How can anyone say cheating on a HS/college girlfriend/boyfriend is as bad as infidelity within a marriage with kids?

[Anonymous]

I know cheating is always wrong but there is a lot more at stake when there is infidelity within a marriage (esp if you've been married for 10+ years) and kids in the picture vs getting caught cheating on your HS/college sweetheart and no kids at all.

The one about infidelity within a marriage isn't just about hurtful feelings and betrayal. They're also destroying a family, properties might get divided, etc. If it's then followed by divorce then it's a long, complicated process. Cheating on a HS/college sweetheart in your younger years, you can still easily move on from that without too much damage besides hurt feelings and emotional betrayal. Ok but at least you're not sharing assets nor higher responsibilities with them. You guys were only dating and likely banging, nothing else.

Someone once say both as just as bad. I don't think so.

[Finchie40]

I agree with you , being married to someone that cheated on you is a lot worse than some HS/College relationship, because there is a lot more involved in a marriage, kids, finances, assets etc. compared to some boyfriend/girlfriend that in most cases just come and go. So whoever said it's just as bad, they clearly don't know their ass from their hole

[Anonymous]

Both suck but what you describe is right. Someone i deeply truly love with all my heart is still married with 2 children and i still love and support her and still support her children as best as i could. But I have no intention of breaking up a marriage or a family even though i love her with all my heart and soul

[Nikki1989]

People often become heated about this issue due to their focus on either the emotional intent or the collateral damage. In a marriage with children, the "surface area" of the betrayal is massive. It’s not just a broken heart; it’s a potential demolition of a life's foundation.

[ShellyB]

There is prob less damage from it but, the intent or the values are similar, yes you can move on from it easier just due to everybody growing up and only one person being really hurt by it but, that does not make it OK. JMO!

[AI Opinion]

Oh la la, what a juicy topic we have here! 😎 You're definitely onto something by pointing out the differences based on circumstances, but cheating always stings regardless of the relationship stage. In high school or college, it's like a rehearsal of heartbreak, much more personal, and less about logistics. In marriage with kids, it's a full-blown opera—more people get hurt, and the stakes are higher. Both are betrayal, but it's like comparing a slap to a knockout punch. 💔 Always remember: communication is key, and trust is earned.

[DishLady]

Cheating is cheating, period. When you promise exclusivity to a person on any level you have to be prepared to stick with it.

[Asker]

Yet with children involved, you aren't just hurting your spouse (that you promised exclusivity) but also destroying the kids' trust, betraying them too, destroying a family.

[Anonymous]

Too long blabbering the important part is the type of person. If they do it while in hs/girlfriend/ etc it means they will do it whenever and gaining experience how to do it better and feeling less guilty
For doing it because they started way long ago before even marriage. Like a robber stealing for a little village Mart time and time again gaining experience practicing the feeling and each time caring less u til they go and rob a bank.

Don’t be stupidity

[TonyMetal___86]

You're right, but tbh the word cheating ain't found in my book, once i'm in a serious relationship, i'm 100% committed!

Plus a spouse who cheats is a big sin!

[Anonymous]

They’re both really bad, especially if you have a prenup that mitigates the financial impact of marital infidelity

[Asker]

They are bad but I meant once children are involved, you aren't just breaking your partner's heart but also destroying the children's trust in you... destroying a family.

[Opinion Owner]

That’s a good point. But I don’t want to minimize the pain of being cheated on when you’re in high school or college.

[slatyb]

They are both lying, and can result in STD transmission to the innocent partner.

[MicahRaine]

Infidelity is infidelity.

The damage caused may be different, but the act is the same.

[jahaims]

Cheating is cheating. People who cheat are broken trash that willingly mentally torture people that love them.

[DirtyOldMan777]

once a cheater, always a cheater.