The long and short of it

Daniel poses an interesting question in the prompt, can an affair be a good thing in a relationship? On the one hand, marraige isn't all about sex, but it definitely plays a big part in the success and level of contentment one feels in a relationship. Things are just calmer, less complex. If there was no satisfaction, the marraige could be in jeopardy. So the addition of an outside satisfying element could indeed prove beneficial short term, or so one could argue. However, I believe that what is most important in a healthy relationship is open communication and trust. If these elements are lacking, at some point the relationship will suffer, especially if what is compromised is the fidelity of one half of the whole. Affairs are full of deceit and mistrust, ultimately poisoning what could possibly be a happy situation. In the case of the storm, Calixta and Alcee seem to have satisfied some desires that may have gone unsatisfied, yet they have both betrayed the trust and love of their spouses. The storm may be over for now, but I foresee in the end a falling out of some sort when their secret passion is discovered. So there you have it, the long and the short of it.