New York Magazine Reporter Olivia Nuzzi The political world was shocked when she confessed to having an inappropriate “personal relationship” with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is married, even though she wrote about him. During his presidential campaign.
Nuzzi, who was engaged at the time of the “relationship,” claimed it wasn't physical, and RFK Jr.'s rep said the two only met in person once, leading many to ask how they could get so close. Experts say the pair were probably engaged in an “emotional affair,” and it's more common than you might think.
“An emotional affair occurs when one partner begins to form a deep, emotional bond with someone outside of their relationship. It's not just a normal friendship; it often involves a level of intimacy and secrecy that can destroy a relationship or marriage,” said Amber Soletti, dating and relationship expert and founder of Emotions. Single and the citytold The Post.
“You may find yourself sharing personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences with this other person — things you usually reserve for your partner,” Soletti says.
Sources told the Post that Nuzzi and RFK Jr. were “sexting” Soletti said developing hatred towards one another is common in emotional affairs and can have devastating consequences for the relationship.
Though some people may think an emotional affair is less serious than sexual cheating, Soletti said it can be “just as bad, if not worse,” and can feel like “the ultimate betrayal.”
“A physical relationship can be one where the other person doesn't know the other person's name or much about the other person,” he said. “Emotional relationships go much deeper.”
Relationship expert Rachel DeAlto told The Post that people enter into emotional affairs because they feel unsatisfied or they want something that their own relationship can’t provide.
“Emotional connection can fulfill a lot of needs,” DeAlto said. “It can make someone feel wanted, feel connected. If that's what they want, they don't need anything material.”
According to DeAlto, these relationships can be even more intimate than physical relationships.
And an even more “deep” pain can occur when your partner has “shared personal details about you and your relationship with the person they are emotionally cheating with,” Soletti said.
According to dating expert Grace Lee, if you suspect your partner is having an emotional affair with someone, the biggest sign is that “they start acting suspicious.”
“Disappearing for too long, smiling on the phone when you get a message or being evasive when asked for details about this 'friend'” are all signs of an emotional affair, Lee said.
“Increasing secrecy about their phones, social media or whereabouts can be a major threat,” D’Alto agreed.
Lee said people are attracted to emotional relationships because of their “nostalgic” and “escapist” qualities.
“Since this person isn't in your real life, it's easy to imagine what that relationship would be like.”
RFK Jr. is married to “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Cheryl Hines. This isn't the first time his actions have put the actress in an uncomfortable position.
When Kennedy suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump, His wife was brutally attacked online by his Hollywood peers.
“I deeply respect the decision Bobby has made to run on the principle of unity,” Hynes said in a statement. “Over the past year and a half, I have met some extraordinary people from all parties — Democrat, Republican and independent. My experience has been that the vast majority of people from all parties are genuinely good people who want the best for our country and for each other.”
Nuzzi was engaged Political reporter Ryan Lizza was fired from The New Yorker in 2017 amid sexual misconduct allegations, which he denied.
