Relationship expert reveals the types of couples most vulnerable to infidelity
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No one wants to think about the possibility of their partner cheating on them. It's a devastating thought that can tear couples apart, both emotionally and physically
However, infidelity is more common than you might think. So how can you tell if your relationship is at risk? Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent infidelity from happening.
However, there are certain types of relationships that are more vulnerable than others.
Dee Tozer specialises in helping couples who are going through a rough patch due to infidelity, and she has extensive experience as a couples psychologist.
According to her, the following are the types of relationships that are more likely to result in infidelity:
1. The bickering, argumentative couple
In this type of relationship, both partners want to be right, win the argument, and prove the other person wrong. Essentially, neither of them is willing to have a genuine conversation with the other; and this lack of communication only worsens their relationship over time.
Because of this, one of the partners is more likely to be interested in the conversation of a colleague who seems to be listening to them, no matter how small the conversation is.
2. The friends-with-no-passion-or-romance couple
People sometimes think that being friends with your significant other is the answer to a long and happy relationship.
While it's true that a friendship between the two of you might be the foundation of your relationship, a relationship needs passion, too. Without it, your relationship will eventually weaken over time.
If a couple doesn't have much in common to talk about or do together, they may realise that their once fiery romance has fizzled out.
3. The disconnected, distant couple
In this type of relationship, one could even say that the partners are living in their own worlds. They have no passion for each other; they are bored with each other and often with life in general.
The only thing that can catch the eye of one of the partners who feels totally uncared for is a third party interested in them. This might happen at work where these two people would spend a lot of time together.
4. The highly volatile, high-conflict couple
This couple has a lot of drive and enthusiasm for many different things. They have strong convictions; however, they are also easily offended, and any negative feedback is likely to spark a dangerous rise in tension when hurtful words are exchanged.
As time goes on, spiteful assaults dampen the once-sparkling romance, and the two of them come to resent one another.
Infidelity arises when one of them finds another person to share their passion with, and get away from the negative, hostile environment at home.
5. The couple with compulsive behaviour
When it comes to addictions, what people do and how much they do them can vary a lot. It could be drugs, alcohol, pornography, or even shopping.
A person's inhibitions weaken while they're drunk or high, which can lead to an unplanned sexual encounter. But because of their lowered inhibitions, the chances of getting caught cheating are also increased for an addict who isn't undergoing any treatment.
6. The controlling couple
When describing the dynamics of power in a partnership, we can classify them as either one-way, with one person acting as the dominant figure, or two-way, with each partner sharing the control.
When it comes to cheating in these relationships, the person who feels shut down by their partner's 'control' – as if they don't have a voice – is more likely to cheat. Satisfying their need to be understood and appreciated often requires the company of another human being.
7. The abusive couple
Similar to the concept of 'control' in relationships, abuse can also go either way.
When one person has more power than the other, the other person is at risk of being dominated. Abusive behaviour comes in different forms, and here are some examples:
What are your thoughts, members? Do you agree with this list? If not, do you know of any other reasons why infidelity may occur in relationships? We'd love to hear what you think about this topic, so feel free to comment below!
However, infidelity is more common than you might think. So how can you tell if your relationship is at risk? Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent infidelity from happening.
However, there are certain types of relationships that are more vulnerable than others.
Dee Tozer specialises in helping couples who are going through a rough patch due to infidelity, and she has extensive experience as a couples psychologist.
According to her, the following are the types of relationships that are more likely to result in infidelity:
If a couple always fights or argues, they will eventually come to resent each other, which will cause a rift in their relationship. Credit: Pexels/Timur Weber.
1. The bickering, argumentative couple
In this type of relationship, both partners want to be right, win the argument, and prove the other person wrong. Essentially, neither of them is willing to have a genuine conversation with the other; and this lack of communication only worsens their relationship over time.
Because of this, one of the partners is more likely to be interested in the conversation of a colleague who seems to be listening to them, no matter how small the conversation is.
2. The friends-with-no-passion-or-romance couple
People sometimes think that being friends with your significant other is the answer to a long and happy relationship.
While it's true that a friendship between the two of you might be the foundation of your relationship, a relationship needs passion, too. Without it, your relationship will eventually weaken over time.
If a couple doesn't have much in common to talk about or do together, they may realise that their once fiery romance has fizzled out.
If a couple doesn't have anything in common to bond over, they can find that their relationship is lacking in passion. Credit: Pexels/Timur Weber.
3. The disconnected, distant couple
In this type of relationship, one could even say that the partners are living in their own worlds. They have no passion for each other; they are bored with each other and often with life in general.
The only thing that can catch the eye of one of the partners who feels totally uncared for is a third party interested in them. This might happen at work where these two people would spend a lot of time together.
4. The highly volatile, high-conflict couple
This couple has a lot of drive and enthusiasm for many different things. They have strong convictions; however, they are also easily offended, and any negative feedback is likely to spark a dangerous rise in tension when hurtful words are exchanged.
As time goes on, spiteful assaults dampen the once-sparkling romance, and the two of them come to resent one another.
Infidelity arises when one of them finds another person to share their passion with, and get away from the negative, hostile environment at home.
If someone feels like they don't have enough 'control' in a relationship, they may be more likely to cheat. Credit: Pexels/Timur Weber.
5. The couple with compulsive behaviour
When it comes to addictions, what people do and how much they do them can vary a lot. It could be drugs, alcohol, pornography, or even shopping.
A person's inhibitions weaken while they're drunk or high, which can lead to an unplanned sexual encounter. But because of their lowered inhibitions, the chances of getting caught cheating are also increased for an addict who isn't undergoing any treatment.
6. The controlling couple
When describing the dynamics of power in a partnership, we can classify them as either one-way, with one person acting as the dominant figure, or two-way, with each partner sharing the control.
When it comes to cheating in these relationships, the person who feels shut down by their partner's 'control' – as if they don't have a voice – is more likely to cheat. Satisfying their need to be understood and appreciated often requires the company of another human being.
Abuse can take many forms, not only physical violence. Credit: Pexels/Timur Weber.
7. The abusive couple
Similar to the concept of 'control' in relationships, abuse can also go either way.
When one person has more power than the other, the other person is at risk of being dominated. Abusive behaviour comes in different forms, and here are some examples:
- Financial abuse typically involves severely limiting the other person's access to money for daily living expenses.
- Sexist abuse, which targets a specific person's sex or gender, typically involves name-calling and belittling them because of their gender.
- Verbal abuse can take the form of spoken words, gestures, or even written words aimed at a victim.
What are your thoughts, members? Do you agree with this list? If not, do you know of any other reasons why infidelity may occur in relationships? We'd love to hear what you think about this topic, so feel free to comment below!
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