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The reasons why people in relationships and marriages cheat vary, from sexual needs that aren't met to financial support or simply seeking attention and affection.
Some don't interrogate why they are unfaithful; they do it anyway.
Psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini says couples must constantly communicate their feelings, even about infidelity.
READ MORE | 5 heartbreaking stories about infidelity - 'I don't think I will ever get over that pain'
Here are 5 types of infidelity:
1. Strong need for approval cheating. If you're with someone who needs constant approval and is afraid of rejection, they fall into a type of cheating that feels compulsory. This type of cheating happens mostly because the cheater is afraid of rejection or disapproval.
2. Opportunistic cheating. The cheating partner may find themselves in a situation where they cheat because it's easy. They weigh the risks quickly, determine they won't get caught, and that it's worth the risk.
READ MORE | Cheating and social media: Beware the pitfalls of exposing your unfaithful partner
3. Third-party cheating. This type of infidelity happens when the marriage is in name only. These people marry and stay married – even in a broken or unhappy marriage – because it's better for their work and community image. They cheat for emotional and physical connection but don't want their marriage to end.
4. Romantic cheating. This cheating type indicates what happens when emotional intimacy is lost between couples. It usually starts as an emotional affair, which can become a physical affair, but the cheater rarely leaves their marriage. Romance fizzles out and isn't sustainable for the affair to last.
READ MORE | Being cheated on is painful - marriage therapist explains why people go down this destroying path
5. Serial cheating. This infidelity occurs when the cheater has more than one partner they're cheating with. The cheater has no boundaries, gives excuses, and claims their cheating is not harmful. If you are married to someone like this, my advice would be to attend therapy sessions alone; you'll need to understand why you feel it is okay to be disrespected by someone who vowed to love you.
Additional source: Fox26
