💔 Game guide
Is It Cheating? — game rules and relationship boundaries
Is It Cheating? is a discussion game about boundaries in relationships. The app presents a hypothetical situation and everyone votes: cheating or not cheating. Once all answers are in, the group sees the split and can compare the reasoning behind it.
There is no official answer key. The point is to discover why the same behavior feels harmless to one person and like a breach of trust to another.
- Players
- 2–20 players
- Time
- 10–30 minutes
- Best for
- couples and groups that enjoy debate
How to prepare
Agree whether you will discuss only fictional scenarios or may refer to personal experiences. Nobody should be pressured to reveal relationship history. In a large group, appoint someone to keep comments brief.
Rules step by step
- 1Read the complete scenario without inventing facts that are not stated.
- 2Everyone votes independently for cheating or not cheating. Abstaining should also be allowed.
- 3Close the vote and reveal how the group split.
- 4Volunteers give one short reason each. Debate the principle rather than judging the character of a voter.
- 5Move on to the next scenario. A ranking may show who selected cheating most often, but it is not a diagnosis of jealousy or relationship quality.
Examples
- Regularly messaging an ex without telling a current partner.
- Flirting to get a free drink with no intention of further contact.
- Discussing private relationship problems with someone who is attracted to you.
- Liking an old photo posted by someone you used to date.
Host tips
- Ask “what detail would change your vote?” instead of “how can you think that?”.
- Separate the act itself, hiding it and the couple’s prior agreements. They are often three different issues.
- Do not try to resolve a real conflict between partners in front of the whole party.
- If discussion becomes personal, return to the hypothetical facts or skip the card.
Ways to play
Trust scale
Replace the binary vote with 1 for completely fine through 5 for a clear boundary violation.
What changes the verdict?
After voting, the host adds one fact such as “their partner knew”. Vote again and compare the result.
Anonymous reasons
Everyone writes a one-sentence explanation and the host reads them without naming the author.
Frequently asked questions
Is the game only for couples?
No. Friends often produce a richer discussion because they bring different experiences without having to defend a shared history.
Who is right when the vote is split?
Nobody wins the argument. The split reveals different instincts; real relationships depend on shared agreements and honest communication.
Does the ranking prove someone is jealous?
No. It is only a playful summary of answers given during one session.
What if a scenario resembles a real event?
Anyone may skip it. Do not ask the person involved for a public explanation.