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Why Spouses Cheat in Marriage

Whatever your spouse's reason, remember you are not to blame

By , About.com Guides

Although these are some reasons why a spouse has an affair, you may never truly know why your spouse was unfaithful. Your spouse may never truly understand either.

Please realize that you are not responsible for your spouse deciding to cheat. You are not to blame for your spouse making an inappropriate decision.

  • Anger
  • Unresolved issues
  • Ego and opportunity
  • Trying to avoid conflict in your marriage
  • Career problems
  • Looking for excitement or passion they judge as missing in marriage
  • Validate manhood or womanhood
  • As a way to end an unhappy marriage
  • Fear of growing older
  • Feeling self-righteous
  • Thrill of the chase
  • Deep-seated unhappiness
  • Jealous of new baby
  • "Buyer's remorse" and second thoughts after wedding
  • Feel trapped
  • Insecurity
  • Arrogance
  • Because he/she can
  • A sense of entitlement
  • Financial pressures
  • Escapism from daily life
  • Believe he/she can get away with it
  • Thoughts of being above the law both morally and legally
  • Lack of consequences
  • Looking for a one-night stand
  • Sex addiction
  • Long-term relationship outside marriage
  • Is a selfish jerk
  • Is a serial/chronic cheater

Readers Respond: What Reasons Did Your Spouse (or You) Give for Cheating?

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