Cheating on your loved one – a serious offence in a relationship. And yet, it’s not as rare as we might think. Around every third person in a relationship – no matter whether male or female – has already cheated on their partner. Women are even a little further ahead: 31% of the female participants in a survey declared that they had already been unfaithful. Among men, it was “only” 29%.
But what are the reasons for cheating? Often relationships remain intact even after the “slip-up” – as long as the betrayed person does not know about it. But this also means: Actually, you don’t want to give up your relationship. So why cheat when everything is so good?
Sometimes the world of relationships and love is not just black and white. Here, you’ll find the most common reasons for cheating.
That’s why people cheat on their partners
The Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy surveyed around 500 participants about their motivations for cheating. The results are exciting, insightful and sometimes unsurprising.
- Lack of affection
Whether in a fresh relationship or in a long marriage – there are phases in almost every love story in which a person feels set back and no longer feels affection. As soon as perceived love becomes scarce, the danger of sexual cheating rises.
- Lack of communication
If you are in a relationship, but don’t know where it will take you or whether it is serious at all, a misstep is more likely. To avoid cheating, communication about your ideas and goals concerning the relationship is extremely important.
- Low self-esteem
In dating, you push your ego by conquering attractive people. In relationships, you increase your self-esteem by the fact that the partner compliments you and gives you a good feeling. However, if there are no kind words and the feeling of being self-evident rises during a relationship, it may soon happen that you seek confirmation outside your own bed.
- Neglect
If the partner shows too little interest, a feeling of neglect may soon set in. Especially sensitive people or people with low self-esteem tend to feel neglected. For example, when the partner does not take time for joint activities. Anyone who (consciously or unconsciously) distances himself or herself risks losing his or her partner to someone else. Or at least to provoke infidelity.
- More variety
Especially in long-lasting relationships, at some point a feeling of routine in bed may arise. The result: The partners are bored and look for something new. A hot single in a bar is suddenly even more attractive. And soon, you’ll sign up on a casual dating app. Also, in your circle of friends you see ever more pretty singles who are actually friends with you. Attention! The step to infidelity is short now.
Other reasons for cheating and how to prevent infidelity:
That’s why you cheat
Boredom in bed. Lack of love and affection. No common goals. The reasons for infidelity or cheating are manifold – but plausible. Always pay attention to the alarm signals in your relationship and seek an open conversation with your partner.
