The most common reason why people cheat is because they feel unfulfilled in their relationship, either due to lack of affection, attention or excitement. This feeling of dissatisfaction can be attributed to several factors such as poor communication skills between partners, a mismatch of expectations or a lack of emotional connection.
Despite these underlying causes, the experience of being cheated on can have a lasting effect on an individual's ability to trust others and ultimately affect their sexual wellbeing.
In terms of sexual trust, infidelity can cause deep wounds that may take years to heal. The betrayed partner often feels humiliated and abandoned which leads to fear and mistrust towards their partner even when there is no evidence of further infidelity. This makes them question everything about their relationship and themselves, including their own desirability and attractiveness, which can lead to low self-esteem and reduced confidence in their sexual performance. It can also create anxiety and insecurity during intimate moments with their partner and make it difficult for them to let go and enjoy sex without worrying about what might happen next.
Infidelity can also impact openness during sex by making individuals more cautious and guarded in their behavior. Betrayal breeds distrust and suspicion, causing the betrayed partner to doubt their partner's motives and intentions, even when they are not being physically unfaithful. This can result in increased secrecy during sex, avoidance of certain activities or positions, and general tension during intimate moments.
The betrayed partner may feel that they need to keep track of where their partner goes and who they talk to in order to prevent any future infidelity, leading to a loss of spontaneity and playfulness in the bedroom.
The impact on relational satisfaction can be significant as infidelity erodes the foundation upon which a healthy relationship is built. Trust, honesty and respect are key components of any strong bond and betrayal shatters this trust, leaving partners feeling hurt, angry and disillusioned. The betrayed partner may struggle to forgive and move forward, resulting in feelings of resentment and mistrust towards their partner. It can also affect communication between partners and make them less likely to express their needs and desires openly due to fear of rejection or criticism. This lack of openness leads to a decrease in intimacy and emotional connection, ultimately damaging the overall quality of the relationship.
How do experiences of betrayal or infidelity impact sexual trust, openness, and relational satisfaction?
Experiences of betrayal or infidelity can have significant effects on an individual's perception of their partner's sexual trustworthiness, as well as their willingness to engage in intimate relationships with others. The trauma associated with these events can cause individuals to become more cautious about sharing their feelings and vulnerabilities, leading to decreased levels of openness within a relationship (Bernstein & Katzman, 2018).