Why would someone cheat on someone they love?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 23, 2026
People can cheat on someone they love due to neglect, commitment or self-esteem issues, lack of intimacy, or even revenge. A person who cheated once will likely cheat again, but this is not true for everyone. Infidelity doesn't signify the end of a relationship; a couple can repair their relationship after an affair.
Can you cheat on someone you truly love?
True love never involves cheating. Your partner should protect you and look out for your best interests, always wanting you to be happy. If you have cheated in the past, you may being lying to yourself about your true feelings. Here are some reasons why you don't love the person you cheated on, even if you say you do.
Why do guys cheat even if they love you?
Individuals sometimes cheat on their significant other due to the fact that they aren't truly happy in the relationship. This can sometimes mean that they aren't really in love and are looking for a way out.
Do cheaters feel guilty?
Among men, 68% feel guilty after having an affair. Even if they haven't confessed the affair, most cheating husbands will feel guilty and express that guilt in their behavior. You may notice subtle changes in their behavior that make you wonder if your spouse is displaying cheating husband guilt.
Can a man change after cheating?
If both partners approach the problem with an open mind, it's possible for a couple to heal and move past infidelity, Higgins said. “I've seen it firsthand with couples I've had in my office: Through revitalized commitment and effort you can move on and experience a stronger relationship than ever before,” she said.
43 related questions foundDoes cheating mean you dont love someone?
Cheating Doesn't Mean Your Partner Doesn't Love You
Here's what I found: there is little correlation. Some people love their partners, some people don't. And sure, those who don't love their partners have less to hold them back when forming new attachments.
Can a relationship go back to normal after cheating?
Experts say it's possible for couples to go on to have a happy relationship after infidelity, provided they're willing to put in the work. “The couple can survive and grow after an affair,” says Coleman. “They have to—otherwise the relationship will never be gratifying.”
Do cheaters realize what they lost?
So, if you've wondered do cheaters realize what they lost, they most definitely do. However, by then, a lot of damage has already been caused to all parties involved.
How do cheaters behave?
Cheaters are impulsive, and can't resist taking that risk despite what it might cost them. Cheaters, like bullies, are fueled by power, and drawn to risk. This kind of behavior, however, is a reflection of something deeply rooted inside of them.
How does someone feel after cheating?
Despite the initial thrill of an affair, cheating can negatively affect the cheater emotionally. It's common for them to feel anxiety, guilt, shame, worry, regret, confusion, embarrassment, and self-loathing when they contemplate how their actions impact those they love and why they cheated in the first place.
When a man cheats What do you do?
20 Things To Do IMMEDIATELY After You Find Out He Cheated
- Don't make any hasty decisions. ...
- Practice proper self-care. ...
- Experience your negative feelings, but don't dwell on them. ...
- Seek and accept outside help, including individual or couples therapy. ...
- Don't torture yourself. ...
- Be patient.
Does cheating mean the end of a relationship?
Psychologist and couples therapist Hans-Georg Lauer says "infidelity does not mean the end of a relationship." To understand why, he says, "two levels" have to be distinguished. First: The person who cheats becomes, of course, the perpetrator. That much is clear.
How does cheating affect a man?
Getting cheated on is one of the most devastating and damaging things that can happen in a person's life. It can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, an increase in risk-taking behavior and actual physical pain. A partner's infidelity can even change our brain chemistry.
Do you ever get over cheating?
The short answer is yes. Couples can overcome cheating if there is a shared desire to do so. With that being said, there is a substantial amount of mental, emotional, and psychological work to be done.
What does psychology say about cheating?
Cheating is a sign of distress
Aspects of their relationship are unsatisfying and they can no longer bear it. Their relationship might not have a healthy balance and to avoid conflict and seek that balance and affection, they might lose interest in the person and resort to someone else who can provide them with that.
How does a woman feel after cheating?
A woman goes through a whole range of emotions – anger, shame, anxiety, embarrassment, regret – after having cheated in a relationship. If she feels remorse for the pain she has caused to her partner, she starts to blame herself and finds it difficult to fix the situation.
How does being cheated on affect a woman?
If you've been cheated on, you might be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. You may feel devastated one moment and angry the next. A broken heart can lead to feelings of shame, doubt, confusion, and anxiety. Understanding and processing your emotions is a healthy way to heal from past hurt.
Can a man forgive a cheating girlfriend?
Despite experiencing the different types of infidelity differently, men and women are about equally willing to forgive their partner. And the new findings show that the degree of forgiveness is not related to the type of infidelity.
Do cheaters come back?
The answer lies in the very nature of their infidelity in the first place. Cheaters almost always come back. It all stems from the fact that your sneaky little partner didn't have the courage to just say, “Hey, I'm not happy.
What percentage of couples stay together after one cheats?
“In general, more than half the relationships (55 percent) ended immediately after one partner admits to cheating, with 30 percent deciding to stay together but breaking up eventually, and only 15 percent of couples able to successfully recover from infidelity,” says Leo.
Can you rebuild trust after cheating?
Be honest, use full disclosure about the affair, and find a way to atone or express remorse. Deal with the traumatic feelings after the discovery and be willing to ask and answer questions. Must end the affair. Be willing to apologize for cheating in a sincere way and promise not to repeat it.
What personality traits do cheaters have?
15 Physical & Personality Traits That Make Someone More Likely To Cheat
- They Have Difficulty Controlling Impulses. ...
- They Work In Trades Or Medicine. ...
- They Have Narcissistic Tendencies. ...
- They Have A Longer Ring Finger. ...
- They Have A Family History Of Cheating. ...
- They're Dependent On Others.
What are the first signs of cheating?
13 Subtle Signs of Cheating to Watch Out For
- Your relationship started as an affair. ...
- They regularly accuse you of cheating. ...
- They're taking out a lot of cash. ...
- They've suddenly got new sex moves. ...
- They're suddenly hyper-critical of you. ...
- Your typical relationship issues seem to disappear.
What causes a man to cheat?
Primary Reasons for Cheating
One is the role of unmet needs. One partner may be incapable of fulfilling their partner's needs, but far too often, those needs have not been expressed. Marital partners are not mind-readers. Another is the lack of addressing problems directly.
How do you know if he regrets cheating?
Here are 10 signs he regrets cheating:
- He stops the affair. ...
- He promises to do anything for you. ...
- He seeks professional help. ...
- He admits his cheating to others. ...
- He follows through with promises. ...
- He is remorseful, not guilty. ...
- He apologizes more than once. ...
- He is willing to work (and wait) to regain your trust.