Marriage is considered to be one of the most important bonds in one’s life. It is considered to be a sacred union that binds two people for life. But what happens when one of the partners steps out of the marriage for a fling, a hookup or even a full-blown affair? It is no surprise that infidelity has been a topic of interest for centuries, and it is considered to be a betrayal that shatters many marriages.
Although research on infidelity has been conducted for years, it is still a taboo topic that is considered to be off-limits in many societal circles. There are loads of myths and misconceptions surrounding the idea of adultery, and it is often assumed that it is only men who are prone to stepping out of their marriages. But is this really true? The shocking truth about how many married women cheat on their husbands will be explored in this article.
Defining ‘Cheating’
The concept of ‘cheating’ is not one that is black and white. Many people have different ideas about what constitutes cheating and what doesn’t. Some might say that having an emotional connection with another person is cheating, whereas others would say that sex is the only thing that constitutes cheating. Whatever your idea is, the basis of infidelity is when your partner steps out of the boundaries of your relationship and becomes involved with someone else. It is a breach of trust, and it can be devastating to the person on the receiving end.
How Common Is Infidelity?
Infidelity has been a hot topic for many years, and it is one that has been rigorously researched. Many studies have looked at the prevalence of infidelity in society, and there is a great deal of data that sheds light on the subject. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, around 15% of wives and 25% of husbands admit to having engaged in extramarital sex at some point in their marriage. This data suggests that infidelity is present in more marriages than one may think.
Age and Infidelity
When it comes to age, older couples married for longer periods are less likely to cheat than those in new relationships. This is according to a published study titled, “Factors associated with infidelity among older Americans: Results from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project.”
The study found that among couples who have been together for 20 years or more, only 13% reported infidelity. For those in relationships that were 10 years or less, the number grew to 20% reporting infidelity. The study suggests that longer-term couples are more committed and that trust plays a critical role in their relationships.
Emotional Connection Vs. Physical Connection
When talking about infidelity, there are typically two types of connections that can breach trust – emotional and physical. Earlier, we talked about how the definition of infidelity varies from person to person. In the same vein, some people would say that emotional cheating is worse than physical cheating. In terms of which is more common, a survey conducted in the US showed that 70% of married women would find emotional cheating to be worse than physical cheating. While this doesn’t speak to the prevalence of emotional cheating in and of itself, it does speak to how many women view it compared to physical cheating.
Why Do Women Cheat?
Just as there are numerous reasons why men cheat, there are also several reasons why women cheat. Below are a few of the most common reasons why women cheat.
Intimacy Issues
One common reason why women cheat is due to a lack of intimacy in their current relationship. Women who feel neglected or sexually unsatisfied in their marriages may turn to someone else to fulfill their needs.
Revenge
Another common reason why women cheat is to get revenge on their cheating partner. Although this may not be the most logical reason to cheat, some women feel that cheating back is the only way to get back at their partner.
Emotional Connection
As mentioned earlier, some women may cheat because they feel emotionally detached from their partner. Women who feel that their needs for connection are not being met may seek that connection elsewhere.
Adventure and Fun
Lastly, some women may cheat because they are simply seeking adventure and fun. Women who feel bored or stuck in their current relationships may turn to someone else to experience something new and exciting.
What Happens After the Affair?
Infidelity is a complex issue, and it can be challenging to navigate the aftermath of an affair. Depending on the person who has been cheated on, there may be feelings of anger, sadness, shock, or even relief. Couples who choose to stay together after an affair must work through a lot of issues to rebuild their relationship. This can involve couples counseling, building trust, improving communication, and more. For couples who choose to go their separate ways, it is essential to remember that there is life after infidelity.
Conclusion
Infidelity is a complicated issue that can shatter marriages and leave people hurt and scarred. Although traditionally it has been viewed as primarily a male issue, the data speaks to the contrary. Women cheat, and it is more common than many people would like to admit. While there is no excuse for infidelity, it is essential to understand why it happens and what can be done to prevent it.
Common Questions About Women and Infidelity
- Q: Are women more forgiving of infidelity than men?
- A: There is no data that suggests women are more forgiving of infidelity than men. However, women are more likely to forgive if they feel their partner is genuinely remorseful and willing to work on the relationship.
- Q: Can a marriage survive infidelity?
- A: Yes, many marriages can survive infidelity, but it requires a lot of commitment, hard work, and dedication from both parties.
- Q: Do women cheat as often as men?
- A: It is difficult to say exactly how often women cheat compared to men. However, research suggests that the gap between the two is closing, and women are cheating more frequently than in the past.
- Q: How do I know if my partner is cheating on me?
- A: There are many telltale signs that someone may be cheating, including emotional distance, secretive behavior, and lack of interest in sex. However, it is important to remember that not all of these signs necessarily mean that your partner is cheating on you.
References
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. (2021). Infidelity. Retrieved from https://www.aamft.org/Consumer_Updates/Infidelity.aspx
- Alterovitz, S. S., & Mendelsohn, G. A. (2013). Factors associated with infidelity among older Americans: Results from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 68(6), 919-929. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbt054
- Rehman, U. S., Gollan, J., & Furman, W. (2008). The perceived effects of parental infidelity on the college students’ romantic relationships. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 22(3), 23-32. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87568220802192802