The 7 Types Of Cheaters – And Why They Cheat

Infidelity is a complex and deeply hurtful betrayal within relationships. Understanding the different types of cheaters and the underlying reasons behind their actions can shed light on this destructive behavior. In this blog post, we will explore seven types of cheaters, the motivations that drive them to cheat, and what to do when we discover they cheated. It is important to note that these classifications are not exhaustive, and each individual's situation is unique.

7 types of cheaters

1. The Opportunistic Cheater

These individuals are driven by the opportunity for a clandestine affair. They may lack self-control and be easily swayed by temptation. Whether it's a spontaneous encounter or an unplanned connection, they seize the moment without considering the consequences. Opportunistic cheaters may struggle with impulse control and have difficulty resisting temptations that come their way.

2. The Serial Cheater

Serial cheaters have a pattern of repeated infidelity across multiple relationships. They may feel trapped by the commitment and fear long-term monogamy. Serial cheaters often have deep-seated issues with intimacy and struggle to maintain genuine emotional connections. They may move from one relationship to another in search of excitement or novelty, leaving a trail of broken trust behind them.

3. Emotional Cheaters

These individuals form intense emotional connections with someone outside of their committed relationship. While they may not engage in physical infidelity, their emotional involvement can be just as damaging. Emotional cheaters seek solace, understanding, and validation from someone other than their partner. They may confide in this person, share intimate details of their life, and rely on them for emotional support, creating a breach in the emotional bond with their partner.

4. Revenge Cheaters

Revenge cheaters seek retaliation for perceived wrongdoings or betrayals by their partners. They cheat as a way to even the score or inflict pain. Their actions stem from deep hurt and anger, and they believe that cheating will restore their sense of power and control. Revenge cheaters may view infidelity as a means of regaining a sense of justice or getting back at their partner.

5. Exit Strategy Cheaters

These individuals use infidelity as a catalyst to end the relationship. They may feel trapped or unhappy in their current partnership but lack the courage or clarity to initiate a breakup directly. By engaging in infidelity, they create distance and justification for ending the relationship. Exit strategy cheaters may see the affair as a way to expedite the inevitable breakup.

6. Narcissistic Cheaters

Narcissistic cheaters have an inflated sense of self-importance and an insatiable need for admiration and attention. They cheat to boost their ego and validate their self-worth. Narcissistic cheaters view relationships as a means to fulfill their own desires and gratification. They may seek multiple partners to feed their need for attention and maintain a constant source of validation.

7. Sex Addict Cheaters

Sex addict cheaters have an uncontrollable and compulsive need for sexual gratification outside of their committed relationship. Their actions are driven by a deep-seated addiction to sex rather than an emotional connection. Sex addict cheaters may engage in multiple affairs or casual encounters to satisfy their insatiable cravings. Their behavior is rooted in an underlying psychological and physiological need for sexual stimulation.

Why they cheat

1. Lack of fulfillment

People may cheat when they feel a sense of dissatisfaction in their current relationship. This can manifest in various ways, such as feeling unappreciated, emotionally disconnected, or sexually unfulfilled. Seeking validation, excitement, or novelty outside of the relationship becomes a way to address these unmet needs.

2. Emotional dissatisfaction

Emotional neglect or a lack of emotional connection in a relationship can drive individuals to cheat. They may crave emotional intimacy and understanding, and when they don't receive it from their partner, they seek it elsewhere. The desire for someone who can provide the emotional support they long for can lead to emotional infidelity.

3. Self-esteem and validation

Some people cheat as a means to boost their self-esteem and seek validation from others. They may have low self-esteem and rely on external sources for validation, admiration, and a sense of worth. Engaging in an affair can temporarily boost their ego and provide a fleeting sense of validation.

4. Opportunity and Curiosity

Cheating can also stem from the availability of tempting opportunities or curiosity about what lies beyond the confines of the relationship. Individuals may be drawn to new experiences, new connections, or the thrill of pursuing someone outside their partnership. The allure of the unknown can be difficult to resist, leading to acts of infidelity.

5. Emotional or physical attraction

Strong emotional or physical attractions to someone other than their partner can be a significant factor in infidelity. These attractions may develop unexpectedly and create intense feelings that individuals struggle to ignore. Despite still loving their partner, they succumb to the allure of the attraction and engage in cheating.

6. Relationship dissatisfaction

Existing problems within a relationship, such as unresolved conflicts, lack of communication, or unmet needs, can contribute to infidelity. When individuals feel unhappy or unfulfilled in their partnership, they may seek fulfillment and satisfaction outside of it. They may believe that finding what they're missing elsewhere will bring them the happiness they desire.

7. Escaping from problems

For some individuals, cheating becomes an escape from personal or relationship issues they are facing. Engaging in an affair can provide temporary relief from stress, boredom, or dissatisfaction. It becomes a way to avoid confronting and addressing the underlying problems, instead opting for a distraction that only adds further complications.

What to do when we discover they cheat

1. Take time for self-reflection

Use this experience as an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection. Consider your own feelings, needs, and desires. Explore your boundaries and values in relationships and evaluate whether they align with the actions of your partner. This self-reflection can help you gain clarity on what you truly want and deserve in a relationship.

2. Assess the reasons behind the infidelity

While the responsibility for cheating lies solely with the cheater, it can be helpful to understand the underlying reasons that contributed to the betrayal. This is not to justify or excuse their actions, but to gain insight into any patterns or issues within the relationship that may have contributed to the breakdown of trust.

3. Make informed decisions

Give yourself time to process the situation before making any major decisions about the future of the relationship. Rushing into decisions fueled by anger or hurt may not lead to the best outcome. Take the time to gather information, reflect on your feelings, and make decisions based on what feels right for you.

4. Consider the possibility of forgiveness

Forgiveness is a deeply personal choice and not an easy one. It may take time and a willingness to work through your emotions before you can even consider forgiveness. However, forgiving doesn't mean forgetting or condoning the behavior. It means choosing to let go of the resentment and moving forward, either within the relationship or separately.

Conclusion

Discovering that your partner has cheated can be a devastating experience that shakes the very foundation of a relationship. In this blog, we have explored the different types of cheaters, delving into their motivations and providing insight into why infidelity occurs.

We have also discussed the emotional turmoil and confusion that often accompanies the discovery of cheating, along with practical steps to take when faced with such a situation. It is important to remember that each person and relationship is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

However, by understanding the types of cheaters and their underlying reasons, you can gain clarity and make informed decisions about the future of your relationship.

Ultimately, trust your instincts and remember that you deserve love, respect, and happiness. With time, support, and self-reflection, you can navigate the complexities of infidelity and emerge stronger, whether that is within the relationship or on a new path of personal growth and fulfillment.