Why people cheat in relationships? 7 Shocking Reasons You Need to Know

1. why people cheat in relationships : Unmet Emotional Needs

One of the leading reasons why people cheat in relationships is due to unmet emotional needs. Emotional intimacy is just as important as physical intimacy in a relationship, but when couples drift apart emotionally, one or both partners may seek validation, understanding, and connection elsewhere. When emotional needs go unmet, individuals can feel lonely or disconnected, leading them to seek emotional support from someone outside the relationship.

Scientific research supports this idea. A study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that individuals who felt emotionally neglected in their relationships were more likely to engage in extramarital affairs to fulfill those emotional voids . This emotional disconnect can often be the breeding ground for infidelity, as people turn to others who they feel are more emotionally available.

Craving Novelty and Excitement

Another shocking reason why people cheat in relationships is their desire for novelty and excitement. Over time, the initial spark and thrill of a relationship can wear off, and some individuals start seeking that excitement elsewhere. They may become bored with the routine of their relationship and look for new experiences or people to reignite those feelings of adventure and passion.

Psychological research has shown that the brain’s reward system plays a key role in this behavior. The release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward, is higher during new experiences, including the early stages of romantic relationships. When this dopamine-driven excitement fades, individuals may seek new experiences that provide that same rush . This can lead to risky behaviors, such as engaging in an affair, simply to relive that initial high.

3. Lack of Sexual Fulfillment

A lack of sexual satisfaction is another significant reason why people cheat in relationships. For many, physical intimacy is an essential aspect of a committed relationship, and when this need goes unfulfilled, it can create frustration and dissatisfaction. Some individuals turn to infidelity as a way to satisfy their sexual desires that they feel are not being met within their relationship.

A study conducted by the Kinsey Institute found that individuals who reported sexual dissatisfaction were more likely to engage in extramarital affairs . The lack of communication about sexual needs often exacerbates the issue, making it difficult for couples to address and resolve their differences.

4. Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence

Low self-esteem and the need for validation are often overlooked reasons why people cheat in relationships. For some, cheating serves as a way to boost their ego or make themselves feel more desirable. When individuals feel unattractive or undervalued in their relationships, they may seek out someone who provides them with the attention and compliments they crave.

According to a study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, individuals with low self-esteem are more likely to engage in infidelity because they seek external validation to boost their self-worth . Cheating becomes a way to receive the admiration they feel they are lacking in their primary relationship.

5. Opportunity and Temptation

Sometimes, cheating occurs simply because the opportunity presents itself. This is one of the more surprising reasons why people cheat in relationships. Individuals who find themselves in situations where temptation is high—such as business trips, social events, or even online interactions—may fall into infidelity due to the ease of access and the feeling that they won’t get caught.

Research shows that individuals who are frequently exposed to tempting situations without their partner are more likely to cheat. A study from Psychology Today revealed that people who regularly engage in high-risk environments—like frequent travel for work or socializing without their partner—are more susceptible to infidelity . These situations create opportunities where the boundaries of the relationship can be tested.

6. Falling Out of Love

Falling out of love is a reason that many people don’t expect, but it can be a major factor in why people cheat in relationships. As time goes on, the emotional connection between partners can diminish, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction or loneliness. When individuals no longer feel emotionally attached to their partner, they may start seeking love or companionship from someone else.

A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that individuals who reported lower levels of love and emotional connection in their relationships were significantly more likely to engage in infidelity . The breakdown of emotional intimacy is often gradual, making it difficult to detect until it leads to cheating.

7. Retaliation or Revenge

Sometimes, cheating happens as a form of retaliation. If one partner feels wronged, disrespected, or betrayed—whether it’s from emotional neglect, previous infidelity, or other perceived wrongdoings—they may cheat as a way to “even the score.” This type of infidelity is often driven by anger or a desire for revenge rather than love or attraction.

Studies have found that infidelity as an act of retaliation is more likely to occur in relationships where unresolved conflicts and deep-seated resentment exist. According to research in Couples Therapy Today, couples who fail to address underlying issues in their relationship are more prone to revenge cheating .

Conclusion: Understanding Why People Cheat in Relationships