Dating While Married: When Is It Justified?

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Dating while married is an ethical dilemma. If you ask any layman that is it right to date a married man or woman, the obvious answer would be 'no'. But there are thing in the world for which you have to dig deeper than the obvious. Is it or is not right to be dating while married is one such question. It has no definitive conclusion.

There are many people who date married men and women. Technically and legally, such relationships are extra marital affairs. But the morality of each person is very different and personal. That is why, people actually go ahead and date married men or women. Can it ever be fair to be dating while married? Actually, the answer to this question is yes. You can date married men and women provided you are clear about what you want from the relationship.

Here are some situations under which dating while married can be justified.

Married But Separated
Many couples go through a long period of separation before the formal legal divorce. When a couple is married but separated, the marital relationship is over for all practical purposes. There is no harm in dating while you are married but separated. In fact, it might help you get over the impending divorce and get on with life.

In An Open Marriage
An open marriage is a relationship where both spouses are allowed to have extra marital affairs. This condition is agreed upon by both partners so there is no cause for guilt. If you are in an open marriage then you have the freedom to date while you remain married. This is a rare but possible situation.

When You Are Gay
Suppose you realise that you have same sex orientation after you get married. What will you do? The society often forces gay men and women to hide their sexual preference from their spouses. Although it is not strictly speaking fair, it can be considered justified for gay men and women to date while married.

When Your Spouse Is Cheating
When you know that your spouse is cheating on you or will leave you soon, then you can take the plunge. When your spouse is having some extra fun on the side, why should you be left out. Never have an extra marital affair as a revenge. In this way you will be cheating the person you are dating. But its alright to date while married to an unfaithful spouse.

There may be many other situations when dating while married is justified. Are you in a real life situation where having an extra marital affair seems like a good option.