Hi PearceHawk,

While I can’t offer you the perfect answer, I think it all boils down to values, how we were raised, what we we saw in the world around us growing up, etc. I think you have great values, but sadly, not everyone does. I have been in many relationships, I was raised by a stable mid-western family, they had a beautiful marriage (60 years). Although my relationships were short lived due to emotional and mental illness, poor coping skills, I can say I have never cheated, but I have been cheated on.

It seems to unfortunately be on “autopilot” in American society. Always in the news. 20 year marriages fall apart because someone is unfaithful. It is sad when children are involved as it is traumatic for them having to be shuffled around. I think I heard on the news once that this country has the highest rate of divorce due to cheating, but I may be wrong. Maybe people do it for “excitement” and a “high” of not getting “found out” other people do it for “revenge” so their partner will get “jealous” and give them the attention they crave. Others do it because they are lonely in their marriage. Others do it in other countries because they are forced to be in “arranged marriages, and they just want to follow their heart. Other people see celebrities do it, and think it’s “the cool thing” to do. Others don’t want to get a divorce because of children, so they take on an affair or a mistress. There could be many reasons, but I agree, it’s not right.