Can a Married Man Love Another Woman? 25+ Revealing Signs

Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion, one that often defies neat categorization or easy understanding. When it comes to the realm of committed relationships, the question, “Can a married man love another woman,” can stir a range of emotions, from curiosity and concern to pain and confusion. 

The human heart, after all, is capable of experiencing a vast array of emotions simultaneously, making it challenging to draw clear lines between love, loyalty, and the complexities of infidelity.

In this article, we delve into the intricate and sensitive topic of whether a married man can genuinely love another woman. We understand that this subject is fraught with emotional nuances, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. 

Love, as experienced within the confines of marriage, can take many forms, and sometimes, it can transcend the boundaries of a committed partnership, leading individuals into uncharted emotional territories.

Our aim is not to pass judgment but rather to explore the signs and behaviors that may indicate emotional involvement outside of a marriage. 

By examining these signs with empathy and balance, we hope to provide insight and guidance for those who find themselves grappling with the complexities of love, loyalty, and relationships in the modern world. 

Whether you’re a spouse navigating these uncharted waters or someone seeking to better understand the intricacies of human emotions, this article aims to foster understanding and facilitate open conversations about the intricacies of love within the context of marriage.

Can a married man love another woman?

You may be asking, “Can a married man fall in love with another woman?” If so, the answer is a resounding yes. And a married woman can fall in love with another man, too!

Naturally, there are all the other possible combinations. A married man falls in love with another man, or a married woman with another woman.

As per a study, married men are more likely to cheat than women. It is also important to note that as per the analysis done in the same study, women and men follow a somewhat different age pattern regarding infidelity.

While society may have opinions about such relationships, the reality is that they are real, and often, so is the love they are based on.

So, how should you proceed if you find yourself pursued by a married man? What should you do if you find yourself falling in love right back? First, you need to understand the situation.

What attracts a married man to another woman?

Attractions between individuals can be complex and multifaceted, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what attracts a married man to another woman. However, there are several factors that can contribute to such attractions:

1. Emotional connection

Sometimes, a married man may feel emotionally disconnected from his spouse, and he may seek emotional intimacy with someone else. This can lead to him being attracted to another woman who provides the emotional support and connection he feels is lacking in his marriage.

2. Physical attraction

Physical attraction is a common factor in romantic relationships. A married man might be drawn to another woman because he finds her physically appealing. This could include her appearance, body language, or other physical characteristics.

3. Shared interests and hobbies

Shared interests and hobbies can create a strong bond between individuals. If a married man finds another woman who shares his interests and passions, he may be drawn to her because they can connect on a deeper level through these commonalities.

4. Attention and validation

Sometimes, people seek attention, validation, and affirmation from others. If a married man is not getting these needs met in his marriage, he may be attracted to another woman who provides him with the attention and validation he craves.

5. Problems in the marriage

Marital problems such as communication issues, conflicts, or unresolved issues can drive a married man to seek solace or distraction outside of the marriage. He may be attracted to another woman as a way to escape from the difficulties he faced at home.

6. Unhappiness in the marriage

If a married man is unhappy in his marriage and does not see a way to improve it, he may be more susceptible to developing feelings for someone else who makes him feel happier or more fulfilled.

7. Opportunity and proximity

Proximity and opportunity can also play a role in attraction. If a married man frequently interacts with another woman due to work, social circles, or other activities, he may develop feelings for her simply because they spend a lot of time together.

It’s essential to remember that attraction is a natural human experience, and having attractions outside of a marriage doesn’t necessarily mean a person will act on them. Many people in committed relationships choose to prioritize their commitment and avoid pursuing attraction to others. 

Open and honest communication with one’s spouse about any concerns or issues in the marriage is often a better approach than seeking external relationships to fulfill unmet needs or desires. 

If a married person is experiencing difficulties in their marriage, they may consider seeking professional help, such as marriage counseling, to address and resolve those issues.

What causes married men to fall for other women?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to why married men might develop feelings for or become attracted to other women, as human relationships are complex and multifaceted. However, several factors and reasons could contribute to this phenomenon. 

Here are some reasons that can explain “Why does a married man look for another woman?”

1. Lack of emotional connection

Sometimes, married individuals may feel emotionally disconnected from their spouses due to various reasons, such as communication issues, lack of intimacy, or growing apart. They may seek emotional connection and support elsewhere.

