The “facts” people believe when women have affairs are often actually myths.
Conventional wisdom tells us that men are more likely to cheat on their spouse. This may be true, but it doesn’t give the whole story.
Australian women do have affairs, and the reasons they cheat may come as a surprise.
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Myth 1 – It’s uncommon for women to have affairs
We tend to pin the blame on men for affairs. The stereotype is that men have a higher sex drive and more willingness to cheat.
It’s true that men cheat more often than women do, but it’s not rare for women to have affairs either.
One study estimated that 13% of all married women have had an affair. This compared with 20% for all married men.
The numbers got even higher for some age groups. Women between the ages of 18 and 29 had affairs even more often than men in the same age group.
And like men, women also tended to cheat more often as they reached their middle ages.
So it’s not true that women rarely cheat on their partners. They are just as capable of adultery as their male counterparts.
Myth 2 – Women have affairs because they love the other person
It’s common knowledge that women have affairs because they fall in love with someone else. Right?
This may be the case in some instances, but cheating women can have other motives.
When women cheat, it’s not always about love. It can be because they are not having their needs and desires met by their spouse.
According to Dr Frances Praver, wives have affairs when they feel unfulfilled and frustrated in their marriage. This leads them to find what they need from someone else.
Few women who have affairs report feeling love for the men they cheat with. They may instead be looking for empowerment or satisfaction.
Myth 3 – Women who have affairs want to get out of their marriage
Everyone “knows” that a wife having an affair wants to separate from her husband. It makes sense. But a deeper purpose could be underneath.
One researcher has found that most wives having affairs actually love their husbands. In fact, some of those women began cheating to save their marriage.
These women were not having their physical needs met by their husband. Finding satisfaction with another man can mean some women stay in their marriage.
It’s not that having an affair is good for your marriage. But some wives may find cheating helps deal with marital resentment and frustration.
Myth 4 – I would know if my wife was having an affair
Some husbands who contact Melbourne Investigations are in a state of shock. They thought they knew their partner well. Years or decades spent together – wouldn’t they know if their wife was having an affair?
Sadly, you may not notice when an affair starts between your partner and someone else.
Your wife’s behavior may be slow to change. You could have been distracted by stress, work or children. She could just be really good at covering her tracks.
If you’re in this situation, we feel for you. Thinking your wife is having an affair is a shattering experience.
If you suspect your wife is having an affair, consider hiring an Australian private eye. We can help.
The cheating investigators at Melbourne Investigations are experienced. Your wife will never know she is being followed. We will find out where she goes and who she meets. And we’ll back up our findings with video evidence.
Our female private investigator is genuine and easy to talk to. We make sure our customers feel cared for and respected.
If you’re worried your wife is having an affair, contact Melbourne Investigations. We’re ready to talk.
