Infidelity (synonyms include cheating, straying, adultery, being unfaithful, two-timing, or having an affair) is when one person in a relationship engages in sexual or emotional activity outside of the agreed-upon boundaries.
According to a study, there are a few key reasons why people cheat. The most common are anger, lack of love, low commitment, esteem, situation, and neglect.
1. You’re Not the Fault
If you’re the cheated-on partner, it’s important to remember that you were not the cause of your partner cheating. Rather, it was a symptom of underlying issues in your relationship that led to the affair.
You should be able to talk openly and honestly with your partner about the issue and work together towards reconciliation or, if the situation is not working out, separation and divorce. You can also consider seeing a therapist to help you through the healing process.
Emotional maturity is the ability to react to life situations calmly and thoughtfully. This is achieved by learning how to handle challenging circumstances without throwing temper tantrums or crying.
2. You’re a Miserable Over-Compensator
A person in the mood for a good time will do anything and everything to get their fix. This includes taking up a new hobby, playing a video game, or snagging a date or two with the wifey of your dreams. While these self-serving behaviors are no doubt fun and exciting, they can also leave you a little less than satisfied. So, if you’re in the market for the next big thing, it’s high time to consider a less than committed partner. In the end, you’ll be happier and healthier as a result of reevaluating your dating priorities. To be honest, it’s not that hard to do so, and you can get your fix without compromising your integrity. The key is to understand that your partner has a different set of motivations and goals than you do. By letting them know that you want a long-term, committed relationship instead of an affair, you can avoid putting yourself at risk for a plethora of unpleasantries.
3. You’re a Micro Cheater
Micro cheating is when a person crosses boundaries between trust and fidelity, whether they know it or not. This can include communication with an ex, tagging a model on social media or even complimenting someone in a flirty way that’s not intended for their partner.
While these behaviors may seem like harmless, they can have a big impact on your relationship and cause you to feel cheated. As a result, they can trigger anxiety, PTSD and betrayal trauma.
The best way to prevent micro cheating is to set healthy relationship boundaries that you and your partner can both agree on. This includes a clear definition of what’s acceptable and what isn’t, says Hoskins.
4. You’re a Possessive Cheater
If you are possessive in a relationship, it can be hard to distinguish the difference between normal affection and controlling or abusive behavior. However, there are a few red flags that can help you identify whether you’re in a healthy or destructive relationship.
One of the first things you need to do is recognize that your possessiveness is a sign of insecurity and attachment anxiety. If you can reassure your partner that they are the most important person in your life and that you trust them to do right by you, you will be well on your way to creating a more secure and fulfilling relationship.
You may also want to consider therapy if your possessiveness is getting out of hand. A therapist will help you explore your issues and develop better coping skills. It is important to remember that your partner will take some time to adjust to these changes, so reassuring them that you are in it for the long haul will go a long way towards keeping you both safe and happy.