2. Unmet needs

If a man feels that his emotional, intellectual, or physical needs are not being met in the marriage, he may look for fulfillment in other relationships.

3. Novelty and excitement

The excitement and novelty of a new relationship can be alluring. Some individuals may be drawn to the thrill of pursuing someone new, especially if they’ve been in a long-term relationship.

4. Midlife crisis

Some men experience a midlife crisis, which can lead to questioning their life choices, including their relationships. This can make them vulnerable to infidelity or seeking new experiences.

5. Personal issues

Why a married man loves another woman can include personal problems, such as low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety, which can make someone more susceptible to seeking validation or escape in the form of an extramarital affair.

6. Lack of communication

Poor communication within a marriage can create misunderstandings, resentment, and feelings of isolation. These factors can contribute to infidelity or emotional connections outside the marriage.

7. Opportunity and circumstance

Sometimes, people fall for others simply because they spend a significant amount of time together, whether it’s at work or in social circles. Proximity and opportunity can play a role in developing feelings for someone else.

8. Seeking validation

If a man feels unappreciated or undervalued in his marriage, he may seek validation and affirmation from someone else who provides the attention and appreciation he desires.

It’s essential to note that the reasons for infidelity can vary widely from one individual to another, and not all married men will fall for other women. Infidelity is a complex issue that often involves a combination of personal, relational, and situational factors. 

Maintaining open communication, addressing problems within the marriage, and seeking professional help if needed can help couples navigate these challenges and strengthen their relationships.

What does it mean when a married man falls in love with you?

When a married man falls in love with you, it could mean that he is not happy in his marriage with his current spouse. A married man may also fall in love with you when they feel that something is lacking in their marriage. 

It is not necessary that when a married man falls in love with you, they want to pursue a relationship with you, marry you, or leave their wife for you. 

25+ signs a married man is in love with another woman

It’s important to note that infidelity and emotional affairs can be complicated and emotionally distressing for all parties involved. 

While there are no definitive signs that can guarantee someone is in love with another person, there are some behaviors and signs that may indicate a married man is emotionally attached or involved with someone other than his spouse. 

These signs should be considered potential red flags and may warrant a conversation with your spouse to address any concerns or issues in the relationship. Here are some possible signs:

1. Increased emotional distance

When a married man becomes emotionally distant, it may indicate that he’s investing his emotions elsewhere, potentially in another woman, causing him to withdraw from his spouse emotionally, leading to a lack of intimacy and connection.

2. Secrecy and defensiveness

If he hides his actions, such as phone use or meetings, and reacts defensively when questioned, it suggests he may be concealing interactions with another woman and feels guilty or anxious about it.

For example, when you inquire about his day or who he’s texting, he becomes defensive, saying you’re invading his privacy, even though he used to be more open about his activities.

3. Changes in priorities

When a married man shifts his focus and priorities away from his spouse to cater to another woman’s needs and desires, it signals an emotional attachment and a weakening of his commitment to the marriage.

For example, he used to prioritize spending weekends with you and the family, but now he frequently cancels plans to be with a female coworker, putting her needs ahead of yours.

4. Frequent contact and communication

Constant and intimate communication, especially during non-standard hours, can indicate a deep emotional connection with someone else, as he prioritizes maintaining contact with her.

For example, you may notice that he’s constantly texting and calling someone late at night or during special occasions, but he’s evasive about who she is and what they talk about.

5. Increased guilt or irritability

Feelings of guilt and internal conflict can manifest as irritability, mood swings, and emotional turmoil as he grapples with the emotional involvement outside of his marriage, affecting his overall mood and behavior.

6. Increased secrecy about finances

A married man hiding financial matters, like secret spending on another woman, suggests an emotional attachment that goes beyond the emotional realm, possibly driven by a sense of obligation or desire to please her.

For example, you may discover unexplained withdrawals from your joint bank account, and he avoids discussing his spending, making you wonder if he’s financially supporting the other woman.

7. Decreased intimacy

If you are looking for “signs my husband wants another woman,” look for any changes in the level of intimacy. 

Reduced physical intimacy, including affection and romantic gestures, reflects emotional detachment from the spouse, as he may redirect his emotional energy and physical desire toward the other woman.

8. Emotional ups and downs

Signs that he loves the other woman include constant changes in the mood of a husband. Frequent mood swings and emotional instability can result from inner turmoil caused by conflicting feelings between his spouse and the other woman.

