Adultery. Infedelity. Indescretions. Dirty secrets. The list could continue on. Is it the thrill of the chase? Is it the chill of the blame? The seven year itch? Embedded in DNA? Human Nature?

Different Theories

Thaindian news cited Research from the journal Kyklos in their article entitled “economic costs of cheating on a spouse differ for men and woman”. This research tested theories of Socioeconomic status, and education,  as alleged factors in cheating. According to the news article a woman’s peak cheating age is 45 and a mans is 55. Education plays a role in woman cheating but does not seem to make a difference for men.

Technology

With the last decades advances in the world wide web many websites devote themselves to those who are married looking for a friend on the side. Turning thoughts into reality. Entertaining boredom and curiosity. Can the internet make those who would not normally cheat go astray? My thought is no. I believe it makes it easier, but if the thought is there it will happen eventually.  According to an article posted on http://www.pr.com/press-release/22640 12 percent of all enrolled on matchmaking sites are married.  I believe the thought of cheating without action is not much different then the action. Communication is key in any relationship, and those thoughts put up barriers to communication.

Hollywood Trends

From Beniffer to Brangelina. A highly publicized affair making its mark on the cover of every tabloid magazine. Then they all lived happily ever after. Baby after baby. Every week a different couple, torn apart by infedelity. The normalizing of an American epidemic.

Take and Get Generation

With every century, decade, and generation roles, ideals, morals, and values continue to change. Good? Bad? Each change holds a small amount of both. The liberation of our times. The ever changing gender roles at home, and in the workforce. A faltering economy. All factors. Some say this is a take and get society. Consideration of others replaced with selfish intentions, and permission to do unto others as long as the ends justify the means. Who decides the ends? Who decides the means?

Marriage is Far From Fairytale

Cinderella lived happily ever after. Far from the original stories of Grimm. Far from reality. Marriage is work. Divorce is at an all time high. Broken homes a norm. Expectations set high leaving the bottom a longer fall. These illusions lead to more illusions which lead to unfaithful spouses.

I wonder if cheating is on the increase or if it is simply at this time more talked about.  Each individual holds the potential to commit unfaithful acts. It does not equate to a horrible people. We each adapt to change, discomfort, and hard times in different ways. Dishonesty in any form makes chaos more chaotic.  Some learn this. Some do not. I do not believe a cheater is always a cheater. It depends on the reason, and the person. I am not an expert or a marriage counselor. This article is simply my opinion based on experience on a few reasons men and woman cheat.