These days, many people are attempting to increase their knowledge regarding the worlds of romance, sexuality, and relationships. If this is the case for you, it’s critically important that you get some knowledge of the world of cheating. Because almost everyone will either cheat on their significant other or find that their partner has been unfaithful at some point in their lives, learning all about the world of cheating can prepare you to lead a more fulfilling romantic life.
What is cheating?
Because there are so many definitions out there regarding what “cheating” is, it’s important to preface this article with a basic understanding of the term. In general, the word is used to describe an individual who breaks a mutually agreed-upon commitment to be monogamous in his or her romantic relationship. Thus when an individual is casually dating more than one person at the same time, this behaviour does not necessarily constitute cheating. Typically, the behaviour is only considered cheating when two people have both agreed not to become romantically involved with another person. It’s important to note that cheating can be both physical and non-physical. Physical forms of cheating can include anything from kissing to intercourse. Non-physical forms of cheating can include anything from going out on a date with an individual who is not your romantic partner to winking at another person in an intentionally sexual way.
Why people cheat
As many relationship experts suggest, there are a wide range of reasons that people cheat. Some of the primary reasons include:
• lack of sexual satisfaction
• lack of emotional satisfaction
• falling out of love with one’s romantic partner
• falling in love with a new romantic partner
• seeking revenge
• boredom
Consequences of cheating
There are several consequences that result from cheating, and you should be aware of them all. One consequence of cheating is the end of your current romantic relationship. This is an important consequence to be aware of because while an individual may want to cheat, he or she may simultaneously wish to maintain their current relationship. However, when an individual discovers that his or her partner has been unfaithful, they may decide to end the relationship.
Another consequence of cheating is less emotional and/or physical intimacy in one’s primary romantic relationship. Oftentimes, the individual who has been cheated on decides to stay in the relationship. However, because cheating breaks that person’s trust in their partner, the intimacy level of the relationship tends to drop dramatically. If both partners wish to heal the relationship and move past the period of infidelity, it will often take months and even years for the original level of intimacy to be restored.
Thinking about cheating?
In the event that you are thinking about cheating, you need to carefully consider your current romantic relationship. Specifically, you need to gain a thorough understanding of why you are considering this. Is your partner treating you poorly? Are you in love with someone else? Are you unsatisfied with the sexual, intellectual, or emotional components of the relationship? If you answer yes to any of these questions, talking with your partner is a much better course of action than cheating. In some cases, you may decide that the relationship is lackluster. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to simply end the relationship rather than risk hurting the other person by being unfaithful.