The results of three phenomenological studies conducted between 2013 and 2015 among a total of forty-two people who have had affairs, as they define them, are presented in this chapter. These data are analyzed using the descriptive phenomenological method for psychology developed by Amadeo Giorgi in 2009. Results suggest that there is an essential structure of the beginning of an affair that coheres with eight constituents. These are: Dissatisfaction and hopelessness in the relationship; a value of novelty and passion in romantic and sexual relationships; a sense of deserving sexual satisfaction and intimate connection; the partner and self are viewed as fixed characters; a lack of curiosity for the partner as a subject; an experience of desire and passion overriding and overtaking one’s judgment; the affair is not recognized as an affair until after it begins and only is recognized as having begun in retrospect; and divorce or opening up the relationship in some way is not considered an option for resolving the issues. The implications for these findings are discussed and clinical applications are explored in the subsequent chapters.