(How Often) Do Married Women Cheat?

As long as I can remember, men have been the one under the microscope when it comes to issues of infidelity as they have been labeled "the notorious wild seed sowers". These days, you would agree with me that the issues of men and cheating have become a none-issue, don't get me wrong I am not excusing this very appalling deed, I am just saying that we grew up listening to these bizarre stories that we can't almost rule out the possibilities of its existence.  Today under our radar is the specie called "woman" .  "The Woman"; Soft, tender and very delicate but also extra sensitive, susceptible and vulnerable as well. The shocking truth is; married women cheat just as much as married men and their affairs are more dangerous.

A recent opinion poll conducted in Nigeria shows that men and women cheat at the same rate, but for different reasons. It further explains; women are more likely to cheat for emotional satisfaction. There's the "seemingly" harmless kind of cheating which most married women often escape into but also the most damaging kind of cheating ever, which is often referred to as " Online relationships " or cyber-sex" —without any physical contact.

It's not a secret, marriage comes with a lot of responsibilities bearing on both parties and it takes same parties to weather the storm faced, at least we were being told that much in pre-marriage counseling; if this is the case, what then gives rise to infidelity? Especially on the part of the woman who is supposed to be the care giver and home maker. Before you get overly judgmental let us exhaust possible reasons behind this shocking trend.

Verbal or Emotional Abuse
This is a very common case in most homes; sometimes the woman even never realizes it until she's pointed in that direction. She just has this foreboding feeling of inadequacy and depression with her self-esteem down to zilch. She finds herself constantly walking on eggshells, so as not to trigger the bullets of insults that would be hurled her way at the slightest mistake. This woman is vulnerable and is likely to reciprocate affection shown her from outside her matrimonial home.

Too Little Sex
Remember back in the days when you could stay up forever fooling around?  Bam! Responsibility & obligation entered the mix -- and kids too -- and before you realize it, sleep becomes more important and takes the place of sex.  In light of all the change occurring in the marriage, it's easy to forget that a woman is still a woman regardless of whatever process the marriage might be going through, and women want to feel wanted. If you're not making her feel that way, she could seek it elsewhere.

The Overbearing Feeling Of Neglect And Under Appreciation  
The Woman by default is a multi-tasker. -- Home keeper, errand-runner, grocery shopper, babysitter, mother, wife, daughter in-law and ultimately wife. If she feels more like a maid than a companion/wife, she could stray, especially when she is paid little attention or is constantly being criticized in spite of all her efforts. It's bad enough that you spend time out with friends while she tends to the home front.  

For The Love Of All Things Beautiful

Let's not rule out this possibility, women are drawn to men who can provide for them, as most women are materialistic, when their needs are not met on the home front, consciously or unconsciously they are gradually drawn to the other male who can meet all their financial and material needs.

No Intimacy

To the onlooker you have everything. A beautiful & tastefully furnished home, expensive cars and all, but inside, the relationship is lacking the one thing women crave the most: intimacy. It's not only sex that makes women feel in tune in a relationship; it's the other non-verbal clues too. Touching, cuddling, and most importantly communication. Women crave it, and she could seek it elsewhere if she's not getting it at home

Written by Sugar Weddings