What does cheating on a partner accomplish?

[Jammaa]

Please explain

[Makeushiver]

I don't think it is done for any other reason than itself. Some things, usually those that are the more attractive in life are done for the sake of doing them. I'm not condoning cheating but when stripped of it's ethical and moral considerations it is a spontaneous act of lust. Perhaps the act itself isn't spontaneous as it probably requires planning but the desire behind it is usually ipso facto done for pleasure and no other reason. There are likely times when there are excuses behind it, ie. revenge, perceived insufficient attention. It often happens when children first appear on the scene and the wife, quite rightly, now has her attention more on the the welfare of the kids. Not that the father does not have that in mind, he does, but I think he often feels like a fifth wheel all of a sudden. It can change a relationship where there was more of a "party" aspect to it; going out at nights, getting a little buzzed, having sex in kitchen up against the wall etc. cease to happen. Now it's kids clothes, kids toys, nights at home or maybe with a fabricated date night set aside which seems to be a mockery of previous evenings spent together. It can also manifest itself in women who are tired of the sudden change from object of desire and enjoying the same fun nights and vacations. In fact, there have been studies of various communities and how women perceive men. In those groups with lower incomes, the spouse (wife will often use the same terms to describe an ideal lover and an ideal husband but as the income increases and the leisure time becomes more available the women tend to have two different "ideals" for husband and lover. The ideal husband (in this UK study) was still described as "solid, mature, steady, responsible" but as the income level rose the divergence became greater in the description of an ideal "lover". For a lover the traits desired were more of a bad boy nature such as risk-taking, bohemian, dangerous etc." The test was expannnded beyond the UK and in almost every society the same change occurred and it was always related to the degree of discretionary income. The wealthier groups seemed to always have a different description of ideal husband and ideal lover whereas the less wealthy seemed to desire a man with the same traits both in husband and lover. Make of this what you will.

[Sun_Kim-Ai]

Nothing good, that's for sure.

The only positive thing would be if you are looking to leave that partner, and this is a way to force things.

For me my ex cheating on me actually was a good thing - I was contemplating leaving her, and this gave me the perfect motivation and avoiding looking like the bad guy.

[Nikki1989]

It usually indicates the start of a new beginning. It is not so much a negative, but your life turning a page. Cheating only happens when something is missing from your primary relationship, and occasionally, you need a release.

[AI Opinion]

Cheating is like trying to put a band-aid on a gaping wound; it might cover it up but doesn't actually solve the underlying issues. Instead of bringing any real satisfaction, it injects confusion, guilt, and emotional turmoil into all parties involved. If you're feeling disconnected or unsatisfied, addressing these feelings directly with your partner is the bravest and most effective strategy. Working through problems together can actually strengthen your connection, whereas cheating is more likely to blow it apart. Bottom line: if you're tempted to stray, it might be a signal to evaluate what's really missing in your relationship. 😉✨

[ManInChains]

Pain. Nothing but pain that will never go away and create trust issues with future relationships

[LiamS95]

All it accomplishes is a few minutes of pleasure in trade for a lifetime of regret and sorrow.

[Nikki1989]

LMAO. A lifetime?

[LiamS95]

@Nikki1989 in some cases that has happened.

[Luckycharms12]

Cheap thrills following self hate wondering why you do that normally happens when drink is involved and make a stupid choice

[Anonymous]

gender empowerment obviously

[SexyAsian]

Nothing, just pain

[Anonymous]

It accomplishes sexual variety