{"id":54719,"date":"2020-09-01T02:54:24","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T02:54:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=54719"},"modified":"2025-10-02T23:09:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T23:09:33","slug":"causes-of-infidelity-in-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/infidelity\/causes-of-infidelity-in-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Possible Causes of Infidelity in Relationships &#038; How to Cope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61264\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Most-Common-Causes-of-Infidelity2.jpg\" alt=\"sad woman and happy couple\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Would you remain loyal to your partner, no matter what? For many of us, it is hard to even think about cheating on our significant other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might be wondering, &ldquo;How do even people think of cheating their partners?&rdquo; Nonetheless, infidelity is one of the main <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/divorce\/10-most-common-reasons-for-divorce\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">causes of<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/divorce\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> divorce<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what are the things that drive people to do what they do? Before we begin discussing the various causes of infidelity, let us first understand what exactly is infidelity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-infidelity\"><\/span><b>What is infidelity?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rXnrXPlSO9k?si=MCNUGaNrCpi0UBHL\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"subscribeYT_highlight\"><div class=\"subscribe_channel\">\r\n            <div class=\"subscribe_text\">Join millions <span class=\"sub_text1\">building healthier, happier<\/span> <span class=\"sub_text2\"> relationships.<\/span><\/div>\r\n            <a class=\"subscribe-btn-in-content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@Marriagedotcom?sub_confirmation=1\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n            <img src=\"\/images\/youtube_icon_small.png\" class=\"icon-left\" alt=\"YouTube\">\r\n            <span>Subscribe<\/span>\r\n            <img src=\"\/images\/bell_icon_new.svg\" class=\"icon-right\" alt=\"Extra Icon\">\r\n            <\/a>\r\n        <\/div><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The meaning of infidelity can be best explained as any action that violates an implicit or explicit agreement between two people, thus harming a relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What might begin as friendship or compassionate connection increases over a while and becomes an intimate relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, platonic friendships evolve into emotional affairs, and the line between these two types of relationships runs very thin. Platonic friendship turns into an affair when it becomes emotionally intimate and involves some level of secrecy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, most of you would section infidelity into a physical realm, one that only includes sexual contact with someone other than the person they&rsquo;re committed to or married to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The truth is that an affair can be physical, emotional, or both.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Putting it into a box labeled &ldquo;sex&rdquo; makes it easy for someone to say, &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t cheat on you; we&rsquo;re just really close friends. I&rsquo;ve never touched him\/ her!&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And this can be dangerous and irresponsible. Cheating can be a purely sexual act or even purely at an emotional level. In either case, the one participating in an affair is giving something away that they vowed to reserve only for their partner or spouse.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/maggie-martinez\">Maggie Martinez<\/a>, LCSW, says<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>It is important to talk about what defines cheating for both you and your partner to prevent misunderstandings early on in the relationship.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61265\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/What-is-infidelity11.jpg\" alt=\"man busy on phone while woman asleep\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-common-is-infidelity-in-relationships\"><\/span><b>How common is infidelity in relationships?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we discuss the glaring causes of infidelity in relationships, let us look at how common infidelity is in committed relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual infidelity is undoubtedly a massive threat to the stability of a committed relationship and is indeed one of the hardest ones to overcome.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kinseyinstitute.org\/pdf\/Infidelity%20in%20hetero%20couples.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A research paper<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that around one-third of men and one-quarter of women might get involved in extradyadic sexual relationships at the minimum once in their lifetime.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we know, the concept of infidelity is not just restricted to the realms of physical intimacy; people engage in emotional affairs. So, we can only imagine the numbers!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>Also, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/BF02693241\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">as per research,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 70% of all Americans get involved in some kind of affair during their marital life.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By referring to these statistics, we can infer that infidelity is way more common than we perceive it to be.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The implications of infidelity on relationships are severe. So, it is better to be aware of the various causes of infidelity to avert the problems well in advance.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-long-does-it-take-to-get-over-infidelity\"><\/span><b>How long does it take to get over infidelity?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The time it takes to heal from infidelity varies greatly among individuals. Factors like the depth of emotional connection, communication, personal resilience, and willingness to forgive influence the timeline.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recovery may span from several months to years, as trust needs to be rebuilt, emotions processed, and wounds mended. Seeking professional help, open communication, and a supportive environment can expedite the healing process.