of my favorite conversations! Have you ever wondered where the line actually is between loyalty and betrayal? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Scott Lyons to unpack the messy, subjective world of infidelity in 2025. We get into the questions couples almost never ask each other… is porn cheating, is a flirty DM cheating, is fantasizing about someone else cheating… and why avoiding these conversations is often what leads to bigger ruptures down the line. I also get vulnerable about my own history as a self-described "reformed cheater," and Scott and I both open up about being on the receiving end of infidelity ourselves. We break down the real stats on who cheats and why, talk through micro-cheating and emotional affairs in the age of social media, and walk through what genuine repair looks like when trust has been broken. If you want a real, no-shame framework for defining your own relationship boundaries, this one's for you. ABOUT EMILY: Emily Morse is a Doctor of Human Sexuality, author and host of the #1 rated Sex with Emily podcast. Known as a renowned sexologist, Dr. Emily has helped millions of people around the world navigate their sex lives. Her candid and often funny conversations challenge cultural taboos, misinformation and awkward sex talks to create a future where people can deeply connect and embrace pleasure-filled lives. Because, life is too short for bad sex. CONNECT WITH EMILY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexwithemily/ X: https://twitter.com/sexwithemily Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexwithemily TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sexwithemily Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sexwithemily CONNECT WITH DR. SCOTT LYONS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drscottlyons/ Website: https://www.drscottlyons.com/ WANT MORE? Visit the Website: https://sexwithemily.com/ which includes FREE guides. Free Downloadable Guides: https://sexwithemily.com/guides/ Text With Me: https://sexwithemily.com/text Receive Sex Tips On The Regular: https://sexwithemily.com/subscribe Interested in 1:1 Coaching with Emily? Go to http://sexwithemily.com/coaching to apply! Chapters: 0:00 Welcome to Sex with Emily 4:55 What is Cheating? 9:10 Why Every Couple Needs to Define Boundaries 12:45 How to Talk About Monogamy 14:31 Are Fantasies a Form of Cheating? 17:22 Listeners Story: When Fantasies Hurt a Relationship 19:42 Infidelity Stats 22:27 Dr. Emily Opens Up About Her Past Infidelity 25:38 Recovering After Being Cheated On 29:03 Monogamy, Open Relationships & Honest Conversations 36:26 Is Micro-Cheating Actually Cheating? 39:48 Can a Relationship Survive Infidelity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices