Why do people cheat on their significant others?

Question

And do you think there is a difference between the motivations for male and females to cheat? If so, what are the differences?
Thanks, and have a great day. =)

Answer 1

Because they apparently aren't that "significant". And no, I believe the motiviation is the same for both sexes...selfishness.

Answer 2

There are a few different reasons why people cheat. While none of them are any more comforting than another, I can honestly tell you that one of the biggest is curiosity. Some people simply cannot understand that what they have is the best they can do, so they stray to see if they can find something better. Many do not realize until it is too late that they gave up something really precious.

Another reason people cheat is that someone new makes them feel special while the significant person they are currently with no longer feels that have to keep reassuring their mate.

I don't think there is a difference between the motivations of women or men, but I do feel that once they have cheated they are more likely to cheat again.

If you have been cheated on, you must tell yourself that you deserve better and move on. It takes too much of a toll to second guess why someone did not know how great a person you are and we all deserve to be happy.

Answer 3

The old chestnut "The grass is greener on the other side of the fence." comes to mind. I believe that motive spans both genders and while familiarity does not always breed contempt, it can also breed something not unlike boredom. In my experiences, admittedly both as cheater and cheatee, it mostly came from the allure of the unknown versus the somewhat faded lure of the familiar. How to combat this is also an idea as old as the hills, keep it interesting, fresh and new. Occasionally do the unexpected for, with or to your spouse or significant other. This will help in many cases, but it is worth noting that not all relationships were meant to work long term, seriously ask yourself some pointed questions about what the relationship really was, did both or either partners come right out of another relationship(the rebound), did things stem from unusual or tense circumstances or moments of impaired judgment, did things come together too fast? Any or all of these factors could lead to cheating and many of them could be avoided or eliminated by simply speaking openly and honestly with your partner about the feelings you both are having and what needs to done to either save, or end the relationship.

Answer 4

If you've been "cheated on", I'm so sorry that you've been hurt.

I must however call into question, however unpopular it may be, of the entire idea of someone having some sort of ownership of another.

Monogamous, psychuous love is a volitional, voluntary thing. You can go your whole life trying to earn someones devotion, only to find that in spite of your best efforts, it just comes down to which chick has the roundest booty!

As far as the motivation for any individual to "cheat"...I can't say. Having never been a woman, it just wouldn't be a bright idea to speak on their behalf. But as far as being a guy goes, the reasons are as numerous as the stars in the sky...emotional needs, physical attractiveness, opportunity, mental illness, it's tuesday, it's NOT tuesday...knowwhutimeanvern?

I've seen guys DEVOTED to PIGS and I've seen guys screwing around on angels.

It's also kinda interesting to note, as pointed out in last months Psychology Today, that polygamous societies tend to be better for women (shocking I know), while monogamous societies tend to be better for men. It's all a numbers thing.

Good luck!

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Answer 5

People cheat on their significant other sometimes because they feel that there is too much stress in the relationship. If you have problems in a relationship, it is possible that your partner will go cheat because they can't face or deal with the relationship they're in. Sometimes, people cheat because they don't know what they have in front of them and go around to find other people who they could've been with. What they don't realize is that with a relationship, it comes with hard work and patience to make it work. Or maybe it's just their behavior and how they want to try new things, or people. There are many reasons, but I think these are a few. I despise people who cheat. I think it's very selfish and careless. =) Good day to you, too

Answer 6

I've heard people say that women cheat because they are not fulfilled emotionally, and men cheat because they are not satisfied sexually. I feel that the bottom line of all cheating stems pretty much from a lack of respect and genuine love for the other person. If you really love someone you discuss the problems with them and try to find a solution. I believe if a couple develop good communication with each other many problems can be avoided.

Answer 7

Because human beings are animals and that is an unfortunate part of being in a relationship. Both men and women cheat for to fulfill something that isn't being fulfilled by their partner and instead of finding out how to work it out they cheat.

The motivation is completely different for every individual man or woman. It's a personal decision to take that chance. Each situation is different and there are circumstances in every relationship that may cause one to cheat.

Answer 8

People cheat for various reasons, so it is impossible to determine why a single person has decided to cheat without having more detailed information about their personal situation. However, I think in general it is fair to say that a cheater cheats because he/she: 1) lacks self-control; 2) is not ready to be in a monotonous relationship; and/or 3) is trying to avoid confronting his/her partner about an issue(s) in their relationship.

Relationships are difficult, and to navigate them both partners have to know fairly well who they are as a person and be able to effectively deal with life's problems. However, many people think they can be happy without having to go through the long process required to figure out who they are, what they want out of life, and how they will deal with life's difficulties. Ideally, both partners will already be at a stage where they will have figured some of these things out. If not, relationship problems will inevitably ensue. For example, what if I am confused as to what moral system I will abide by? If I haven’t figured this out yet, I may on the fly deem cheating an acceptable response to a wrong committed against me by my partner.

If there is a difference in the frequency of cheating between males and females I think it has less to do with biology and more to do with the ways in which males and females are differentially socialized. Thus, it may be more common for men to resort to cheating as a way to compensate for an unfulfilling relationship, but that doesn't necessarily mean that females don't engage in similarly maladaptive relationship behaviors. For example, I have known women who will talk to everyone under the sun about their relationship problems before their own mate. This may not be on the same level of cheating, but it is clearly a way to avoid confronting an issue while allowing themselves to vent their frustrations. Cheating may serve a similar function.

I hope my response gave you food for thought!

Answer 9

I think they do cheat, because they aren't really in "love" or ready for a good passionate relationship. They think they need to stray to have fun or whatever...the fact is they just aren't ready to be in a committed relationship, and motivations may be different for a male and female

males may want just another pretty girl, and females may want a more trusting male, or vise versa, either way you flip it, cheating is wrong. I hope this hasn't happened to you, and if so Im sorry. best of luck to you. and you have a nice day too!! :)

Answer 10

Women cheat - emotional

Men cheat - physical

Men get sexually jealous if they knew their significant others cheated purely because they just wanted some action. Women are the opposite, women would much rather find their men screwing hookers or having one night stands over an affair.

People cheat because they can, because they don't communicate their needs effectively, because husbands aren't getting enough sex at home, because wives feel misunderstood or ignored. People are not meant to be monogamous either.

Answer 11

The person/spouse who cheats has problems with their self-esteem, besides other deep -seeded problems.They can be lawyers, teachers, gargage men, or rocket scientists. They can be in marriages where the other spouse has given his or her 'ALL' to make it work and they still have this NEED to wander and cheat. It is a psychological problem that needs professional help....period. It is the same kind of behaviour as gambling, substance abuse and domestic violence. It is repetitive and on-going unless it is treated. It takes encouragement and strength from the "victim" or recipient of these "crimes" to get this person to seek help and then it is up to that person to put things into perspective and get the help they need so badly. Not an easy task.