Genetically Unfaithful?

Question

Do you think that someone is more likely to be unfaithful if their parents have had an affair?

My sister was unfaithful and so was my father, and I know another girl who was also in the same situation.

(This is not a dig at single parent families as I come from one)

Answer 1

With men cheating 60% of the time and women 40%, I don't think it's for the reasons people assume (just sex or for the thrills, etc).

In fact, I assume that, contrary to social opinion, monogamy isn't normal for all people. Unfortunately, society isn't accomodating to those who want to be both honest and are not naturally monogamous. Open relationships are seriously frowned upon.

Most guys or girls don't cheat to get sex. It happens, but not to most people, IMO. Most fall into a relationship unexpectedly and only have two options they see open to them. Leave the new relationship, which is brutally difficult, or cheat. Society has shown them only those two options.

I am polyamorous. I am very open about my feelings and non-monogamous nature. I always make certain everyone involved is aware and OK before I enter into a relationship (their significant other, if they have one, and my wife). Though sex is a component of these romantic relationships, it's no different than anyone with a girlfriend or wife. They are long term and very loving relationships.

For those who are not monogamous, but not interested in long-term romantic relationships (i.e. sex is the more important aspect) and want to be open and honest with their partner, there is swinging. I"ve never experienced it, so cannot talk about it much.

I've always wondered why people find cheating (breaking the rules) more acceptable than open and honest non-monogamy.

This said, I'd be careful about trying to assign a strong probability of offspring of non-monogamous people being non-monogamous. I would suspect if it's genetic it's not a simple one loci factor, but many. That and it disregards the effects of social pressures to conform to "proper" behavior.

Answer 2

Coming from a family that has a history to be unfaithful DOES make it easier to be unfaithful, just because you have had that example set for you. Just like if your parents are alcoholics, you are more likely to be an alcoholic. If your parents beat you, you are more likely to beat your own children. That however does NOT give you an excuse. You just need to be aware of your own vulnerabilities and steer clear of them. If you want to be faithful, then just do it. Don't let anything get in your way, because it might be hard for you to back out once you're too close.

Answer 3

No, i do not believe things like infidelity are heridetary, but different types of behaviours can be influenced by parents and hence carried on by their children. Even the really bad ones like domestic violence and being an alcoholic, and infidelity too...even though the children themselves used to suffer under this kind of home atmosphere, a shockingly high percentage grow up to continue the cycle that they learned from their parents. But sometimes the children do also just go completely in the other direction, and keep away from the behavior. Its kind of strange i know, its incredible the effect that our childhood has on us...

So no, in my opinion i definitely dont think it has anything to do with genetics at all. Just influence.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

No I dont think its genetics. I think they were just in bad relationships and didn't know how to handle the situation. Let me ask you a question, are you more like your mother or father? I am assuming your sister is more like your father in terms of personality. If so I can see how they might approach things the same way if they exhibit the same personality characteristics. As long as you know what is right or wrong, I think you will be okay

Answer 5

I don't think it's genetic, but I do think that if you see it growing up you're more likely to be "okay" with it.

What children see is a parent that lacks commitment. They do not see two people toughing it out and making love and vows important. If you grow up seeing your role models cheating...you're more likely to assume this is the way things are. You'll think it's normal.

When I say "see it growing up" I don't mean that as children they were privy to this information...but it's the lies and hurt that kids are aware of. People think they hide things from their children...but on some level the kids pick up the under current.

Cheating is selfish. When your parents are selfish you learn to be selfish too. Selfishness can be seen in many of our actions...one of them is cheating.

Answer 6

It's called the Generational Curse. God said that he would curse a person and his descendants up to the 3rd and 4th generation for not following his commands. So, if someone 3 or 4 generations back committed adultery, then you can bet that sin will continue down the line. Repenting, binding the spirit of adultery and having a heart for God will stop this.

Answer 7

Well, I am not going to dismiss it out of hand, as I have never seen a study that supports or rejects it.....

However, I believe that the biggest factor is what kind of person you are. If you were raised by lousy people, you are more likely to be a lousy person. I think it would be the parents BEHAVIOR, not genetics, that teaches children how to behave.

Answer 8

Nope, my father was unfaithful with my mother and i will never even think of being unfaithful to my husband/boyfriend because i know what my mother went through and how much it hurt her! And I dont want it to happen to me either!

Answer 9

hi! some could say by using fact, regardless of each and every little thing, we are animals, and it quite is a survival instinct. I say, is a psychological state. Th human been isn't untrue is he/she does not % to be. So... the animal section is in simple terms an excuse many people use for being vulnerable while they could be solid. some are untrue, not the great mankind. i'm proud to assert i'm not. Goodluck!

Answer 10

I don't think that genetics when it comes to infidelity! I do believe
that your children watch your actions and could duplicate them. I know for a fact that most children that have parents that smoke, eventually smoke also. Alot of times, if a strong minded child sees the infidelity and the damage that it does, they make sure that it never happens to them! Its all up to the child.