Is Cheating Different for Men and Women?

It’s common knowledge that men and women are wired differently. Men and women have many differences biologically, mentally and emotionally. Therefore, logically, they have different opinions concerning relationships, sex and cheating. Unfortunately, cheating in committed relationships is more common than most people would like to believe.

The following highlight some of the differences between men and women as it pertains to thoughts and feelings about cheating.

1) Men and women view relationships and cheating quite differently. In general, more women than men believe that cheating on their spouse is unacceptable regardless of the circumstances.

2) Reportedly, more women than men believe that sexting (i.e. when two people send sexually explicit messages or photographs to one another, typically through texting) someone else while in a relationship is considered cheating, although both genders largely agree that it is wrong. Additionally, more women than men consider kissing someone else to be a form of cheating that could result in the ending of a relationship.

3) Men are more likely to separate sex and relationships into two different categories in their brains, thus making them less likely to feel an emotional connection with the person they are cheating with. A woman, however, is less likely to separate sex and relationships. When women cheat, there is usually an element of emotional intimacy or romantic connection. Men, on the other hand, are less likely to cheat for romantic reasons and are more likely to cheat in order to satisfy their unmet sexual urges.

4) One of the main catalysts for a woman to cheat is often intimacy, love and connection. This could be due to a lack of connection or commitment in their primary relationships. Men, however, are more likely to cheat if they have an opportunity with someone they find physically attractive and are less likely than their female counterparts to believe that it will have an impact on their main relationship. If a man does report cheating for emotional reasons, it is most likely due to feeling under appreciated by their committed partner.

5) When men cheat, they are less likely to report wanting to end their primary relationship. Women who cheat, however, are more likely to report wanting to change their relationship status.

6) Similarly, men are more likely to cheat on their partners while still reporting being satisfied in their committed relationship. Conversely, women who cheat are more likely to report that they are unhappy in their relationship.

7) Men are more likely to forgive their female partner if they cheat on them with a woman than if they cheat on them with a man. Women are more likely to forgive their male partner if they cheated on them with a woman than if they cheated on them with a man.

8) Men are more likely to feel guilty about sexual infidelity, while women are more likely to feel guilty about emotional betrayal (i.e. emotional cheating).

Suspect your partner is cheating? Consider hiring a private investigator to figure out the truth.