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, the journey to moving on depends on each person&rsquo;s unique circumstances and emotional healing process.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>This could be someone&rsquo;s dealbreaker and if that is the case, the relationship will be over.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>adds Maggie Martinez, LCSW<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more about the duration that it takes to get over infidelity, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/infidelity\/get-over-infidelity\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">click here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17-causes-of-infidelity-in-relationships\"><\/span><b>17 causes of infidelity in relationships<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&lsquo;Marriage and infidelity&rsquo; is an extremely distressing combination. But what causes infidelity in marriage?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to experts, one of the most common causes of infidelity is a sense of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/emotional-intimacy\/signs-of-an-emotionally-disconnected-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional disconnection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from your partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>As per research from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aamft.org\/Consumer_Updates\/Infidelity.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 35 percent of women and 45 percent of men have had emotional affairs outside their primary relationship.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The person who has committed adultery complains of feeling unappreciated, unloved, ignored, and overall sadness or feeling of insecurity, leading them to cheat on their partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, there have also been cases where only the thrill of doing something secretive and tasting the forbidden fruit led to infidelity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are numerous causes of infidelity, and each case is different from the other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While some believe that it is the result of a loveless marriage, others believe that it results from a hasty decision that cannot be undone. Others believe that infidelity is nothing but a failure to work out relationship problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having said that, let us have a look at some of the commonly observed causes of infidelity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Lack of emotional fulfillment<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When partners don&rsquo;t feel emotionally connected, they may seek that connection elsewhere.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, if one partner is constantly busy with work and doesn&rsquo;t engage in meaningful conversations, the other might feel lonely.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emotionally unfulfilled partners might then confide in someone outside the relationship, gradually forming an emotional bond. This connection fulfills their need for emotional support that&rsquo;s missing within their relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, this could lead to infidelity as the emotional intimacy with the outsider deepens, highlighting the importance of addressing emotional gaps in relationships.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Communication issues<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communication issues can create a breeding ground for infidelity. When partners struggle to express their needs and emotions, misunderstandings arise.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, if one partner desires more quality time together but fails to communicate this, the other might not realize the significance. This emotional gap could lead the neglected partner to seek companionship elsewhere, where they feel their emotions are valued.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clear and open communication is crucial to bridge such gaps and prevent situations where unmet needs push individuals toward seeking understanding and intimacy outside the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61266\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/what-constitutes-infidelity-in-marriage1.jpg\" alt=\"man and woman caught by husband\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Inability to deal with problems<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running away from problems and the inability to deal with them is a major cause of infidelity. There are times when, instead of dealing with the problem at hand, husbands or wives end up making excuses and trying to find some other way that opens the door to infidelity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There have been many examples where a spouse reported that they found a coworker with whom they could share their problems and feel comfortable, which was the beginning of the affair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It comes as no surprise that most infidelity cases occur in workplaces where sympathetic coworkers offer a shoulder to lean on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Tempting opportunity<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opportunity refers to situations where individuals come into contact with potential partners due to shared environments, such as work or social settings. Proximity and frequent interactions can create a conducive environment for emotional or physical connections to develop outside of the committed relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, a person regularly interacting with a coworker on business trips might find themselves forming an emotional bond due to shared experiences and increased time spent together, eventually leading to infidelity if proper boundaries aren&rsquo;t maintained.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Alcohol or drug addiction<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol or drug addiction is also one of the common causes of infidelity in relationships. Often, addiction makes a person get into detrimental habits like lying, stealing, and even cheating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overconsumption of alcohol or drugs causes people to lose their inhibitions and behave irrationally. In turn, people can easily give in to temporary feelings of infatuation and drift away from their partners.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, someone battling alcoholism might make impulsive choices under the influence, leading to infidelity they later regret. Similarly, a person with a history of impulsive behavior might act on a sudden attraction without fully considering the consequences.