Is Cheaters Real or Fake? Yes – Cheating is Common in Real Relationships

Cheating unfortunately occurs fairly often in real romantic relationships – the producers of Cheatersmay dramatize cases, but infidelity itself is genuine and quite common. Recent surveys estimate 15-22% of married couples admit one or both partners have strayed at some point (Institute for Family Studies, 2022). However, secrecy around affairs means actual rates are likely higher.

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Table 1: Infidelity Rates by Demographic

Rates source: General Social Survey; Discreet Investigations Agency

I‘ve witnessed first-hand in the games industry how cheating scandals seriously impact league rankings and fan enthusiasm. For example, competitive Counter-Strike suffered after revelations that certain top players used hacks and aimbot software during tournaments for unfair advantage. Even themere accusations of cheating can ruin players‘ credibility.

Below I analyze why people stray, how affairs get exposed, cheaters‘ reactions when caught, legal implications, and coping tips for partners. As a gamer and content creator immersed in various entertainment realms, I incorporate interesting research plus my own commentary.

Reasons People Cheat

Motivations people cheat are complex, with roots in human biology, psychology, and social norms:

Biology – Evolutionary theory suggests gene propagation spurs desire for sexual variety. Men perhaps cheat more due to paternity uncertainty.

Emotional intimacy – Feeling neglected emotionally or physically by a spouse is a top reason cited. Seeking affection lacking in the marriage.

Opportunity – Travel for work or social situations that enable more open flirting. Poor personal boundaries.

Thrill seeking – Boredom from marital routine, looking for flirtation and ego boosts from conquests.

Of course cheating cannot be justified, but the above insights provide context on some key factors that motivate unfaithfulness. Understanding underlying reasons perhaps can help prevent affairs by better meeting intimacy needs. But some serial cheaters may simply have poor integrity or impulse control.

Discovery of Affairs

Despite efforts to hide affairs, cheaters run the risk of getting caught through:

• Checking texts, emails, app messages
• Shared calendars and accounts revealing deceptive plans
• Visible gifts/hotel charges/receipts
• Confessions from the other person involved
• Suspicious changes in normal habits or schedules

I have observed such digital breadcrumbs expose countless public figures across entertainment domains like sports, politics, music, film and gaming YouTube.

Roughly 63% of affairs do eventually come to light (Illicit Encounters survey, 2022). Those who cheat multiple times or conduct parallel secret lives face higher risks of getting caught. Partners who remain vigilantly observant of changes in behavior also raise probability of uncovering deceit.

Behaviors When Confronted

When directly accused of infidelity, common initial reactions of guilty parties include:

• Shock and adamant denials – Try to deflect blame back onto the suspicious partner as “paranoid” or “crazy”
• Explosive anger – Turn tables by making counter-accusations about flaws in accuser
• Silence/Evasiveness – Refuse to provide direct answers or discuss specifics

Such defensive tactics aim to shut down the topic fast before getting exposed. Cheaters fear losing their double lives along with associated ego boosts. They wish to avoid shame, responsibility and consequences – which spurs more covering up.

However, cheaters who later sincerely feel remorse apologize openly. They express understanding of the profound hurt caused plus do actions to rebuild broken trust. But closeted cheaters who feel entitled to “have their cake and eat it too” continue deceiving their primary partner through lies, omissions and misdirection.

Legal Implications

• Only approximately 16 U.S. states still have old adultery laws prohibiting cheating itself. However, active criminal prosecution is rare – used more as basis for divorce.

• During divorce proceedings, cheating and squandering marital assets on an affair can impact division of finances and assets:

  +ributed more can claim a larger share

  • higher alimony awarded to less financially-stable spouse

• If cheating involves sexual harassment or abuse of workplace subordinates, civil lawsuits can allege emotional distress and lost wages

So while antequated laws explicitly banning adultery are disappearing, cheating still carries legal consequences indirectly by altering divorce terms and enabling lawsuits involving abuse of power.

Tips For Partners

If seriously concerned your partner is cheating, consider:

• Having an open and non-confrontational talk with them explaining your worries without accusations. Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal reactions.

• Seeking couples counseling to identify and work through any emotional or physical intimacy issues.

• Hiring a private investigator to gather concrete evidence like photos, texts, eyewitness accounts etc if you need objective confirmation before making any big decisions.

• Focusing on self-care during this stressful period – enlist close friends/family support, engage enjoyable hobbies as distractions, make health a priority. You deserve fulfillment whether with or without this partner.

Infidelity leaves partners feeling betrayed and confused. There is advice and support available as you determine next steps. Prioritize looking after yourself first and foremost.