subject: Cheating And The Economy – Are Marriages More Vulnerable To Cheating In Troubled Economies? [print this page] Cheating And The Economy Are Marriages More Vulnerable To Cheating In Troubled Economies?
Statistics show that cheating is more common in times of great stress. The current economic situation has marriages on the rocks around the world and cheating is a common escape and a common scapegoat.
People are unhappy when their futures seem uncertain. Unemployment is running rampant. Retirement hopes and plans are growing dim. People are watching their financial plans go up in smoke and there is a lot of unhappiness and uncertainty to go around.
This leads to fighting, nagging, and general marital problems. Statistics are proving that instances of infidelity are on the rise as the economy becomes more and more unstable. So yes, marriages are more vulnerable during times of great stress. It doesn't get much more stressful than what many couples today are going through.
People are losing their homes, their retirements, their jobs, and their pensions, and their financial safety nets in one fell swoop. For many people this loss of control is a staggering blow.
Why is Cheating so Prevalent?
Cheating offers an opportunity to regain some control. It allows you to take the reigns and make a decision, even if it's a decision that will later be regretted deeply.
The more uncertain things become, financially, the more likely people (as a society) are to cheat. When things show signs of improvement (jobs are finally found, retirement funds begin to grow, stress is relieved at home) the number of people actively engaging in affairs or cheating seems to decline.
What can you do to make sure this doesn't happen to your marriage?
Do whatever you can to reduce stress levels at home. Get rid of clutter, find inexpensive entertainment sources for the family to enjoy, reinstate game night with board games you have on hand, cut expenses wherever possible and be hesitant to pick them up again in the future.
Another important way to reduce the risk of stress related cheating is to create a financial plan and emergency fund for the family. This way you wont' be nearly as devastated if the unthinkable happens to you because you have a security net and a plan.
Perhaps the most important thing to realize is that we're all human and likely to make mistakes. Granted cheating is a big mistake but it isn't one that cannot be overcome. Even if your spouse succumbs to cheating during this crisis it doesn't mean your marriage must end at all. You can save your marriage even if your spouse cheats on you as long as your both willing to commit to the effort.
