The Ethical Issues of Boundaries and Multiple Relationships

Throughout their lives, humans experience a variety of relationships. These experiences give individuals a chance to form and maintain healthy interactions with others that will last a lifetime. These exchanges come with a variety of moral standards that everyone is expected to follow. Understanding the different rules and perspectives of relationships can help you develop strong, meaningful ones of your own.

Boundaries in relationships are a set of established rules regarding what is acceptable and what is not. They apply to any relationship, whether it involves family, friends or romance. A relationship without clear boundaries is vulnerable to a variety of serious problems that can damage trust or end it entirely.

Boundaries can apply in many areas of a relationship. Arguments, for example, are governed by social and sometimes legal regulations. Violence is seen as unethical when resolving a conflict between friends, family or lovers. It also carries legal repercussions if the violence becomes serious. Actions such as name calling, accusing, threatening and belittling a loved one are also unacceptable in American society. Not only do these actions reflect badly on you as a person, but they do nothing to improve or nurture a relationship.

Although it is normal for people to have many friends and family members, when it comes to romance, multiple relationships are questionable. The general consensus in the United States is that a serious relationship must remain monogamous. This means that being romantically involved with more than one person is generally unacceptable.

Although the definition of cheating may vary from person to person, there is no doubt that it is extremely hurtful. This betrayal can end your relationship or ostracize you from others if your indiscretion becomes public knowledge. Although it is easy to pass judgment, people who cheat may not feel like what they are doing is wrong. For example, a man or woman may cite mistreatment or lack of passion with a partner as justification for cheating. Alternately, the cheater may simply meet someone with whom he shares a great deal of chemistry and things get out of control. Another cause can be related to poor judgment, especially if alcohol or drugs are involved.

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Preview Course: Ethics: Boundaries and Dual Relationships by
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This online course makes a complex subject relatively easy to understand. Ethical issues concerning boundaries and dual relationships are among the most complex and ...
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Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. The ...
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