On today’s episode of Relationship Struggles, we’re going to be talking about Cheating In Relationships.
What does cheating mean? What acts do we classify as cheating? Why do people cheat? Who cheats more in a relationship? Do you forgive a partner when he/she cheats? Does cheating signify the end of a relationship?
What Does Cheating Mean?
According to some people i talked to, there are different definitions of cheating:
Daniel defines cheating as “a very hurtful act that is done by one’s partner and can break trust, leaving lasting emotional trauma.”
Chidinma on the other hand defines cheating as “basically doing things that your partner is not comfortable with and also not regarding what he/she might feel”.
Frank added that cheating is “happens when someone in a committed relationship secretly has an emotional or sexual relationship with another person without their partner’s permission”.
What Acts Do We Classify As Cheating?
If you’re already suspecting that cheating might be happening in your relationship, it’s likely that it probably is. Now, cheating goes beyond sexual relations, it has to do with emotional, psychological, and mental situations too. Any act that makes your partner “second guess” your relationship or makes them start feeling insecure in your relationship is considered Cheating.
- If your boyfriend witholds important information from you about issues bothering them or things happening around them– it’s cheating.
- If your partner is “Everybody’s Person”. Giving equal attention to everybody– it’s cheating.
- If they’re entertaining somebody that likes them, intentionally or unintentionally giving anybody asides your partner “Green Flag”-– it’s cheating.
- If your partner gives out their number in your presence to somebody of the opposite sex that is obviously showing interest in them– it’s cheating and it’s an insult.
- If your partner gives someone of the opposite sex a pet name, a special ringtone or pin their chat– it’s cheating.
- If your partner “denies” you in public especially in your presence (not in the context of family members)– it’s cheating.
Why Do People Cheat?
Study involving different individuals identifies eight main reasons: anger, low self-esteem, lack of love, low commitment, need for variety, neglect, sexual desire, circumstances,falling out of love, they cheat because they want to cheat, retaliation/revenge purposes, for fun, they are bored, they like variety in their sex life, they’re selfish(they want to eat their cake and have it), or they don’t know how to end their current relationship.
Who Cheats More In A Relationship?
Men would agree that women cheat more while the women would never accept defeat! Now, numerous studies on cheating indicate that men are more likely to cheat than women. The General Social Survey, in particular, shows that men are approximately 7% more likely to cheat than women.
Daniel and Frank argue in favor of the men obviously that women cheat more because they can easily detach themselves emotionally. Chidinma on the other hand stands on her ground that men cheat more. She adds that “men are attracted to what they see” and how “it’s in their blood to cheat”.
Other people’s thoughts on this question:
“You’re in a relationship and next thing I’m seeing wedding invitation cards, how? I fear who no fear women o”
“Every relationship I’ve had from 02-03, a woman had either intentionally, unapologetically, or self-sabotaginly cheated on me.”
“Does it matter? Will the end result somehow stop people from cheating? Men and women both do it.”
“Women hands down. They literally have an unlimited amount of male attention for the majority of their life.”
“In MY experience it’s been men. I can honestly say I’ve never cheated, I’m too self conscious”
“Definitely Men. That’s why relationships crumble so fast because Men literally destroy it.”
“Men cheat first, women cheat more…”
“But everyone is gonna say men, but the question is who do they cheat with? Still another woman right? Is the woman a single woman? Is she not in a relationship?”
Do You Forgive A Partner When He/She Cheats?
The decision of whether to forgive a partner who has cheated is a crucially important and often emotionally charged aspect of relationships. It raises deep questions about trust, personal boundaries, and the possibility of rebuilding a fractured connection.
Exploring the psychological, social, and ethical dimensions of forgiveness reveals the significance of this decision in shaping the future dynamics of our intimate relationships.
People’s responses:
“I never forgave, I started disliking him until he became unattractive to me. I broke up he refused to let go, I found myself not wanting to talk to him or see him anymore”
“You never do,you remember it everyday!
“No matter how hard u try to trust him fully it Neva happens ????the insecurities”
“I never forgot it and I always looked at him different. And always had trust issues. Some days I remember how dirty he did me and I hurt and feel angry over again.”
“I never did. He told me he was sick and coincidentally I called. He picked and the lady talked, just so I know she is there.”
“lemme not lie I’ve never had this problem because I can’t remember the last time I dated just one person ????????. I’m sorry but na me dey cheeeet”
Does Cheating Signify The End Of A Relationship?
As our faces are different, so are our thoughts and opinions. People have different views on what happens when someone cheats in a relationship. Many think that cheating means the relationship can’t be fixed, no matter why it happened. They believe that once trust is broken, it’s almost impossible to rebuild the relationship. Others think factors like feeling sorry, talking things out, and trying to fix problems are important in deciding if a relationship can survive cheating. But for many of us who see cheating as a complete betrayal of trust and loyalty, the damage is usually too big to repair, and the relationship often ends.
As we wrap up today’s episode on cheating in relationships, it’s clear people feel differently about it. Some think it breaks trust forever, while very few people see it as something to work through with communication and apologies. How we handle these personal situations shapes our relationships and personal growth. So, here’s to understanding, healing, and building strong connections in our lives.
