While the overall divorce rate in the United States is declining, recent studies indicate that rates of infidelity have dramatically increased over the past 25 years. In fact, in a survey, 21 percent of men and 19 percent of women have admitted to be unfaithful in the past.
Researchers have provided some insights into why they believe some people choose to cheat on their partners:
- Women: Studies indicate women tend to cheat not only for the physical connection, but also for the emotional connection — especially for those over 30. They begin the other relationship for the sake of love when they are not satisfied emotionally with their marriage. While the relationship often ultimately becomes physical, its beginning is to satisfy an emotional craving.
- Men: Men typically cheat primarily for the physical connection. This is especially common after children are born. Men who are likely to cheat will sometimes find long-term relationships to be boring or routine, which make them want to find another partner for the sake of an adventure or thrill.
Of course, these are huge generalizations, but they provide some insight into the reasons why people cheat. Infidelity can occur at any point in a relationship, although there are certain times at which it can be more common. After the birth of a first child is when cheating becomes particularly common, as there is a sudden shift in the priorities of both partners’ lives for which they may or may not have been prepared.
If infidelity has impacted you and you need to explore your options for dissolving your marriage, contact a skilled Minnesota divorce attorney with Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
