Fidelity

When people conceptualize commitment in a relationship, they often think in terms of fidelity and infidelity. Fidelity is sometimes mistakenly equated with monogamy in a relationship and infidelity with non-monogamy, but fidelity is actually about adherence to agreements made between the couple about the parameters of their relationship. Fidelity is defined by loyalty, faithfulness, and adherence to promises made. Partners in a romantic relationship may define fidelity in different ways, but at its core, fidelity refers to an agreement to keep promises, trust that the partner is acting in accordance with those agreements, and commitment to sometimes sacrifice one’s own needs or desires to attend to the partner’s needs. Because many factors underlie fidelity and fidelity is so critical to an intimate relationship, and ultimately can determine the success or failure of a relationship, this entry describes each aspect of fidelity individually. Describing the factors provides an overview of the importance of fidelity in intimate relationships, how to maintain it, and how to heal when fidelity has been broken. At its core, fidelity means commitment, but in fact, it is also much more complex.