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Watch Out For These 3 Personality Types Who Are Most Prone To Cheating On Their Partners

Relationships are inherently complex, with fidelity often playing a central role. Despite good intentions, some people may find themselves straying from monogamy. We take a deep dive into the psychological and sociological factors of infidelity to identify three distinct types of people who are most prone to cheat. We also examine the subtle differences in why and how men and women cheat, revealing the various motivations and situations that lead to their actions.

The Eternal Seeker: Always Hunting for “The One

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The Eternal Seeker relentlessly chases the concept of an ideal partner, firmly believing that there is a perfect soulmate designed just for them. They typically navigate their relationships with the hope of finding this perfect match, and this quest may lead them to abandon their current partners if they perceive someone else as a closer match to their ideal.

Trust Is Easily Broken

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Trust has to be built. All parties in a relationship have to understand that they hold their partner’s heart in their hands.

The Opportunist: When the Cat’s Away, the Mice Will Play

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Opportunists are those who do not necessarily seek out extramarital or extracurricular relationships but will engage in such activities if the circumstances are favorable. They often find themselves saying, “It just happened,” to shrug off responsibility. Their behavior is usually driven by convenience and the thrill of spontaneity without much forethought about the consequences.

The Validation Seeker: Affirmation is Their Aphrodisiac

Narcissist.
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For Validation Seekers, the act of cheating stems from a deep-rooted need for constant validation and affirmation. They often feel incomplete without external validation of their desirability and worth, which pushes them to seek attention outside their primary relationship. They are driven by the need to feel wanted and can often mistake temporary attention for lasting self-worth.

The Psychological Underpinnings: Why Do They Do It?

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The reasons behind why individuals cheat are multifaceted and deeply psychological. Factors such as attachment issues, stemming from early relationships with caregivers, can lead individuals to have either avoidant or anxious attachment styles, making stable relationships challenging.

Reasons Are Not Always Clear-Cut

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People may also cheat due to impulsivity, a desire for novelty, or because they encounter an opportunity and lack the self-discipline to resist.

Grass Is Greener, Or Is It?

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Moreover, individuals feeling that their emotional or physical needs are unmet in their relationships may seek fulfillment elsewhere. Other psychological factors include a lack of empathy, narcissistic traits, fear of commitment, and overall dissatisfaction with the current relationship.

These Are Not Excuses To Cheat

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It is critical to note that while these psychological and situational factors can explain why people cheat, they do not excuse the behavior. Understanding these reasons can be beneficial in therapeutic settings to address and resolve underlying relationship issues.

The Societal Influence: How Culture Plays a Role

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Society and culture significantly impact attitudes towards infidelity. From the glorification of affairs in media and literature to cultural narratives that romanticize the idea of ‘forbidden love’, societal influences can subtly or overtly encourage individuals to cheat.

The Warning Signs: Red Flags to Watch For

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Recognizing potential signs of infidelity can help address issues early. These signs include sudden or drastic changes in communication habits, unexplained absences, changes in routine, increased secrecy around phones or computers, sudden preoccupation with physical appearance, and notable shifts in intimacy levels, either increasing or decreasing.

But Don’t Jump To Conclusions

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However, these signs are not definitive proof of infidelity and can sometimes be attributed to other causes such as personal stress or changes in personal priorities.

Prevention Strategies: Building a Cheat-Proof Relationship

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While no relationship can be completely cheat-proof, fostering open communication, mutual respect, trust, and ongoing romantic engagement can significantly strengthen a relationship. Ensuring that both partners feel valued and satisfied can decrease the likelihood of infidelity.

The Aftermath of Infidelity: Picking Up the Pieces

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Photo Credit panajiotis from pixabay via Canva.

Following an act of infidelity, the primary challenge is rebuilding trust and repairing the emotional damage. This process is often long and requires patience, forgiveness, and a strong commitment to healing from both partners. READ: Can Your Marriage Survive An Affair?

The Role of Therapy: Can a Relationship Be Saved?

Man-apologizing-to-woman-sitting-on-couch.-Photo-credit_-fotomaniya-via-Canva.
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In cases of infidelity, relationship therapy can provide a crucial support mechanism. Therapy offers a structured environment for honest dialogue and professional guidance to navigate the complex emotions and decisions involved in the aftermath of cheating.

The Social Media Factor: Digital Temptations

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The rise of digital technology and social media has introduced new avenues for forming romantic connections outside the primary relationship. These platforms can facilitate emotional or physical affairs, complicating the traditional boundaries of relationships.

The Gender Divide: Do Men and Women Cheat Differently?

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While the act of cheating itself is not confined to any one gender, studies suggest that men and women may cheat for different reasons and engage in infidelity in different ways.

Men & Women Have Different Reasons

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Men are more likely to cheat for physical reasons while women often seek emotional connection.

The Personal Growth Aspect: Learning from Mistakes

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For some individuals, going through the experience of cheating leads to personal reflection and growth. It can be an opportunity to understand better one’s values, the importance of a relationship, and personal integrity.

The Future of Fidelity: Changing Norms

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As societal norms evolve, so too do the concepts of relationships and fidelity. Non-traditional relationship structures like open relationships and polyamory are becoming more mainstream, challenging the traditional monogamous framework.

The Takeaway

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Photo credit Vlada Karpovich via Canva.

Infidelity is a complex and multifaceted issue that touches on the most intimate aspects of our lives while being broadly recognizable and understood. It serves as a stark reminder of the intricacies and challenges inherent in human relationships, reflecting the fluid dynamics of love, trust, and commitment that can shift and change over time. This complexity not only underscores the personal pain and confusion that often accompany acts of infidelity but also points to the universal struggles with loyalty and desire that many face.

The Beauty Of Second Marriages: Why Round Two Often Triumphs

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It turns out that second marriages often emerge as the true gems, exceeding the sense of fulfillment and contentment found in the initial journey down the aisle. But what makes these unions stand out? Let’s explore the compelling reasons why second marriages often feel like a breath of fresh air. READ: The Beauty Of Second Marriages: Why Round Two Often Triumphs

Family First: A Gentleman’s Guide To Dating A Single Mom And Bonding With Her Kids

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Dating a single mom comes with its own set of guidelines and considerations, distinct from other dating scenarios – and it can be rewarding, as well. Here are some key points to keep in mind if you find yourself in this situation. READFamily First: A Gentleman’s Guide To Dating A Single Mom And Bonding With Her Kids

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  • Dede Wilson Headshot Circle

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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