The act of cheating can be shattering for any relationship and sadly can quite often leave long-lasting damage to the relationship.
Typically cheating means engaging in sexual or romantic relations with a person other than one’s significant other, breaking a commitment or promise in the act.
However, cheating can mean different things to different people so it is still important to communicate and set boundaries with your partner at the start of a relationship.
Unfortunately, cheating is not an uncommon occurrence in romantic relationships and marriages, however, the reasons behind the cheating may vary.
Opportunistic infidelity
Typically, this type of cheating is driven by situational circumstances or opportunity, risk-taking, and maybe getting involved with someone else because it presents a good opportunity e.g a benefit of some sort of career advancement.
Obligatory Infidelity
This is often based on the fear that resisting someone’s sexual advances will result in rejection. Quite often the person has low self-esteem or a strong need for approval and attention.
Conflicted Romantic Infidelity
This occurs when people experience genuine love or a sexual desire for more than one person at a time. In a world where many of us idealise the notion of having only one true love, it is possible to experience intense romantic love for multiple people at the same time.
Commemorative or Romantic Infidelity
This type of infidelity occurs when a person is in a committed relationship but has no feelings for their partner. There is no sexual desire or love or attachment, only a sense of obligation keeping the couple together. Which often can result in their partner seeking to fulfil these needs elsewhere.
If you are worried your partner is cheating, perhaps you have felt some changes in communication and attitude or a difference in their attention to appearance. Or maybe you’re experiencing more lies, changes in your sex life, money issues or your partner has changed their technology. Whatever signs you think you have seen or feel then it’s important to raise your concerns with your partner before assuming anything as that could also be damaging to the relationship.
Ultimately if the answer is yes they are cheating then understanding the ‘why’ can be crucial, to rebuilding your own trust and faith in the relationship and/or others you decide to have in the future. Whether you choose to end the relationship or intend to stay together, if you are able to discuss your issues and understand what went wrong, your relationship or future relationships can be stronger than ever.
If you are experiencing any of the above and perhaps at the make or break point in your relationship then try our Make or Break Plan and let us help you get your relationship back on track.