9. Comparing spouse to the other woman

Frequent unfavorable comparisons and criticism of his spouse can indicate emotional attachment to the other woman and dissatisfaction with his marriage.

For example, he may frequently criticize you, compare your qualities unfavorably to those of the other woman, and cause self-esteem issues and relationship strain.

10. Defensive about privacy

Overly guarding personal belongings and online activities may signify efforts to conceal evidence of emotional involvement, intensifying suspicion of an emotional affair.

11. Loss of interest in family activities

Decreased participation in family events or responsibilities can be a sign of shifting priorities, where he prioritizes his emotional connection with the other woman over family life.

12. Increased absences

Spending more time away from home, with unexplained absences, can suggest he’s investing time and energy into his emotional involvement with another woman.

For example, he may start staying out late without explanation, leaving you worried about his whereabouts and feeling abandoned.

13. Emotional confiding

Sharing personal issues and seeking emotional support from the other woman instead of the spouse indicates a deeper emotional connection outside of the marriage.

14. Gift-giving

Frequent gift-giving, especially without a clear reason, signals financial and emotional investment in the other woman, often as an attempt to win her favor or affection.

15. Future planning

Discussing future plans or promising life together with the other woman signifies a deep emotional attachment and potential willingness to leave the spouse for her, jeopardizing the marriage.

16. Change in communication patterns

Your partner begins using a new set of code words or phrases when talking on the phone or texting with the other person, making you feel excluded from their private conversations.

17. Increased secrecy about social media

He starts to hide his online activity, frequently changing passwords or logging out of social media accounts, preventing you from seeing his interactions with the other women.

For example, your spouse used to share their social media life openly, but now they’ve set their profiles to private, unfriended you, or blocked you from certain posts.

18. Excessive gift-giving to the other person

He lavishes the other woman with gifts, vacations, or extravagant gestures, while your own special occasions are met with minimal effort or thought.

For example, he surprises the other woman with a weekend getaway to a romantic destination, but your anniversary is marked by a last-minute card.

19. Physical distance

Your partner starts spending more nights away from home, claiming work or other commitments, leading to a sense of abandonment and isolation.

For example, he frequently goes on business trips or weekend getaways with the other woman, leaving you alone at home.

20. Evasion of relationship talks

Whenever you try to discuss the state of your relationship or express concerns, he deflects or avoids these conversations, preventing any meaningful resolution.

For example, you attempt to discuss your worries about the relationship, but he changes the topic or abruptly leaves the room.

21. Increased defensiveness about the other person

He becomes overly protective of the other woman, reacting strongly to any perceived criticism or suspicion regarding their relationship.

For example, when you question his closeness to the other woman, he angrily defends their “friendship” and accuses you of being paranoid.

22. Lack of accountability

Your partner no longer takes responsibility for his actions, making excuses or blaming external factors for his behavior, which can leave you feeling unsupported and frustrated.

For example, he may forget your anniversary and dismiss it by saying he’s been stressed at work without any apology or effort to make amends.

23. Altered appearance and grooming

He starts paying more attention to his appearance and dressing differently, often to impress the other women.

For example he may begin wearing new cologne or clothes that he knows the other woman finds attractive but never makes the same effort for you.

24. Emotional withdrawal from friends and family

Your partner becomes less engaged with friends and family, opting to spend more time with the other woman and her circle, isolating you further.

For example, he used to enjoy family gatherings and outings with his friends, but now he avoids them and prefers socializing with other women’s groups.

25. Protective over his phone

He hides information on his phone from you. Whether it is texts, social media, or just regular messages on his phone, it could be because the other woman is texting or calling him or because it contains information about him going out with her in the form of bills or receipts.

26. He becomes emotionally distant

A married man in love with another woman may become emotionally distant from his spouse. He might not engage in meaningful conversations, avoid eye contact, or show a lack of interest in spending time together.

Watch this video to learn more about emotional detachment:

27. He frequently talks about the other woman

If your husband constantly mentions another woman, it could be a sign of his emotional attachment. He may bring up her name or share stories about her more frequently than seems appropriate.

Keep in mind that these signs a married man is in love with you as they could also be symptoms of other issues within the marriage. Communication is essential in addressing concerns and resolving relationship problems. 

