Why affairs happen

Infidelity can happen in happy as well as troubled relationships. Many factors can contribute to infidelity, including:

• Lack of affection
• Loss of fondness and caring for each other
• Imbalance of give and take in the relationship
• Breakdown of communication related to emotional and relationship needs
• Physical health issues, such as chronic pain or disability
• Mental health issues, including depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder
• Addiction, including addiction to sex, love, romance, gambling, drugs or alcohol
• Unaddressed marital problems, such as fear of intimacy or avoiding conflict
• Life cycle changes, such as the transition to parenthood or empty nesting
• Stressful periods, such as when partners are separated for long periods of time

Personal dissatisfaction and low self-esteem also can play a role in causing infidelity.