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Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by the SHADED INTIMACY.
We love sharing real talk about relationships – the ups, downs, and everything in between.
Today, we are looking at a hot topic: the idea that married women cheat more than married men.
You might have heard this from friends, seen it online, or read headlines about it.
There is also a familiar story: some women marry a man for the nice lifestyle he provides.
At first, it is exciting.
But after a few months or years, that excitement goes away.
They no longer feel attracted to their husband.
Then, they meet someone new who seems like their dream partner.
They feel pulled toward this person and start pulling away from their marriage.
This story happens to some women, and we will talk about it.
But first, let us look at what the facts say.
What Do The Numbers Really Show?
The best place to get accurate numbers is from big surveys like the General Social Survey (GSS).
This is a trusted study that asks thousands of Americans about their lives.
From the latest data in 2024 and 2025:
- About 20% of married men say they have had sex with someone else besides their spouse.
- About 13% of married women say the same.
So, overall, men still cheat more than women in marriages.
However, things are changing a bit.
Women’s numbers have gone up over the years (some say by about 40% since the 1990s), while men’s have stayed about the same.
The difference between men and women is getting smaller.
In younger people (under 30 who have been married), women cheat more (11% vs. 10% for men).
However, as people get older, men cheat more, especially in their 60s and 70s.
Here is an easy table to compare:
| Age | Men | Women | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | 10% | 11% | Women are a little higher |
| 30s | 14% | 11% | Men start to pull ahead |
| 50s | Up to 28% | Up to 17% | Peak time for women |
| 60s and older | Up to 29% | Lower than men | Highest for men |
| Overall | 20% | 13% | Men are higher in total |
These numbers come from honest surveys.
Some online polls or dating site data might show different things, but they can be skewed.
Interesting fact: About 30% of affairs start at work. Being around the same people every day can build close feelings.
Why Do People Think Women Cheat More Now?
Even though men still lead overall, the idea spreads because:
- Women’s cheating has gone up as they have more jobs, money of their own, and chances to meet people.
- Social media and apps make it easier for everyone to connect.
- Stories about women cheating get more attention because it used to be seen as mostly a “man thing.”
But the facts show men are still ahead.
Common Story
Now, let us talk about the story you might have heard.
It goes like this:
- A woman meets a man who has a good job. He can give her a comfortable life, a lovely home, trips, and no money worries.
- They get married, and at first, it is fun and new.
- After some time (months or years), daily life sets in. Kids, work, bills. The “wow” of the lifestyle fades.
- The husband might be good at providing money, but not so good at emotional stuff – talking, listening, making her feel special.
- She starts feeling bored, lonely, or not attractive anymore.
- Then she meets someone else (maybe at work, gym, or online). This new person pays attention, makes her laugh, and seems like the perfect match she dreamed of before.
- She feels excited again and slowly moves away from her husband.
This happens for some women.
Experts say women often cheat more for emotional reasons.
About 70% of women who cheat say it is because they felt ignored or not valued emotionally.
For men, it is more often about wanting a different sex or excitement (only 20% say emotional reasons).
Women might feel:
- Lonely, even in a whole house.
- Not appreciated.
- Bored with the same routine.
- Wanting to feel desired and alive again.
Opportunity helps too; more women work, travel, or use social media.
Another table to compare reasons:
| Reason | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Feeling emotionally ignored | Yes (up to 70%) | Less (20%) |
| Wanting attention/love | Yes | Less |
| Wanting more/different sex | Less | Yes |
| Boredom or new excitement | Both | Both |
| Revenge or anger | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Other Reasons Women Might Cheat
Besides the lifestyle story:
- Feeling alone in the marriage.
- Not happy with sex or closeness.
- Significant life changes, like kids leaving home.
- Wanting to feel pretty or wanted again.
- Meeting someone who listens and understands.
Men often cheat for physical reasons or by chance.
Cheating hurts everyone: the partner, the kids, and the family.
It breaks trust.
Many marriages end because of it, but some couples fix it with talk and help from counselors.
How To Keep Your Marriage Strong
To avoid this:
- Talk openly about what you need.
- Keep dating each other – fun nights out.
- Make time for emotional and physical closeness.
- Fix minor problems before they grow.
If something feels off, speak up early.
Final Thoughts
No, married women do not cheat more than men overall in the USA right now.
Men still do more, but the gap is closing, especially in younger groups.
The story about marrying for lifestyle and then finding someone “better” is real for some, but not most.
Most marriages are faithful and happy when both people work at it.
At SHADED INTIMACY, we believe in kind, open talks about love and life.
Relationships are not perfect, but understanding helps us do better.
Thanks for reading!
If this helped or you have thoughts, check out our other posts on marriage tips, talking better, and happy relationships.
Stay well and take care of your loved ones.
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