Infidelity

Introduction

Infidelity is a breaking of the bond of trust between two partners in a relationship through emotional and sexual betrayal with another person. Infidelity can occur over varying time periods, from a one-night stand to a long-term affair, and can occur with both married and unmarried couples. Infidelity within marriage is also known as adultery. Studies have shown that marital infidelity is relatively common and that more men than women commit infidelity. By the late 20th century, however, women were committing infidelity in ever-greater numbers due to social, cultural, and legal changes. The stresses of infidelity and its aftermath affect a mother's emotional and physical health, as well as that of her children, often straining the mother-child relationship.

Discussion

Infidelity often referred to as disloyalty, adultery or fraud, and it involves a man who is willing to involve in the other person's spouse or other partnership, is committed to engaging in physical activity. In close relationships, infidelity mostly occurs in two aspects, which include physical and emotional intimacy. Sex is an essential element in the pair and if it is defective, who are dissatisfied tend to look outside the relationship of sexual satisfaction is not his/her partner. If someone still feels a great love for the couple in the bed did not find anything exciting, he/she retaliate by having sex with another person. This happens because a person is angry with her own partner who does not want to make love or not to carry out the sexual fantasies. (Scarf, p. 16)

The Rise in Female Infidelity

The increasing likelihood of female economic self-sufficiency and more gender-equitable divorce laws has played a role in the growth of infidelity among women. Historically, women who committed infidelity faced much harsher legal punishments and social repercussions than men who committed infidelity. Currently, most women who commit infidelity meet the person they are unfaithful with at work, an increasingly probable scenario as women entered the workforce in greater numbers beginning in the mid-20th century. Internet technology has also facilitated infidelity and created a new category of infidelity, as some illicit couples carry on emotional relationships entirely online.

Modern motherhood issues have also contributed to the growth of female infidelity. Many mothers feel overwhelmed as they try to balance the demands of marriage, family, and careers, working long hours, cleaning the house, preparing meals, maintaining sexual satisfaction in their relationship, and maintaining their children's increasingly hectic schedules. Some mothers also complain that once they have children, they feel as if they are sacrificing their own identity to become a good mother. The stereotypical social expectations of a good mother, based on the concept called intensive mothering, can make mothers feel guilty or afraid to express their frustrations. Some mothers use infidelity as an escape from these stresses and difficult emotions.

Mothers who commit infidelity or whose partner commits infidelity will likely experience a number of physical and emotional symptoms that can impact their health and parenting ability. The stress of the situation is often accompanied by a wide range of emotions, including ...