Infidelity may or may not involve sexual encounters, and can happen in person or online.
Infidelity is, unfortunately, common.
Rates of infidelity in relationships vary from about 20% to 50%.
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What Are the Signs of Infidelity?
It can be difficult to know ifyour partner is cheating on youwithout concrete evidence.
However, there are some warning signs that your spouse may be engaging in infidelity.
When it comes to infidelity, there will usually be multiplered flagsthat clue you into what is going on.
Some potential signs of infidelity include:
What Is the Main Reason for Infidelity?
What Is Considered Infidelity?
Infidelity doesnt just look like someone going out to a motel and having a secret sexual affair.
Cheating can take many forms and doesnt always involve in-person encounters.
Its also important to note that what may constitute infidelity for one person may not ring true for another.
For example, while some people consider viewing pornography cheating, others may view this as normal and acceptable.
There may or may not be an emotional component here.
Additionally, there is secrecy involved: information about the relationship is often purposefully hidden.
Some people considerviewing pornographywithout engaging with others a jot down of cheating, while others do not.
It can cause heightened anxiety, suicidal ideation, and signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The person who wascheated onmay feel deeply betrayed, andsuspiciousof their spouses activities going forward.
Trust may be severed, and difficult to repair.
Finally, infidelity can strain or break apart relationships or marriages.
It is important to find a therapist that each member of the relationship feels comfortable working with.
Interviewing multiple therapists is highly recommended.
Be gentle with yourself, and honor your emotional boundaries.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Vowels L, Vowels M, Mark K.Is Infidelity Predictable?
Using Explainable Machine Learning to Identify the Most Important Predictors of Infidelity.Journal of Sex Research.
2022;59(2):224-237. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1967846
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.Online Infidelity.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.Infidelity.
Serial Infidelity Across Subsequent Relationships.Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Serial Infidelity Across Subsequent Relationships.
Archives of Sexual Behavior.
2017;46(8):2301-2311. doi:10.1007/s10508-017-1018-1
Vowels L, Vowels M, Mark K.Is Infidelity Predictable?
Using Explainable Machine Learning to Identify the Most Important Predictors of Infidelity.
Journal of Sex Research.
2022;59(2):224-237. doi:10.1080/00224499.2021.1967846
