Seventy percent blamed booze, saying things like “I was drunk and not thinking.” But if your partner uses this excuse, don’t jump to conclusions. Family therapist Dr. Fran Walfish says, “Just because someone cheats drunk doesn’t mean they don’t love you. If it’s a one-time slip and they’re truly sorry, trust can be rebuilt.”
Fifty-seven percent cheated to boost self-esteem. Relationship therapist Rhonda Milrad, LCSW, founder of Relationup, says, “They feel insecure, and use affairs to feel good about themselves.” Maybe it’s career jitters, age worries, or looks woes. Or they feel powerless in their relationship and need a confidence boost.
Getting back at a cheating partner or being mad after a fight was the sixth reason, with 43% citing it.
Forty-one percent cheated because they felt little commitment to their partner.