
Getting cheated on can be devastating. But in addition to feeling hurt, angry, and sad, you may be wondering why it happened.
Infidelity is widespread and increasingly common. According to one study, 20% of married couples and 70% of unmarried couples chat in romantic relationships.
So why do people cheat? Here are 7 common reasons.
7 reasons why people cheat in relationships
1. Anger or revenge
Sometimes people cheat on their partners as an act of revenge. For example, if one partner has been flirting with a friend or even cheating, the other partner may cheat as well as a form of payback.
Other reasons for anger-driven infidelity include:
- Frustration when a partner doesn’t understand the other person or their needs
- Anger at a partner who is never around
- Anger at a partner who doesn’t seem to contribute to the relationship
- Anger or frustration after an argument
2. Falling out of love
The dopamine rush of falling in love may not last long. Excitement, passion, and exhilaration of the initial phase of a relationship usually fade over time.
Long-lasting relationships do exist, but those butterflies you felt on the first date only get you so far. Once they go away, you may realize that there wasn’t really much love there.
3. Feeling unappreciated
If one person feels that they aren’t receiving enough love, respect, and attention from their partner, this can cause them to look for those things elsewhere.
Sometimes, even if a partner hasn’t actually neglected the other, they can still feel neglected, especially if there are unrealistic expectations. Or it could just be that one person has emotional or sexual needs that they feel are just not being met.
4. Lack of commitment
People with commitment issues are more likely to cheat in a relationship, whether it’s because they want to avoid commitment or because they have a different idea of what commitment means.
Reasons for commitment-related infidelity may include:
- Difference in opinion about relationships (casual, exclusive, etc.)
- Fear of committing even if they love their partner
- Lack of interest in a long-term commitment
- Wanting a way out of the relationship
5. Sexual desire
For some people, cheating is simply the result of sexual desire, even if they are already in a fulfilling relationship. Some other reasons for sexual desire-driven infidelity include:
- Feeling unsatisfied with the sex
- Desire to try something new
However, someone who just wants to have sex may just look for opportunities to do so without any other reason.
6. Situational factors
Infidelity sometimes happens because a partner was in a situation where the opportunity presented itself. For example, if a person gets drunk with a coworker, there may be a high chance of cheating. Some other factors include:
- Being in a long-distance relationship
- Being on vacation
- Feelings of low self-esteem
- Wanting physical comfort after a distressing event
- Living or working in an environment that involves a lot of physical touching and emotional connection
7. Self-esteem
Wanting a boost to self-esteem can also cause someone to cheat. Getting sexual attention from someone new can make someone with low self-esteem feel attractive, confident, or empowered.

SLIDESHOW
Sex-Drive Killers: The Causes of Low Libido See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Mark Manson. Why People Cheat in Relationships. https://markmanson.net/why-people-cheat
Top What Is the Main Cause of Cheating? Related Articles
48 Reasons Why People Have Sex
Since ancient times, the reasons people have sex have been assumed to be few and simple. However, several proposed theories suggest reasons to perform the carnal act may be larger in number and psychologically complex.How Common Is Female Sexual Dysfunction?
Sexual dysfunction is known as recurrent or persistent problems with sexual response, desire, orgasm or pain that can potentially create a strain in relationships. Sexual dysfunction in women is fairly common. Around 43% of women experience sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives. However, some may have difficulties throughout their lives and this can occur at any stage of life.How Does a Polyamorous Relationship Work?
The traditional belief is that every person should seek a single soulmate and they should commit to that person completely. There are people who don’t believe that a single individual can fulfil all their needs in a relationship, so they prefer having many partners. Polyamorous relationships definitely benefit from regular counselling sessions to cope with feelings of jealousy and anxiety, which may surface in the long run.Infidelity Quiz
How long does the average affair last? Learn about love, lies, and more with the Infidelity Quiz.Sex & Love Quiz
Relationships, sex, and love! Could it be that what motivates physical attraction in us may be all in our minds? Take the Sex & Love Quiz to challenge yourself on healthy human sexuality!Sexual Addiction
The term sex addiction describes the behavior of someone who has an unusually strong sex drive or sexual obsession. Sex and thoughts of sex dominate a sex addict's thinking, making it difficult to work or engage in healthy personal relationships. Sex addicts may engage in exhibitionism, voyeurism, prostitution, compulsive masturbation, or cybersex. Treatment for sex addiction includes individual counseling, marital and/or family therapy, support groups, 12-step recovery programs, and in some cases, medications.Sexual Health: 12 Tips for Better Sex
Can you learn new techniques to breathe better? Healthy breathing helps you maintain the right balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. Breathing training and other healthy habits can improve your lung capacity.Habits of Couples Who Have Great Sex
Want better intimacy and connection with your partner? Try these habits of couples who enjoy great sex.Sexual Health
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.Benefits of Sex
How would you like a stronger immune system or better sleep? Action between the sheets can help you get all of this and more. Read on to discover the surprising health benefits of sex.Sexual Health: Safe Sex Mistakes to Avoid
Everyone makes mistakes. But when it comes to sex, they can be costly. WebMD explores common safe sex slip-ups.What Is a Polyamorous Relationship?
Polyamory, or consensual nonmonogamy, is the practice of having multiple intimate relationships, with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved. It is generally not gender specific. Anyone can have multiple partners of any gender.