Why do people cheat?

I think there are many reasons why people cheat, though one that jumps out to me is that people want to feel heard and accepted. Sometimes in a relationship after the initial infatuation stage is over, people start taking one another for granted. The unique characteristics that drew them together in the first place seem so much more mundane. People start to forget those special qualities that made their attachment secure in the first place. As partners begin to feel less special, appreciated, respected and desired by their mates, they crave those feelings, that desire and that acceptance once again. This is human nature, right? To be needed and wanted, to be part of something bigger... whether it is a relationship, a family, or a community.

If a partner is already in a state of frustration or loneliness inside their relationship and someone else comes along who starts to pay them attention, to recognize their beauty, their humor, their kindness or any other positive qualities – it gives them an incredible ego boost. From there it gets increasingly tempting to act upon those feelings of acceptance and sex is a great way to fulfill that need to feel important and desired in someone else's eyes – especially if that is not how you are being received and treated by your partner.

I think it's important to note that sex is certainly not the only definition of cheating. Many people consider lustful thoughts and fantasies of someone else as cheating, or having lunch or connecting in another kind of emotional and non-physical way.