Experts say it\u2019s hard to tell whether more people are cheating than in the past because of differences in definition and because more people are forming very personal, marriage-like relationships without actually marrying. Is it adultery if there\u2019s no spouse?<\/p>\n
“I believe that women are catching up because they have greater exposure to other men in the workplace, the gym, on social media, etc.,” Doares said. “There is also a diminishing emphasis on marriage itself. This is driven by an increased focus on self and personal happiness, as well as a lack of support for the institution in society at large.”<\/p>\n
People have more opportunity than ever before to have an affair, too. Hodson said she sees more women engage in affairs because it’s much easier than in the past to connect with ex-boyfriends, meet new people and get one’s personal needs met beyond a marital relationship. The same is true for men: “I mean, we live in a time where you can be cheating on your spouse while sleeping right next to him,” Hodson said<\/p>\n