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addiction and impulsivity can impair judgment and self-control, increasing the likelihood of engaging in behaviors that they might not engage in under more rational circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Boredom<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might not believe it, but boredom is one of the leading causes of infidelity. People fall into routines that take the excitement from their lives, including their bedroom lives.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This often leads to cheating when one partner is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/why-i-am-unhappy-and-never-satisfied-in-a-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">no longer satisfied in the relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and seeks something new and thrilling.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people look for excitement to escape boredom and experiment with various things like adopting new hobbies or hanging out with different people. They may end up cheating their partners even without meaning to do so.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Lack of healthy relations<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of normal or healthy relations is also one of the key reasons for infidelity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are couples who have married for a certain reason, or they are staying together for certain motives like children or financial issues, but there is no love between them, and they cannot tolerate being with each other more than needed.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are also situations where people ignore their spouses. They don&rsquo;t live like a normal couple, go out together, have a passionate relationship, and ultimately, one or both of them look outside their relationship for someone whom they want to be with.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61267\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Inability-to-deal-with-problems11.jpg\" alt=\"angry woman pretending to sleep while husband convincing her\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. The feeling of being unwanted<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people try to seek love out of their primary relationship because they feel that their partners no longer want them.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This often results when one partner is living a very successful and busy life and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/making-time-for-you-and-your-spouse\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">does not have time for their spouse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the other spouse starts feeling like their opinion and feelings don&rsquo;t matter, they counteract the strong, undesired influence of cheating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In their heads, this act will bring back their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/228322601_Human_Dignity_Self-Worth_and_Humiliation_A_Comparative_Legal-Psychological_Approach\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dignity and self-esteem<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They want to show that they&rsquo;re still there and they&rsquo;re still worth it in somebody else&rsquo;s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice such a disbalance in your relationship, try to think of ways to grow towards each other as equals. Otherwise, you might end up in a mess that you both regret later on.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Living apart for a long time<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although distance doesn&rsquo;t matter in true love, living apart for a long time is one of the most common causes of infidelity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, couples are forced to stay apart from each other due to their job&rsquo;s nature and work commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When one partner is absent for a long time, the other partner is lonely, and to keep themselves busy, they find new activities that might involve interacting with other people where they get a little too involved with someone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Couples also drift apart when they spend too much time away from each other, and they no longer feel as connected or attached as before. They either fall in love with someone else or simply resort to infidelity to make up for the emptiness.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>10. Sweet revenge<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens when one of the partners resorts to cheating in a relationship?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are precisely two scenarios&ndash; either the relationship falls apart immediately, or the sin is forgiven, and the couple moves on. But you&rsquo;ve got to be careful as this sounds too good to be true!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, one claims to have forgiven, but they&rsquo;ll never forget cheating in a relationship.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The person who was initially hurt might have an affair only to reclaim their own sense of value. After all,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/275528180_Dark_Triad_traits_infidelity_and_romantic_revenge\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> romantic revenge<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> does exist!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, after the transgression, it is even possible that the partners call it even. A different matter is whether this relationship will last any longer!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>11. When the partner behaves more like a child<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suppose one of the partners has to take care of everything in the household, make all the critical decisions, or provide the family budget. In that case, they might start feeling as if they&rsquo;re a parent instead of a significant other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is one of the primary reasons why spouses cheat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As they cannot find the desired <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/balance-in-relationships-life-and-everything-in-between\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">balance within their relationship,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> they subconsciously start looking for it somewhere else. And, as soon as they find somebody who appears to be their equal, they&rsquo;ll be prone to cheating in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61268\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Lack-of-healthy-relations111.jpg\" alt=\"couple angry and looking away from each other\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>12. Issues involving body image\/ Aging<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People stop chasing their partners after getting married or getting committed to a relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The &lsquo;chasing&rsquo; or the &lsquo;honeymoon&rsquo; period is pretty brief, and as time progresses, it becomes easy to take each other for granted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, this lackadaisical approach leads you to neglect how you look and carry yourself. By no means do we endorse physical appearance as a parameter to be loved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, unfortunately, there are times when people start missing the younger, appealing version of their partners and look for easy replacements instead.