Adultery, cheating, extramarital affairs; even in today's relaxed view of morality these words carry a heavy connotation. There has always been a double standard regarding men, women and adultery. While we could write an entire article on the double standards between men and women concerning adultery, this article will focus on why women cheat; or at least one reason why.

Why do women look outside of their marriage for sexual relations? On the surface this question seems obvious. Most people, men especially, will immediately think it is for sex. Why women cheat, however, is not usually to have a sexual relationship The sexual relationship is a bonus. It may be true that some women will cheat on their spouses for sex only, but this in itself is rare. Women usually begin their extramarital affair by engaging first in an emotional affair.

It has been studied that men who cheat on their wives usually do so because opportunity presented itself. This is not true for women. Why women cheat on their spouses is an indication that something is wrong within the marriage. Women who cheat feel they are being denied or are missing something that they are not getting inside the martial household.

Why women cheat can be drilled down to one reason; a lack of intimacy. Be careful with the word intimacy though. For men this word usually means sex. Intimacy for women means closeness, a bond, a loving personal relationship based on knowledge and understanding. Women are emotional creatures. We need to know that we are cherished and cared for.

For women, emotional intimacy comes before sexual intimacy. Once we feel that bond; that connection, we move on to physical relations. Why women cheat is because they feel their spouse no longer cares for them. This is a slow, gradual process. Women are less likely to jump right into an extra marital affair. Usually the woman has been unhappy for sometime; then along comes a man who shows interest in her.

This man will provide her with much needed attention. He will court her; dine her and romance her. Suddenly, after years of feeling neglected, she begins to feel desired and cared for; she feels interesting and attractive. It may appear that it doesn't take much to push a women into an affair, however, the opposite is true. Why women cheat their spouse out of this relationship is because they believe their husbands no longer want them.

When husbands have left their wives feeling neglected and lonely, they unknowingly make it easier for the wife to justify her extra martial affair. Don't misunderstand. The act of being unfaithful always falls on the unfaithful one. However, if it takes two to make a marriage successful then it takes two break it. You may very well be the cause behind your wife's decision to have an affair. That does not make you responsible for the affair, but it does make you a participant her decision.

It is important to note that infidelity is not the reason a marriage fails but is always a symptom of a failing marriage. Why women cheat on their spouses depends on the woman. If your wife has cheated, sit down and ask her why. Listen with an open heart. Be prepared to hear her answer.