TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent
theAsianparent
EnglishFilipino
Product Guide
  • Money Tips
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
  • Ages & Stages
  • Parenting
  • Health & Wellness
  • Education
  • Lifestyle Section
  • Become a VIP
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Community
Login
  • EnglishFilipino
    • Articles
  • Money TipsMoney Tips
  • Building a BakuNationBuilding a BakuNation
  • Becoming a ParentBecoming a Parent
  • Ages & StagesAges & Stages
  • ParentingParenting
  • Health & WellnessHealth & Wellness
  • EducationEducation
  • Lifestyle SectionLifestyle Section
  • Become a VIPBecome a VIP
  • Press RoomPress Room
  • TAP RecommendsTAP Recommends
  • ShoppingShopping
  • CommunityCommunity
    • Community
  • Poll
  • Photos
  • Food
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Read Articles
    • Tracker
  • Pregnancy Tracker
  • Baby Tracker
    • Rewards
  • RewardsRewards
  • Contests
  • VIP ParentsVIP Parents
    • More
  • Feedback

Privacy PolicyCommunity GuidelinesSitemap HTML

Download our free app

google play store
app store

Does an absence of sex in marriage justify cheating?

2 min read
Does an absence of sex in marriage justify cheating?

When a spouse is constantly denied sex, is it perfectly understandable for them to stray?

Is there ever an acceptable reason to cheat on the one you’ve committed your life to?

Not having their sexual needs satisfied may embolden some to cheat, thinking they’ve earned it to some extent.

Is sex an obligation? Is it your duty in marriage to fulfill your spouse’s physical needs?

But before jumping to conclusions, professor and blogger Mark D. White thinks its important for couples to define what constitutes cheating.

For some, emotional cheating is just as bad as getting into bed with someone else. It is up to both of you to define “what you’re willing to endure” for the sake of staying committed.

Does an absence of sex in marriage justify cheating?

photo: shutterstock

It would help couples to determine what amount and frequency of intimacy is enough to satisfy their partner as well as their own needs.

Couples deserve to be happy, to have their needs met. But a line must be drawn to keep them from breaking those vows, even if married life isn’t what they expected it to be. The promise to be faithful shouldn’t come with exceptions.

Whatever unmet needs you’re struggling with, cheating will only make things worse

So the question remains: when someone isn’t satisfied, based on the pre-established benchmarks agreed upon, are they well within their rights to find this satisfaction elsewhere?

Professor White believes that two wrongs can’t make a right. Whatever dissatisfaction one feels in the relationship, adultery will only make it worse.

The cause of sexless marriages can often be traced to deep unresolved issues that need to be worked through.

If you find yourself in this situation–where your partner is frustrated or has cheated because of this frustration–it’s best to confront the issue. It won’t be easy, especially if your spouse wants out of the relationship. But the only way to know if your relationship is worth salvaging is finding out where you’re both at and comparing your level of commitment. Are you still on the same page? What could be improved?

From there, you both can decide how to move forward, whether it’s together or apart.

What do you think moms and dads? Let us know in the comments below.

sources: Psychology Today, Prevention, The Huffington Post

READ: How can you repair a ‘sexless marriage’?

Partner Stories
5 Ways to Spice Up Sexy Time—the Responsible Way
5 Ways to Spice Up Sexy Time—the Responsible Way
Your child's passion awaits in this remarkable country!
Your child's passion awaits in this remarkable country!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Couples
  • /
  • Does an absence of sex in marriage justify cheating?
Share:
  • Low Libido in Men: How Weight and Lifestyle Impact Sexual Health

    Low Libido in Men: How Weight and Lifestyle Impact Sexual Health

  • Can Pre-Cum Lead to Pregnancy? Understanding the Risks and Chances

    Can Pre-Cum Lead to Pregnancy? Understanding the Risks and Chances

  • Phrases to Avoid in Relationships: Tips para sa mga Filipino Couples

    Phrases to Avoid in Relationships: Tips para sa mga Filipino Couples

  • Low Libido in Men: How Weight and Lifestyle Impact Sexual Health

    Low Libido in Men: How Weight and Lifestyle Impact Sexual Health

  • Can Pre-Cum Lead to Pregnancy? Understanding the Risks and Chances

    Can Pre-Cum Lead to Pregnancy? Understanding the Risks and Chances

  • Phrases to Avoid in Relationships: Tips para sa mga Filipino Couples

    Phrases to Avoid in Relationships: Tips para sa mga Filipino Couples

Feed

Feed

Get tailored articles about parenting, lifestyle, expert opinions right at your fingertips

Poll

Poll

Participate in interesting polls and see what other parents think!

Photos

Photos

Share the photos of loved ones in a safe, secure manner.

Topics

Topics

Join communities to bond with fellow mums and dads.

Tracker

Tracker

Track your pregnancy as well as baby’s development day-by-day!

theAsianparent

Download our free app

Google PlayApp Store

Mums around the world

Singapore flag
Singapore
Thailand flag
Thailand
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
Philippines flag
Philippines
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
Vietnam flag
Vietnam

Partner Brands

Rumah123VIP ParentsMama's ChoiceTAP Awards

© Copyright theAsianparent 2026 . All rights reserved

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it