The 9 types of infidelity and their characteristics

There are different ways to betray a partner, and some of them are little taken into account.

Infidelity is considered the greatest betrayal that can be committed against the other partner. When we have a partner, in most cases (with the exception of open couples), we unconsciously sign an implicit contract that implies loyalty, exclusivity and respect.

Loyalty is one of the basic pillars on which a traditional couple relationship is based, and when it is compromised, it is difficult to regain stability and make the relationship work as before. However, complicated does not mean impossible, as there are couples who overcome this delicate situation.

However, overcoming these crises depends largely on which type of infidelity has been committed.. In this article we will talk about them.

Infidelity is as much a thing for men as it is for women.

When most of us think of infidelity, sex is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, physical infidelity is not the only type of adultery that exists. According to a group of Norwegian researchers who conducted a study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differencesan infidelity hurts us just as much even if the sexual act has not taken place. When we are cheated on, whether sexually or not, we feel that trust is lost. How can we trust that person who claimed to love us with all his or her heart?

In recent years infidelities are on the riseand surely the new technologies have something to do with it. Thanks to Facebook, WhatsApp or the different dating apps, it is becoming easier and easier to have relationships outside the couple. The temptation to engage in infidelity is also increasing.

However, infidelity is not exclusively a problem for men. According to a study conducted by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP), one in three women who cheat has cheated on her partner at some time, so there is no difference between the sexes in this respect. there is no difference between sexes in this regard.

Types of infidelity

Not all types of infidelity are the same. But...what types of infidelity exist? Relationships outside marriage or a loving couple can be classified in different ways.

1. Direct

Direct infidelity is one in which the unfaithful partner has in mind to cheat on his or her partner. That is, before the infidelity occurs, the person has already made moves to have relations with another person. In short, it is deliberate and plannedand is expressed through observable and objective behaviors.

For example, when an individual signs up for a portal such as Ashley Madison (whose function is for users to carry out extramarital affairs) and meets with a person outside their romantic relationship with the aim of being unfaithful, they are committing direct infidelity. His idea was to be unfaithful from the very beginning and he has carried out his plan to perfection.

2. Indirect

An infidelity is indirect when the opposite of the previous case occurs.

In this type of infidelity there is no initial intention to be unfaithfulIn this type of infidelity there is no initial intention to be unfaithful, but the desire or the act of being unfaithful arises suddenly. For example, it occurs when a person is in a bad relationship but the closeness with someone to whom he/she tells his/her problems ends in infidelity. In these cases, the person who has a partner may come to regret it.

3. Online or virtual

Online infidelity is very common nowadays, because with the inclusion of new technologies in our lives, many people use the Internet to be unfaithful. The advantages of online infidelity are numerous. The person can go online at any time (even with a partner at home) and digital social media are a way to escape from the Internet. are a way to escape from the reality of the physical world under apparent anonymity..

Those who commit virtual infidelity do not always get to meet their unfaithful partner in a physical way.

4. Physical

Physical infidelity is infidelity that is not committed virtually. For example, people may meet in a coffee shop and, after secretly engaging in a relationship, end up consummating the act, they end up consummating the act. Physical infidelity is the opposite of online infidelity, and one of the most frequent.

5. Affective

Some people consider that infidelity does not necessarily include sex, but rather that the mere fact of feeling something for another person outside the couple is a betrayal..

Affective infidelity is the one in which the person who has a partner "feels something" for the other person. It is also called romantic infidelity, and may or may not involve sex. Statistically, it is more common among women than men.

On the other hand, this type of infidelity usually leads to many doubts, because it is not as explicit as others, and therefore may have the appearance of being compatible with the relationship being maintained.

6. Sexual

Sexual infidelity is a type of infidelity in which there is sexual intercourse, and the people involved do not necessarily experience a deep emotional attachment. This type of infidelity is usually carried out mostly by men..

7. Forced

Forced infidelity is considered to be infidelity carried out by people with low self-esteem and who do not feel loved in their relationship, so they seek in infidelity what they do not really have in their marriage. The fear of breaking a toxic relationship favors this type of infidelity. However, the existence of this type of infidelity is highly debated, as it can be used to hold the partner accountable. it can be used to hold the victim responsible..

8. Sexual addiction

These are sexual infidelities in which the only thing the person desires is to satisfy his or her obsessive erotic need. to satisfy his or her obsessive erotic need. Sexual addiction is manifested by a pattern of uncontrolled sexual behavior, alternating with periods of relative calm.

9. Of approval

This type of infidelity is committed by people who are ending their relationship and do not have the strength to leave it. do not have the strength to leave it definitively.. They need to have someone there to help them get through the bad time, and they use the other person to avoid feeling lonely.

Users of this type of affective crisis may promise their partner of infidelity the gold and the blackberry, but in reality it is a way to avoid the possibility of a separation alone.

Bibliographical references:

• Atkins, D.C.; Baucom, D.H.; Jacobson, N.S. (2001). Understanding infidelity: correlates in a national random sample. The Journal of Family Psychology, 15(4): pp. 735 - 749.
• Harris, C.R. (2000). Psychophysiological responses to imagined infidelity: The specific innate modular view of jealousy reconsidered. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 78 (6): pp. 1082 - 1091.
• Levy, K.N.; Kelly, K.M. (2010). Sex differences in jealousy A contribution from attachment theory. Psychological Science. 21 (2): 168 - 173.
• Liu, C. (2000). A theory of marital sexual life. Journal of Marriage and Family. 62(2): pp. 363 - 374.
• Thornton, V. & Nagurney, A. (2011). What is infidelity? Perceptions based on Biological sex and personality. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 4: pp. 51 - 58.