The temptation to stray does not only affect men, more and more women are becoming unfaithful. According to Psychology Today, 30-60 percent of women cheat, compared to 50-70 percent of men.
Why is this so? Dr. Frances Praver, a clinical psychologist, believes an unfaithful woman is both “daring and desperate,” who makes the choice to cheat out of a need to change something within their marriage. To them, an affair is not merely for fun and excitement, it is driven by a deep emotional need.
It doesn’t matter if she has the perfect husband, home, or kids, Dr. Praver believes many women cheat even while they are, by all accounts, happily married. For many women, unfulfilled desires and needs that aren’t being met often drive them to find other ways to feel fulfilled and reassured, which often leads them into the arms of another.
photo: dreamstime
More than the romance and the need to feel safe and valued, many women seek out affairs to validate themselves as equals in the relationship, writes Dr. Praver.
More than the romance and the need to feel safe and valued, many women seek out affairs to validate themselves as equals in the relationship, writes Dr. Praver.
Author Susan Shapiro, who has been researching female infidelity since the 90s, found that affairs often happen later in marriage, for any of the following reasons:
- Unsatisfying sex with their husbands
- Meeting more desirable partners in the workplace
- Feeling neglected by husbands, valued by lovers
- Internet opening up access to new friends or ex-boyfriends
- They simply fall in love with someone else
In many cases, it starts with emotional cheating. Often, in ways that don’t feel like you’re being unfaithful. If you feel like your needs aren’t being met by your husband, it’s best to talk it out. Here are the findings of Shapiro’s study, gathered over the course of more than two decades.
- 70% of women claim their lover is the opposite of their husbands
- 40% view having ‘another man’ as a form of escape
- More than 60% of wives will have an affair throughout marriage (whether it is only in the mind or online)
- 65% of women she interviewed admitted they enjoyed sex more with their lover
- 90% of them thought it was impossible that they would ever have an affair
Taking all of these information into account, it’s safe to say that both husband and wives should hold themselves accountable and prone to emotional and physical cheating. Truly, infidelity knows no gender, so couples should be vigilant and careful, because it can blindside the one who cheats just as much as the betrayed spouse.
READ: 10 Signs your husband is cheating, according to a former mistress
Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!
