7 facts about people who cheat that are so hard to believe

Photo: Excerpt from the movie "Match Point" (2005)

We've heard all about cheating: that it's wrong, that it hurts, that it's common, especially among men. But we haven't talked openly about the strangeness behind it - and no, they're not just stereotypes.

1. Traitors? They are the biggest fans of rock & roll

If you've ever caught him with a questionable playlist : Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Nirvana... hmm, remember this statistic: 41% of cheaters prefer rock. And then comes pop (16%), country (11%), classical (7%) and last but not least, rap and hip hop (2%).

2. When a woman cheats, the relationship is practically over.

Contrary to the eternal stereotype that "men are more unfaithful," studies show that when women cheat, it's usually emotional. And emotion translates into an alarm about the end of a relationship. Because unlike a banal flirtation at the club, an emotional affair is the final signal that something in the relationship has died long before sex.

3. Many cheaters are actually happy in their relationships. 

Yes. You read that right. They are happy. Fulfilled. With good partners. And yet, they cheat.

A study from Rutgers found that 56% of men and 34% of women who cheat are happy in their relationship. So it's not always because they feel left out by their current partner. Sometimes it's just because it can happen. And that's a crazy thing in itself.

4. Women are more likely to cheat when they are ovulating.

Yes, yes, welcome to the “biology behind infidelity” part. According to a UCLA study, during the most fertile days of the month, women feel more attractive, have more sexual energy, and often, start looking outside their comfort zone.

5. Some men cheat because they want to fix the marriage(?!) 

Yes, it's as absurd as it sounds. Some men, according to marriage therapists, believe that cheating can help them stay together. An almost tragicomic way of saying: I have problems that I don't know how to deal with, so I'm going to someone else to forget about them. Instead of talking, men create a Hollywood drama with real consequences.

6. Cheaters usually do it with someone they know (and who you probably know too) 

Have you ever thought: "At least it was a stranger"? Surprise: 85% of infidelity happens with colleagues. And neighbors and old friends also get blacklisted.

So no, it's not always "that infamous Friday night club," but the printer in the office where more than just monthly reports are shared.

7. Some want to be caught. Consciously. Because they are tired.

“I left my email open.” “I left my cell phone unlocked.”

Spoiler alert : it's not always carelessness. It's often a desire to be discovered. As a passive way of saying: "Stop me before I hurt you more." Or: "I don't know how to stop myself, you help me."

_{Source: Your Tango}