Can people in satisfying marriages still be unfaithful?

• A. Yes, some research suggests that married people who are satisfied with their sex lives may be more likely to cheat.
• B. No, satisfaction prevents cheating.
• C. Cheating only occurs in unsatisfied relationships.
• D. There is no relationship between satisfaction and cheating.

Answer: (A)

Sexual satisfaction in a marriage does not eliminate the possibility of infidelity. People can cheat for reasons that go beyond whether their sex life is fulfilling, such as curiosity, opportunity, emotional distance, or personal traits. Some research has found that being satisfied sexually doesn’t guard against cheating and, in some cases, may even accompany it, reflecting a more complex mix of motives than simply “unhappy = cheat.” The important point is that fidelity isn’t guaranteed by a good sex life, so recognizing that cheating can occur even in satisfying marriages is the most accurate takeaway.