💔 Is micro-cheating a legitimate term?

Happy Saturday! It’s September 23 — people are talking about the pending government shutdown, the new term “micro-cheating”, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly.

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🏛️ In the news: Looming government shutdown

Budget disputes could force the federal government to shut down until Congress agrees on legislation to finance the government for the next fiscal year.

🏛️ Axios: The government is preparing for a shutdown. Congress is still fighting over the federal budget, with days remaining until funding runs out.

🏛️ The Hill says a shutdown isn’t all bad: Our national debt is skyrocketing. Maybe the House Freedom Caucus has to force a shutdown to rein in spending.

🏛️ Hot Air agrees: Shutdowns, in the grand scheme of things, are not a big deal. Out-of-control spending poses a bigger threat to the US.

🏛️ But Bloomberg thinks the government should never shut down. A shutdown hurts people who serve and rely on the government, which is unfair to them.

🏛️ Sen. Mitch McConnell called government shutdowns “a loser for Republicans politically”, and MSNBC agreed. Shutdowns are bad for everyone, but especially the GOP.

💔 Cultural trend: Is micro-cheating legit?

Micro-cheating is a new internet term for behavior that isn't *quite* cheating, but is within the gray area. But does the term cause more trouble than it's worth?

💔 NY Post: Most examples of micro-cheating involve emotional connections formed outside a relationship. But some examples including messaging someone privately, constantly liking someone’s posts, or texting an ex.

💔 Still confused? @lowlowfresh99 says secret friendships, keeping in touch with an ex, and complaining about your partner to others are all micro-cheating.

💔 But YourTango doesn’t buy it: Micro-cheating isn't real! The term describes normal behavior — no need to demonize friendships outside a relationship.

💔 Stylist agrees: Abusers can use the “micro-cheating” term to control and isolate their partners — and women are especially at risk.

💔 Either way, @jx316 thinks the micro-cheating discourse is a great opportunity to talk to your partner about relationship boundaries.

Quick hits

🌪️ Tropical storm Ophelia hit North Carolina, bringing rain and high-speed winds to the area. (NBC News)

⚔️ Ukraine launched an attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet headquarters in Crimea. Ukraine said senior leadership was among the dead and wounded. (CNN)

💰 New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez stepped down from his position as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee after being indicted for bribery. (BBC)

⚫ A bus carrying 40 high school students and 4 adults crashed into a ravine in Orange County, New York. 2 people died in the crash. (CNN)

That’s it for today. Reply at [email protected] to let me know what you think of our newsletter, or to suggest a topic for next time.

Here at Shades we’re trying something new – quick summaries from different points of view. We think it’s a better way to stay informed and see the big picture. Please reach out if you’re curious to learn more!

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)