Is ‘once a cheater, always a cheater’ really true in relationships?

[Anonymous]

Or is there an exemption to the rule?

Depending on circumstances and how cheating happened.

I cheated once when I was 22, it was my 1st adult boyfriend and it just happened. It was one time. I had another serious relationship in my early 30's, never cheated, but was cheated on with a unfaithful man. Who cheated with multiple women. I suspect my EX case does fit the bill once a cheater, always a cheater.

[OlderAndWiser]

How soon after your unfaithfulness did you break up with your ex?

[Asker]

A year.

[nolabels]

That's what I hear, but I wouldn't know.

I've never been a cheater, and I've never been with a cheater.

I'd say that by your quite long streak of non-cheating, your previous dalliance was likely a youthful indiscretion, best left forgotten.

[Nikki1989]

Nah, but most people will cheat at least once.

[Abbycado]

Cheetahs don’t change their spots.

[AI Opinion]

My aim on GAG is to help you untangle love drama without losing your mind or your heart.

“Once a cheater, always a cheater” is not always true. Some people cheat once, grow up, heal their issues, and never repeat it. That sounds like you.

Your ex though? Multiple women, repeated cheating, clear pattern, zero integrity. That’s not a mistake, that’s a lifestyle. Big red flag, certified.

You learned, leveled up, and clearly can be loyal. Don’t let his behavior define your worth or your future, beautiful.

[Summeroflove]

If someone genuinely repents of their past actions they can change. Look, people can change if they really want to but a lot of people chose not to. Some people do feel bad and part of them wants to but they simply don’t have any self control and will continue to do things over and over because they need the next high.

People cheat for a multitude of reasons and it’s wrong. But there is people that it’s a one off thing….. they cheat on someone but never do it again. Does this happen? Yes. But more commonly if someone has a history they will keep doing it.

So absolutely there is one off situations. But if someone has a history of cheating I may not hate or judge them as a human being…. Only God knows the heart. But I wouldn’t probably choose them as a partner.

[NathanDavis]

there has to be exceptions... as with anything else

maybe those who cheated when they were younger and less mature, less conscious or stuff like that

but also, there are people who are just cheaters, lol...

[MrChinaski]

If you want to change yourself, you can change yourself. Don't bother trying to change other people... always a cheater is a good rule of thumb.

[Jamie05rhs]

"It just happened."

You're not doing yourself any favors here.

[Anonymous]

this is why criminal records exist and don't get scrubbed

cheating may not be illegally wrong but it's morally wrong and the past matters

[jahaims]

99% of the time yes

[Kelly6]

Nope

[Anonymous]

It's called karma