What is emotional infidelity? Why did Robert Kennedy and Olivia Nuzzi

Olivia Nuzzi, the engaged New York magazine political reporter, shocked the political world when she admitted to having an inappropriate “personal relationship” with married Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his presidential campaign.

Nuzzi claims the two had no physical relationship, and a representative for Robert Kennedy says the two only met once, which has left many wondering how the two could have been so close. Experts say the two may have had an “emotional entanglement,” and it’s more common than you might think.

“Emotional infidelity is when one person begins to develop a deep emotional bond with another person. It’s more than just a normal friendship; it often involves a level of intimacy and secrecy that can destroy a relationship or marriage,” Amber Soletti, dating and relationship expert and founder of Single and the City, told The Washington Post.

“You may find yourself sharing personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences with this person — things you would normally reserve for your partner,” Soletti adds.

Sources told The Washington Post that Nuzzi and Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. had exchanged sexting messages, a behavior Soletti said was common in romantic affairs and could have disastrous consequences for a relationship.

While some people consider emotional infidelity less serious than sexual infidelity, Soletti said it is “just as bad, if not worse” and feels like the “ultimate betrayal.”

“A physical relationship can mean someone doesn’t even know the other person’s name or much information about the other person. Whereas an emotional relationship is much deeper.”

Relationship expert Rachel DeAlto told The Washington Post that people get into relationships because they feel unfulfilled or are looking for something their relationship can’t provide.

“Emotional infidelity can fulfill a lot of needs. It can make someone feel needed, feel connected. If that’s what they’re looking for, they don’t need material things.”

De Alto said these relationships are “more intimate” than even physical ones.

Soletti added: “The damage from an affair can be even deeper, especially if your significant other has shared personal information about you and your relationship with the person who committed the affair.”

Dating expert Grace Lee says the biggest red flag to look out for if you suspect your partner is having an affair is when “they start acting suspiciously.”

“Disappearing for too long, smiling at the phone when receiving a text message, and being evasive when asked for details about the ‘friend'” are all signs of infidelity, Li said.

“Being more secretive about their phone calls, social media or whereabouts can be a major red flag,” DeAlto said.

Lee said people are drawn to emotional events because of their “desire” and “escapist” qualities.

“Because this person isn’t in your real life, it’s easy to idealize the relationship.”

Robert Kennedy’s youngest son is married to Curb Your Enthusiasm star Cheryl Hines. This isn’t the first time he’s gotten the actress into an awkward situation.

When Kennedy suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump, his wife was viciously attacked online by her Hollywood peers.

“I have great respect for Bobby’s decision to run on the principle of unity,” Hines said. “Over the past year and a half, I have met some amazing people from all parties — Democrats, Republicans and independents. In my experience, the vast majority of people from all parties are truly good people who want the best for our country and each other.”

Nuzzi is engaged to former New Yorker political reporter Ryan Lizza, who was fired from the newspaper in 2017 amid allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies.