Hey Monica,
Hey Monica, an “emotional affair,” is basically the same as dating or being in relationship, just without engaging in anything sexual. People who have emotional affairs usually refrain from sexual activity because they feel that it's not as bad as a sexual affair, but in reality they are both extremely damaging to the longevity of any relationship.
Trial separations can be a good thing because they help to put things into perspective. In that way they are helpful because with a little separation, it's going to tell a lot about how each person feels about the relationship. Sometimes it is discovered that the relationship just wasn't going to work, and the couple parts ways. In some rocky relationships, that actually is the best thing to do. Other couples discover ways to settle their differences and realize a whole new appreciation for each other.
If I had to take a wild guess without knowing much about Courteney Cox and David Arquette since the "Friends" era, my guess would be that this is the beginning of the end for their relationship. Hollywood + Emotional Affair + Trial Separation, usually doesn't end in reconciliation. That being said, it all depends on them. If a couple really wants to make a relationship work, and they are willing to put the effort into making it work, they could be much stronger in the long run.
Hope that helps!
