Sorry: This is the person your partner is most likely to cheat on you with

Cheating in a relationship is often associated with casual encounters or strangers. However, a recent study shows that the reality is quite different: most people who cheat on their partner do so with someone they already know well, like a friend, coworker, or neighbor.

According to researchers, extramarital affairs are often formed with people who are already part of the social circle.

"People report having extramarital affairs with someone they know well, such as a friend, coworker, or neighbor," the study authors emphasize.

Why does infidelity happen with famous people?

Experts explain that one of the main reasons is the emotional closeness and intimacy that already exists between two people. When someone spends a lot of time with a friend or colleague, a bond of trust and understanding is created that can make it easier to cross boundaries.

Another reason, according to researchers, is related to the fear of loneliness. Often, the person who cheats is unhappy in their relationship, but is not ready to end it without having another alternative.

What do the numbers show?

The study was based on a broad database that analyzed changes in social attitudes, including attitudes toward extramarital sex.

From the study participants:

21% of men admitted to cheating on their partner.
13% of women said they had done the same.
Of those who had cheated, 82.9% had done so with someone they already knew, such as a close friend or a work colleague.

Betrayal as a "way out" of the relationship

The findings reinforce the results of previous studies on infidelity, but this is among the first to specifically analyze what types of people people choose to cheat on with.

According to experts, dissatisfaction and disappointment in a serious relationship are among the main reasons that lead to betrayal. In many cases, the person who cheats is not just looking for an adventure, but a way to gradually exit the current relationship.

Researchers think they often seek some kind of emotional "replacement" before making the final decision to break up.

Emotional security, not just passion

A familiar person offers emotional security, closeness, and understanding, elements that are often missing in an existing relationship.

Conversely, if the goal were only physical pleasure, people might simply seek a casual encounter with a stranger.

Ultimately, experts emphasize that cheating is rarely just an impulsive moment. It is often linked to deeper relationship issues that couples need to address before they lead to irreversible consequences.