Who cheats more: Women or men?
Women are cheating more than ever, according to new research.
By Madeline Haller, Women's Health
Sure, it may seem like infidelity is a guy thing. But according to research from the Archives of Sexual Behavior, women are just about as guilty of straying, and in fact, they're cheating more than ever.
Researchers had 918 men and women fill out an online questionnaire on whether or not they've cheated on their partners and why they did it. The results show that 19 percent of women admitted to straying outside their relationship -- that's up 5 percentage points from the National Science Foundation's General Social Survey in 2010.
Men aren't much better: 23 percent of them reported cheating, up 4 percent since 2010.
While men still outpace women, it's alarming to see these numbers on the rise for both sexes. According to Dr. Sheri Meyers, a marriage and family therapist and author of Chatting or Cheating: How to Detect Infidelity, Rebuild Love, and Affair-Proof Your Relationship, it's not just attractive men that lure us from our relationships, but rather, it's relationship discontent that leads us to stray. In fact, Meyers says the most common reasons for infidelity are feeling lonely and disconnected from your partner; lack of communication; love and attention deficit; boredom; a sexual disconnect; or lack of intimacy.
And it doesn't help that a new study published in the journal Hormones and Behavior found that certain points in our cycles make us even more likely to doubt the dude we're dating -- particularly if he's not over-the-top sexy.
In the study, women were significantly more likely to find fault with their partners and feel less close to them during the high-fertility period than the low-fertility period of their cycles.
So what should you do if (or perhaps, when) the grass looks greener on the other side? Put that temptation to rest with these ways to prevent cheating.
This content originally appeared as "Who cheats more: Women or men?" on Women's Health.
Photo: White Packert/Getty Images
Bing: Cheating signs
More from Women's Health:
One guy spills: 'Why I've stayed loyal for 23 years'
Why both men and women are straying from marriage
Maximize your sexual pleasure
Every one seems surprised that women cheat, I'm not. Sure everyone likes to say men cheat, and some men even like that reputation. However, it's obvious that men cheat with women. Did we really think all of these women are single and just "mislead" into hooking up with men who are married or dating? I'm not judging anyone...just asking the question
love: friendship, dating, sex & marriage
-
10 big wedding toast don'ts!
The perfect wedding toast is a work of oratory art. It can’t be too short (cheers!) and it can’t drone on and on. It has to be funny but it also has to be sentimental. So if you’ve been tasked with toasting the newlyweds, prepare to prep -- and whatever you do, avoid these toasting faux pas!
-
The biggest turn-offs for guys
Those little quirks you think are endearing may be turning your guy off.
-
11 modern wedding color schemes
We’ve made picking your palette a breeze! Just find your favorite hue and choose one of the cool combos below.
-
11 ideas for a summer wedding
Get inspired with these twelve ideas for a fantastic, fun summer wedding!
-
Marriage proposals gone wrong
What's worse than getting snubbed while proposing? Having your heart broken in front of countless strangers.
-
25 ways to not have a boring wedding ceremony
Want your I do's to be totally you? From pre-wedding cocktails to Mad Lib vows, here are 25 ways to make your ceremony as unforgettable as your reception.
-
17 rules for summer love
Summer love can be sweet. But it tends to be fast, feverish and often fleeting. In a season where emotions run hot, here are some rules to help avoid heartbreak.
-
5 people who might try to ruin your wedding
We asked brides on TheKnot.com to tell all -- and they did. Here, five of the most likely culprits and advice for how to deal with your drama-causing guests along the way.
-
The best ways to flirt
This short course in flirting will not only teach you how to flirt better but also how to tell when someone is flirting with you—and how to respond. Have fun.
-
10 'Great Gatsby'-inspired wedding details
Gatsby glamour doesn’t have to just live on the big screen! Embrace the trendy (yet timeless) art deco style with sequins, pearls, feathers and geometric patterns. Check out these art deco ideas and achieve the feel of 1920s decadence. By the way, all of these are affordable, except for the $600 hairpiece which is a splurge, but a knockout. Shop the look!
-
25 totally free date ideas
Who says a special outing with the hubby has to empty your wallet? These fresh, fun activities require no cash at all, so work your way down the list.
-
Summer love: Is it a fling or the real thing?
Wondering if your summer love will last? Here are 15 signs if your seasonal love is fleeting or for real.