If you suspect infidelity or emotional involvement, consider discussing your feelings and concerns openly with your spouse and, if necessary, seek the help of a couples therapist to navigate these issues together.

What happens when a married man falls in love with another woman?

There’s no single outcome. When a married man falls in love with another woman, it usually means that something’s not right in their marriage. He may have simply grown apart from his wife, or they may be going through a rough period.

No matter what is going on in the marriage, different men will handle it differently. A man may stay in a marriage with a woman he doesn’t love to keep the family together. Or he may leave in pursuit of new love.

He may fool himself into thinking that he will do one of these things when he is almost certainly going to do the other.

There’s no rule that applies to every circumstance, so you need to look at the whole picture and be clear about the circumstance that you are in.

True love! Or is it?

Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell. Sometimes, people will use you, and married men are no exception.

So, how do you know if a married man is using you? If he’s not interested in hanging out with your friends or doesn’t see himself in your future, whatever you’ve got probably isn’t about love.

What should I do if I’m falling for a married man?

You need to ask yourself what it would mean for you to pursue that relationship with a clear understanding that there are unique challenges to the territory, and it’s very likely not to work out. 

If you are in love with a married man, you also need to consider how such a relationship fits with your values. What you do from there is your choice.

Can a man love two women at the same time?

Yes, it is possible for a man to experience love for both his wife and another woman simultaneously. Human emotions can be complex and multifaceted, and individuals are capable of loving more than one person at a time. 

However, managing such feelings ethically and responsibly can be challenging and may lead to difficult decisions regarding relationships, honesty, and communication within the context of marriage and commitment.

Commonly asked questions

Here are a few commonly asked questions about married men falling in love with women other than their wives.

• Can a man get married and still love another woman?

Yes, a man can be married and still experience feelings for another woman. Love is intricate, and people can develop emotional connections outside their marriage. However, managing these emotions ethically and responsibly is crucial for maintaining the sanctity of the marriage.

• Can a happily married man fall in love with someone else?

Even in seemingly content marriages, feelings can change over time. A happily married man might find himself attracted to someone else due to various factors such as emotional gaps, unmet needs, or unexpected connections. 

Emotional fidelity is essential, and open communication within the marriage can help address these challenges.

• What makes a married man fall in love with another woman?

Several factors can contribute to a married man falling in love with another woman. It could be unmet emotional needs within his marriage, shared interests, or a deep connection that develops organically. Sometimes, it’s a result of seeking emotional fulfillment outside the marriage. 

Understanding these triggers and addressing them with honesty and compassion is vital for navigating such situations within a marriage.

Conclusion

Can a married man love another woman? While the signs mentioned in this article can raise valid concerns for a marriage, it’s important to remember that each marriage is unique, and signs alone may not tell the whole story. 

Emotional involvement with someone else can sometimes stem from unmet needs or issues within the marriage itself. Open and honest communication between partners is essential in addressing concerns and finding solutions.

Furthermore, it’s important to acknowledge that love is a nuanced emotion. It’s possible for individuals to experience love for someone outside their marriage without necessarily intending to harm their spouse. 

Emotions are not always within our control, but actions are. It’s vital for individuals to make responsible choices and consider the impact of their actions on their spouse and family.

In the end, “Can a married man love another woman?” is a question that may not have a definitive answer. What is certain, however, is the importance of maintaining healthy communication, empathy, and respect within a marriage. 

When faced with emotional challenges, seeking professional guidance from therapists or counselors can provide valuable insights and support for both partners as they navigate their relationship’s complexities.

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Questions: 20 | Last updated: Nov 14, 2025

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When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

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Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

We connect more through affection than through deep talks.

We often see things differently about goals or priorities.

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Expert Q&A

Why is my husband of 10 years staying married to me when all he does is start fights, criticize everything I say, show no affection, and get irate if I ask if he's cheating?

Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Expert Answer

Leaving a marriage is difficult. It means dividing up assets and finances, and potentially losing one's home and family. For many people, it's easier to stay in a marriage and be angry, rather than leave and deal with the stress and changes that come with divorce. It sounds like this marriage isn't working for either of you. It's time to sit down and have a serious conversation about the future of the relationship. Staying unhappily married isn't pleasant for everyone, so it's important to have an honest conversation about the state of the marriage, and what needs to be done. You may be able to work through this and rebuild the marriage through counseling.

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Rachael Pace Author

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships... Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less