Infidelity is one of the most difficult situations a person can face in a relationship and can have serious health consequences for those involved. The act can "activate old losses, traumas, betrayals, and raise issues including anxiety, depression and strong grief reactions,"
1. Low self-esteem (a desire for reassurance that one is desirable).
2. Difficulties with emotional intimacy (such as "not being able to bring up emotional needs and the consequent negative feelings getting in the way of loving feelings," said Kilmer).
3. Situational or opportunity reasons.
4. Impulsivity and/or Excitement seeking.
5. Being able to compartmentalize sex and intimacy and their own primary relationship.
6. Lack of empathy.
7. Fear around aging.
8. Status seeking.
9. Acting out. Being angry with partner
10. Drug and alcohol use.
11. Certain personality styles like narcissism and psychopathy.
12. Difficulties in the primary relationship/unhappiness in the marriage (not getting your emotional needs met in the relationship)
How to Prevent Cheating in a Relationship:
1. Have an agreement
2. Tend your garden (no automatic sprinklers)
3. Understand your partner. Encourage honesty without judgement.
4. Make yourself indispensable: When you don’t provide emotional, intellectual and physical rewards, your partner will look to others for. Are you being jealous and critical?
5. Limit opportunity. Do most things together. How to Resist the Urge to Cheat
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