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>13. Lack of respect and appreciation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, partners feel that they are not respected and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/8-ways-to-show-appreciation-to-the-love-of-your-life\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">appreciated enough in the relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which ultimately fuels marital discord.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In turn, the disgruntled partners often try to fill the void by seeking solace in some other person&rsquo;s company. And, in no time, they might crossover the boundaries of healthy friendship and resort to infidelity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, never miss out on these two ingredients- respect and appreciation, if you wish to see your relationship going a long way.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>14. Unfulfilled sexual desires<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfulfilled sexual desire is one of the glaring causes of infidelity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <div class=\"research_highlight\"><p>As per a study published in<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/The-Normal-Bar-Surprising-Relationship\/dp\/0307951634?tag=thehuffingtop-20\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Normal Bar<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 52% of people who were dissatisfied with their sex lives are more likely to give in to outside attraction as compared to only 17% of those who were sexually satisfied in their primary relationships.<\/p><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It implies that people who do not have a fulfilling sex life are three times as likely to cheat on their partners as compared to those with pleasurable intimacy levels.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, there are people who claim that &lsquo;My sex drive is too high to be handled by one person.&rsquo; Of course, by no means is this a legitimate reason for cheating your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, in the same study as mentioned above, 46% of men and 19% of women cited it as a reason for their affair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, if you find yourself grappling with issues in your sex life, it would be best if you could try considering sex therapy instead of opting for infidelity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61269\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Sweet-revenge11.jpg\" alt=\"couple sitting and man holding hand of other woman\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h3><b>15. When a partner wants to sabotage a relationship<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheating in a relationship also occurs when a partner is not just happy in a relationship but also wants to sabotage it before breaking up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This could be a sheer case of vengeance when a partner, for some reason, wishes to inflict pain on the other before leaving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, it&rsquo;s also possible that the person resorting to cheating in a relationship wants to end it but wants the other person to initiate. In such cases, the cheating partner wants to get caught and expects the other partner to break up with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>16. Falling out of love with your partner<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may call it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/love\/signs-you-may-be-falling-out-of-love-in-marriage\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">falling out of love<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with your partner or falling in love with someone else.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although you might find this reason to be insignificant to cause infidelity, this is one of the reasons why people cheat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, you might not be able to fathom the real reason behind falling out of love. However, there have been instances wherein people happen to grow apart and fall out of love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch this video to learn more about the signs that you&rsquo;ve fallen out of love with your partner:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qERHEmaMvVQ?si=D3KA7bPIs2lt2M12\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">&#65279;<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>17. Cultural and societal norms<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cultural or social norms can influence infidelity. In some societies, norms might tolerate or even encourage extramarital affairs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/study-finds-cultural-differences-in-attitudes-toward-infidelity-jealousy\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in certain historical contexts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, polygamous arrangements were socially accepted. In modern times, societies with more permissive attitudes towards casual relationships might inadvertently contribute to a higher incidence of infidelity.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such norms can shape individuals&rsquo; perceptions of fidelity and impact their behavior within relationships, even if their personal values differ from prevailing cultural attitudes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-are-the-risk-factors-of-infidelity-in-a-relationship\"><\/span><b>What are the risk factors of infidelity in a relationship?