BTN News: When we think about infidelity in a relationship, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a sexual affair or the kind of double life where one person is hiding an intimate and emotional connection with someone else from their partner. This idea of infidelity, where the physical or emotional bond is broken, is the one that typically grabs attention. However, there’s another type of infidelity that often flies under the radar, even though it’s much more common. This type of betrayal, as discussed by psychologist and sexologist Núria Jorba on RAC1’s Versión Verano program, is financial infidelity.
While most people associate infidelity with sexual acts, the reality is that financial infidelity is the most frequent form of betrayal in relationships. Financial infidelity involves deceiving your partner about money matters, which can take many forms. For instance, receiving an inheritance and not telling your partner, earning more than you admit, or secretly withdrawing cash from a joint account are all examples of this type of infidelity. According to a study by the U.S.-based consulting firm creditcards.com, one in five people admit to hiding debts, credit card balances, or compulsive shopping habits from their partners. This statistic sheds light on just how widespread financial secrecy can be in relationships.
Ted Rossman, the author of the research, explains to the BBC that even saving money without informing your partner could be considered financial infidelity. Such actions create a “freedom fund,” which is problematic because it assumes that the relationship might fail. Rossman points out that in certain marriages, these funds could be used for important purposes like retirement or paying for a child’s education. Still, the fact that this money is hidden indicates a lack of trust and communication between partners, which can be just as damaging as any other form of infidelity.
Despite the prominence of financial infidelity, we can’t overlook the more traditional types of sexual betrayal that often come to mind first. Jorba highlights that within sexual infidelity, there are different types: there are those that are spontaneous, like the classic “one-night stand” that wasn’t planned, and those that are more sustained, where flirting or some form of attraction existed before any sexual activity took place, even if it was only once.
Understanding that infidelity isn’t just about physical or emotional connections but also extends to financial matters opens up a broader conversation about trust and honesty in relationships. Just like with any form of infidelity, financial deception can erode the foundation of a relationship, leading to feelings of betrayal, anger, and ultimately, a breakdown in the partnership.
In today’s world, where financial independence and joint financial responsibilities coexist, it’s crucial for couples to maintain transparency about their finances. Keeping financial secrets might seem harmless at first, but as with any lie, it has the potential to spiral out of control, damaging the trust that’s so vital for a healthy relationship. Whether it’s about money or physical intimacy, infidelity in any form can have serious consequences, and understanding its many faces can help couples navigate these challenges more effectively.
