Unfortunately, nearly one in four men have an affair on their wives. Although affairs have permanent, damaging effects on a relationship, there is usually a reason for them. While this does not excuse the affair itself, understanding what might lead men to cheat on their wife may women help deal with the affair and, in some cases, avoid finding themselves in the position of finding out that their husband has cheated.



A comprehensive understanding of what makes relationships work would extend beyond the scope of this article. However, there are some clear and simple basics that are valuable to anyone. To start, both spouses are entitled to certain basic levels of attention from their partner. It doesn't matter how talented one might be in the culinary department, how much income one brings into the relationship, or how much style one exerts. When it comes to attention, you cannot ignore your partner and honestly expect them to remain loyal. On the other hand, excessive attention may also have detrimental effects (nobody wants a clingy and needy wife, for example).

Another of the basic commitment motivators is admiration. Although women clearly enjoy admiration and respect from her man, men are more susceptible to these behaviors. When a woman stops admiring her man, he is more likely to seek out the admiration of another woman. Now, admiration comes in many forms. This does not suggest that a woman should be at her man's beck and call, not at all. Something as simple as reducing or eliminating complaints and naggings could improve a man's perception of just how much his partner admires and respects him.

So, when a man cheats, what does that mean? Some introspection is in order; have we provided the proper amount of admiration, respect, and attention? A good question considering that cheating men will claim victimized by their wife's lack of admiration, attention, and respect. So, if men felt that they received the right amount of these, would they stop cheating?

Eliminating the incidence of cheating is unlikely. It seems men also cheat simply because they know just how loyal women are when it comes to relationships. As an illustration, women cheat at a rate of 14%, much less than their male counterparts. Women, in fact, are so loyal to their partners that they are unlikely to leave after a the details of an affair surface, especially when women believe that the partner needs and wants them. Although some might call it motherly instinct, women are also much more forgiving about infidelity. With divorce statistics as elevated a they are, forgiveness is increasingly important.

Now, forgiveness is no synonymous with tolerance. Instead, increasing our awareness about infidelity and some of the factors that lead partners to stray will likely improve the odds of our partners remaining faithful. By increasing how much attention we give our spouses (by spending more time with our spouses and taking an interest in their lives), increasing our respect level (by understanding that our spouses have feelings and deserve respect just as we do) and by showing more signs of admiration (by thanking them for their contributions even if they are imperfect or fall short of our high standards) then we should eliminate, or at least reduce, the need that our men feel to seek attention, respect, and admiration elsewhere.