Infidelity is a sensitive subject for German couples and, for many, represents a massive breach of trust that justifies an immediate separation. But under what circumstances would men and women even consider infidelity? A new survey sheds some light.
If the relationship failed anyway, a quarterback would cheat
The dating comparison portal seitensprung-portale.de has the market research tool Appinio about 1 people of both sexes, who have always been faithful, were asked about the possible reasons for an infidelity. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 65 and the median age was around 41.
Bottom line: At 24,9%, by far the most frequently cited reason and for many the only option for an affair is a relationship that is on the verge of failing anyway. Sexual dreams (14,8%), the partner is sure not to discover them (14%) or the best sex of life (13,3%) were cited much less frequently as reasons for cheating.
Sex with a childhood sweetheart – a fantasy that many people have certainly had – is also a reason for some of the respondents to cheat on their partner at 12,2%. The same goes for a threesome (11,5%) or sex with a celebrity (10,9%). Both are unattainable sexual desires for many, which is why their desire seems so great that they would even accept the risk of an affair.
Older people are more likely to cheat
An age difference is just one reason very few people cheat on their partner. At 8,1%, not even one in ten would cheat if it was someone much younger or older.
And what about age groups? Are younger or older people more likely to cheat?
Surprisingly, the results show that loyalty plays a bigger role in younger age groups. For example, 75,6% of 18-24 year olds would definitely not cheat for any reason. Even common dreams and fantasies, such as a threesome or having the best sex ever, would not lead the majority of people in this age group to be attracted to an affair.
The situation is different in the upper age groups. The most unfaithful are the 45 to 54 year olds at 46%. For them, reasons such as the wrong sex or the desire to experiment play a rather secondary role. When it comes to cheating, they are primarily concerned with the lure of the forbidden.
On the other hand, among 25-34 year olds, reasons directly related to their sex life come first. On the other hand, the fact that the partner does not know about the infidelity is a popular reason for infidelity in all age groups – with the exception of 18-24 year olds.
Men cheat for many more reasons than women
No survey of this kind without gender comparison. So: What are the most important reasons for cheating in men and which in women?
Basically, it turns out that men get caught up in cheating much faster and for more reasons. Whether it's the fulfillment of sexual dreams, the best sex of life, a threesome, sex with the love of your youth or your partner, you are guaranteed to know nothing about the infidelity, with all these reasons there are about twice as many men as women for whom it is possible infidelity that could be explained.
The difference is even greater when it comes to age. Three times as many men would cheat on their partner with someone much younger or older. The survey revealed only one reason for cheating that the genders agree on: namely, when the relationship is about to end anyway.
Berliners are the most unfaithful
Regional differences in the reasons for cheating were also recorded in the survey. Here it can be determined that with 69% the Brandenburgers are the most faithful, the Berliners with 34,6% the most unfaithful.
The fulfillment of sexual dreams is a reason for infidelity, especially in Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt and Hesse, sex with a childhood sweetheart, especially in Hesse. People in Berlin and Hesse in particular also fantasize about sex with a celebrity, while a threesome increases the willingness to cheat on the partner most among Berliners and Hamburgers.
Sex with a younger or older person is a popular reason for infidelity in Saxony-Anhalt.
