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I think both sexes are equally likely to cheat. Historically, men have been the bigger cheaters because their greater access to opportunity: working outside the home rather than in it (access to secretaries, coworkers-- the entire outside world instead of the occasional mailman or milkman, lol), the almost *approval* of it of times by society (a man with several lovers is increasingly macho; a woman is just a whore), and without the risk for pregnancy giving the gig away. However, now that the field is leveled with the arrival of the empowered working woman and birth control, the number of women cheaters is on the rise.
People cheat, like it or not. I don't know how much secrecy actually has to do with it. Some things are apparently worth the risk; for some, I reckon the excitement of barely getting away with it only adds to the appeal. Besides, humans are not actually monogamous creatures, and marriages are prone to a lot of stresses and changes that can make the thrill and novelty of an affair quite appealing. That said, not every person is inclined to cheat, and some will decline opportunities for it even if their assured of their secrecy. Some of this is to do with satisfaction with the primary relationship (and hence the lack of need to pursue additional sources for affection and sex), but a lot of it is simple principle and willpower.
I believe marriage is possible and has the potential for great fulfillment when its participants are willing and committed members. I don't think it's for everyone, though. I wrote about it in response to another Writer's Block entry, actually. Personally, I'd like to be married and would find it fulfilling-- but I think those who don't would do well to acknowledge it and keep out of the marriage game, lest they break the heart of someone who intended commitment to them.
I think both sexes are equally likely to cheat. Historically, men have been the bigger cheaters because their greater access to opportunity: working outside the home rather than in it (access to secretaries, coworkers-- the entire outside world instead of the occasional mailman or milkman, lol), the almost *approval* of it of times by society (a man with several lovers is increasingly macho; a woman is just a whore), and without the risk for pregnancy giving the gig away. However, now that the field is leveled with the arrival of the empowered working woman and birth control, the number of women cheaters is on the rise.
People cheat, like it or not. I don't know how much secrecy actually has to do with it. Some things are apparently worth the risk; for some, I reckon the excitement of barely getting away with it only adds to the appeal. Besides, humans are not actually monogamous creatures, and marriages are prone to a lot of stresses and changes that can make the thrill and novelty of an affair quite appealing. That said, not every person is inclined to cheat, and some will decline opportunities for it even if their assured of their secrecy. Some of this is to do with satisfaction with the primary relationship (and hence the lack of need to pursue additional sources for affection and sex), but a lot of it is simple principle and willpower.
I believe marriage is possible and has the potential for great fulfillment when its participants are willing and committed members. I don't think it's for everyone, though. I wrote about it in response to another Writer's Block entry, actually. Personally, I'd like to be married and would find it fulfilling-- but I think those who don't would do well to acknowledge it and keep out of the marriage game, lest they break the heart of someone who intended commitment to them.
