Although certain generalizations and accepted social norms make it seem as though it’s normal, even expected, for men to cheat on their significant others while most women would never dream of it, there’s data that shows women cheat just as much as men do.
Regardless of the reasons a partner cheats, it is and will continue to be an obstacle that causes major problems in the relationship. If you’ve discovered that you’ve been cheated on, your first question was likely, “why?”
The reasons women and as well as men cheat differ from person to person—some do it for love, some for sex, some need a boost in their self-esteem, and some are just wired to be unfaithful.
No matter the reasons, it’s up to you and your partner to decide if you want to work on your relationship after someone cheats.
Here are four common reasons why women cheat. Of course, every situation is unique, but these explanations may help you better understand your partner’s actions.
1. Feeling emotionally starved
If a person is feeling emotionally unfulfilled, it could lead them to stray from their relationship. Some couples may find themselves caught up in their careers and focused on every aspect of life besides their significant other. This can quickly turn into neglect and loneliness, which are both reasons why some women may cheat on their partner. They can end up looking for emotional attachment elsewhere.
2. Expressing anger and retribution
Some people seem to think that there is no better way to get back at someone who cheated on them than to cheat themselves. The saying “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” exists for a reason. If someone has been cheated on, they may cheat on their partner as a form of revenge, even if they’d previously put their relationship first in the past.
3. Seeking excitement
You’ve likely heard of the term serial cheaters—people who cheat for the thrill of it. Women can be thrill-seekers, too. They may love their S.O. and would never entertain the thought of leaving them, but they may also think they need a little something extra.
It seems as though most thrill seekers eventually miss the feeling of someone not being able to keep their hands off of them. They want to be wanted and to feel sexy. When they lose this feeling, they could go looking for it outside the relationship.
4. Feeling sexually deprived
If someone isn’t getting sex at home, don’t be surprised if they go looking for it somewhere else. With age, some people naturally become less interested in sex or even develop a sexual dysfunction, which could result in a less exciting sex life. Whatever the reason is, ignoring the sexual needs of your S.O. could lead to larger problems in your relationship. When someone feels their partner no longer wants them sexually, they may feel deprived and uncared for, causing them to go outside of the relationship to find what they need.
5. Dealing with low self-esteem
There are many reasons why some women struggle with low self-esteem. Whether they’re not happy with their job, their looks, or their relationship, dealing with poor self-esteem could be a reason to cheat.
For instance, if you weren’t feeling good about yourself and someone came into your life who gave you compliments and showed an interest in you, you may be tempted to explore something with this new person who makes you feel so good. In this case, almost anyone could find themselves suddenly willing to throw caution to the wind in order to find the validation they need and are not getting in their current relationship.
