Cheating is weak and despicable. I always say that I’m one and done. Now there are definitely forgivable circumstances. I came across this article written by an infidelity expert and various marriage counselors have determined the most common reasons they believe men cheat.

Because they had the option

-There’s an old saying, “Men are only as faithful as their options”. Men don’t get offered googling as much as women so it’s hard for them to turn down if the option presents itself.

It boosts their ego

-When a man starts feeling insecure about his level of attractiveness he wants his ego stroked. The thrill of the chase is enticing to a man even if he’s in a committed relationship.

Advice: Pump up his ego occasionally.

You have grown apart

-After a certain period of time, people’s true colors are revealed. The girl that at first proclaimed to love sports and drinking beer now only wants to watch reality tv and drink martinis. He then comes across a girl who loves watching golf and you’re out of the picture. Stay involved in eachother’s lives. I say my parents grew apart b/c they always did their own thing. Make him go to that play but you have to suck it up sometimes and go play golf or go gambling if he wants. If you never spend time together-how do you expect to have anything in common?

You argue a lot

-I’d say being stubborn is one of my biggest flaws. I NEVER want to be wrong no matter what. This had been fatal for some of my relationships. men will cheat to escape an overly critical or argumentative partner. Why would he want to be around you when all you do is fight?

But just as being too argumentative is problematic.The same goes for being too lenient. He wants to see if he can get away with it

-there are many times we as a woman may never find out about a one night stand or even an affair. He thinks “ah, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her” and gets a thrill out of it.

Advice: many women keep me on too loose of a leash and wants to challenge the barriers. Set groundrules for eachother-what you’re comfortable with. Don’t let him get away with everything. NOT helping around the house.

He’s fallen out of love with you

-I know this one’s hard to hear but sometimes a guy gets so comfortable in a relationship that cheating is easier than leaving. Then there’s the possibility of him staying just for financial reasons or if there’s children involved. The complacency can cause him to stray.

Your level of intimacy sucks or is non-existent

-I don’t know how women think a man is going to stay faithful if you’re only intimate a few times a year, or even month. It takes effort to keep things interesting and if things become stagnant or disappear, he is going to cheat.

He yearns for something new, different, and exciting

-If he’s eating steak and potatoes for dinner every single night what happens when he wants seafood? Or Mexican? This is why men don’t always cheat with someone more attractive. It’s just simply DIFFERENT and more exciting.

Advice: keep the excitement going

Because you have allowed it in the past

-if you’ve forgiven a cheating man before, he may think he can get away with it again. It depends on the punishment you enforce the first time. I have never forgiven cheating before but I don’t think it’s ALWAYS unforgiveable.

Advice: You have to make sure he pays for his sin. Don’t get back together with him immediately even if u think you will eventually. He needs to reflect for a LONG time. I say 6 months minimum.