You might think the answer to this question is always a resounding “yes”, but it’s not always that simple. Cheating is usually seen as a huge betrayal. But in some cases, it isn’t always a complete negative. Ever heard of ethical infidelity?
Relationships are a lot more nuanced than we make them out to be, and if you’re sitting there thinking we’re talking nonsense, perhaps a grown-up conversation with your partner is in order.
We’re not saying everyone should run out and have an affair, but perfect monogamy can also be a difficult standard to uphold.
If you’re questioning whether monogamy is the right choice for you, let us talk you through how cheating can be ethical and beneficial for your relationship.
Can Cheating in a Marriage Be Ethical?
The short answer? Yes.
While cheating on a partner or spouse is still commonly touted as being the ultimate betrayal (as if tanking your joint savings on a gambling addiction isn’t worse), there are certain situations in which cheating is the best thing for your relationship in the short and long term.
We all share the goal of wanting to feel happy and fulfilled with our lives, and that includes our relationships. We also all have needs that need to be met within those relationships.
Unfortunately, our needs and our partner’s capacity don’t always align, leaving us feeling unfulfilled, no matter how much we love them.
In these instances, having your unmet needs met outside the relationship can be the solution that allows you both to be happy and continue to love each other for years to come.
See? It’s not so clear-cut, is it?
Do Open Relationships Count?
Open relationships are great and can be incredibly fulfilling for the right people, but ethically cheating isn’t the same.
In an open relationship, both parties agree to be open to dating or having sex with other people.
Generally, both partners engage in relationships with others as well, although not always.
Ethical cheating tends to still take place behind your partner’s back, so while open relationships are definitely part of ethical non-monogamy, it’s not cheating and shouldn’t be classed as such.
What About Ethical Non-Monogamy?
When we look at ethical non-monogamy as a whole, it could be argued that ethical infidelity should be included (it has ethical in the name after all!), but it’s a little more complex than that.
In general, ethical non-monogamy doesn’t involve cheating of any kind. The “ethical” part comes from being open, honest, and transparent with everyone in the relationship about what the rules and boundaries are. Cheating tends to be the opposite.
Ultimately, although you may have ethical reasons for cheating, it still involves going behind your partner’s back, so it can’t reasonably be included as part of ethical non-monogamy.
Is There a Moral Justification for Cheating?
Absolutely! In fact, there are a few. We’ve briefly touched on a couple already, but let’s take a closer look at when there are moral reasons for cheating on a partner.
For the purposes of this post, we’re going to look at reasons why people cheat and whether there’s a moral justification in the confines of maintaining the primary relationship.
Changes in Sexual Desire
Changes in sexual desire are a common reason for people to cheat, but it can be ethical. Our sex drive naturally ebbs and flows over the years, especially for women.
Unfortunately, these ups and downs don’t always align with our partners, leaving one party feeling unsatisfied.
Finding sexual gratification elsewhere can make you feel overall happier and avoid putting undue and unfair pressure on your partner.
An Outlet for General Stresses
Of course, the general stresses and strains of life can be alleviated by cheating. We all suffer from stress as adults, and it can make us downright miserable to be around.
When we’re struggling with financial strains or work stress, we can become snippy, argumentative, and distant from our partners, which can damage our relationships and cause more stress.
Finding an outlet for these feelings can make us a much better spouse and keep the relationship strong and healthy in the long run.
Can Cheating Improve Your Relationship?
In theory, yes, but it depends on your motivations and goals. If you’re looking to exclusively have your needs met outside your primary relationship to keep things stable and happy, then yes, it can.
Being fulfilled as a person makes you much nicer to be around and allows you to be a more supportive partner to your spouse, thus improving your relationship as a whole.
If you don’t believe us, here are some things our users have said about how exploring an extramarital affair has improved their marriage…
| ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Sash, Kilmarnock Thank you for providing such a great and exciting service, which I believe actually helps to keep marriages fresh and alive. |
| ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Poppy, Warwickshire It’s definitely saved my marriage. I’d be lost without the lovely guys I’ve met on here. |
| ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Michael, West Sussex It has almost certainly allowed us both to remain happy and married rather than just married. |
How Does Cheating Impact a Relationship?
Cheating can hit a relationship hard, but the impact really depends on the people involved and the situation.
It often brings a lot of emotional pain, betrayal, and a loss of trust, which can be tough to rebuild.
But surprisingly, some couples come out of it differently.
It might push them to have more honest conversations about their needs and feelings, which can lead to a better understanding of each other.
In some cases, it even opens the door to rethinking and evolving their relationship in ways they hadn’t considered before.
While cheating is usually a painful experience, sometimes it ends up being the wake-up call that sparks real change.
Explore Marital Infidelity With Illicit Encounters
Thinking about exploring marital infidelity?
It’s important to do it safely and discreetly. Connecting with others who understand your situation can help reduce the risks to your marriage.
That’s where Illicit Encounters comes in—a secure platform where like-minded people can meet.
The focus is on privacy and respect, so you can explore your options without any unnecessary drama or exposure.
Take the first step today and sign up for a free account on Illicit Encounters.
Discover a community of understanding individuals and explore your desires safely and with confidence.
FAQs
What Are the Ethical Issues of Cheating?
Cheating raises ethical concerns such as betrayal of trust, emotional harm, and dishonesty. It can damage relationships and undermine personal integrity, often violating agreed-upon boundaries and mutual respect within partnerships.
How Do People Feel After Being Cheated On?
Feelings after being cheated on can include heartbreak, anger, confusion, and a loss of self-esteem. These emotions are often accompanied by a sense of betrayal and difficulty trusting others, making recovery a challenging but essential process.
Can Couples Move Past Adultery?
Yes, couples can move past adultery with open communication, genuine remorse, and professional counselling. Rebuilding trust takes time, effort, and mutual commitment, but healing and reconciliation are possible if both partners are willing to work through the pain together.
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