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk factors for infidelity in relationships include lack of emotional satisfaction, poor communication, low commitment, opportunity (proximity to potential partners), sexual dissatisfaction, personal history of infidelity, and unrealistic expectations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relationship dissatisfaction and a lack of intimacy can lead individuals to seek emotional or physical fulfillment elsewhere. Additionally, factors such as alcohol or substance abuse, personality traits like impulsivity, and cultural norms can contribute to the likelihood of infidelity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more about the risk factors of infidelity in a relationship, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/infidelity\/risk-of-cheating-in-relationship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">click here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61270\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Lack-of-respect-and-appreciation11.jpg\" alt=\"fighting couple\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-survive-grief-and-depression-after-infidelity\"><\/span><b>How to survive grief and depression after infidelity<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surviving grief and depression after infidelity involves seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to process emotions and develop coping strategies.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>At this point, Maggie Martinez states,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Likely, your ability to trust others will be shattered, and therapy will help you trust others again.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building a support network of friends and family helps you feel less isolated. Engaging in self-care activities, like exercise and mindfulness, promotes emotional healing.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patience is key; healing takes time. Reflect on the relationship and make decisions that prioritize your well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and with time, you can regain emotional stability and move forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more about how to survive the grief that may come if you&rsquo;ve experienced infidelity, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/infidelity\/how-to-survive-depression-after-infidelity\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">click here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Commonly-asked-questions\"><\/span><b>Commonly asked questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the answers to some pressing questions that can help clarify some of your doubts regarding infidelity causes and effects:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Can infidelity lead to divorce?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4012696\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infidelity is certainly one of the major reasons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that has led to the destruction of marriages.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infidelity is also one of the legal grounds for divorce, besides living separately for more than a year and subjecting your partner to cruelty (either mental or physical).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, there are people who forgive their spouses and continue living their marriage, maybe for the sake of children or their dependency on their partners.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But not everybody is able to get over the hurt caused by their cheating partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many people who are unwilling to give a second chance to their partner. This situation inevitably leads to legal separation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Can a man cheat and still love his wife?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&rsquo;s a complex issue. Cheating doesn&rsquo;t necessarily negate love, as emotions are intricate. Sometimes, external factors lead to poor decisions. Open communication is vital to understanding underlying problems and rebuilding trust.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeking therapy can help navigate this difficult situation, addressing both the infidelity and the underlying issues. Rebuilding trust takes time, effort, and mutual understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What is considered cheating on someone?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheating varies based on relationship boundaries. While physical intimacy with someone outside the relationship is commonly viewed as cheating, emotional affairs, and hidden connections also breach trust.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any breach of established boundaries, secrecy, or betrayal of emotional commitment can be considered cheating. It&rsquo;s crucial to have clear conversations with your partner about what is acceptable behavior within your relationship, as this varies for each couple.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutual understanding and respect are key to preventing misunderstandings about infidelity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-61271\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-to-File-an-Uncontested-Divorce-16061339961.jpg\" alt=\"couple signing divorce papers\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summing-up\"><\/span><b>Summing up<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infidelity is one of the scariest things that could happen to a relationship or marriage, but know that it can be prevented.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to prevent it, you&rsquo;re going to need to take a hard and honest look at the current state of your relationship. Look for the cracks that could widen over time and lead to emotional and physical disconnection, the two primary causes of infidelity in marriage.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the voids grow large enough, infidelity will lurk in the shadows. Be more intentional with your connection to your partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel there&rsquo;s no way you can stop your relationship from going downhill, seeking professional help from a counselor or a therapist can help you handle your issues in the best possible way.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Would you remain loyal to your partner, no matter what? For many of us, it is hard to even think about cheating on our significant other. You might be wondering, &ldquo;How do even people think of cheating their partners?&rdquo; Nonetheless, infidelity is one of the main causes of divorce!&nbsp; So, what are the things that drive people to do what they do? Before we begin discussing the various causes of infidelity, let us first understand what exactly is infidelity. What is infidelity? &#65279; &nbsp; The meaning of infidelity can be best explained as any action that violates an implicit or <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":722,"featured_media":56307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[23],"tags":[2689],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54719"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/722"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54719"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":112976,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54719\/revisions\/112976"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}