7 traits of men who are more likely to have affairs, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

If you’ve ever wondered why some men are more prone to infidelity, you’re not alone.

It’s a tough topic, filled with a lot of emotions and unanswered questions.

Psychology suggests that there might be certain traits that make some men more likely to have affairs.

It’s not a foolproof formula, but rather an observation based on extensive research.

This doesn’t mean every man with these traits will cheat, but understanding these characteristics can give you some insight into the complexities of infidelity.

So let’s dive into these 8 traits of men who are more likely to have affairs, according to psychology:

1) High levels of narcissism

A key trait often found in men more prone to infidelity is narcissism.

Narcissistic individuals have an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for admiration.

Now, this doesn’t mean that every man with a touch of narcissism will stray—but studies indicate that those with stronger narcissistic tendencies may be more likely to cheat.

Why? It could be because narcissists often feel entitled to get what they want, without thinking about the impact on others.

They may also lack empathy, which makes it easier for them to dismiss the feelings of their partners.

2) The thrill-seeker personality

Men who have a high need for thrill and adventure can sometimes be more prone to infidelity.

This is because the element of risk associated with an affair can be incredibly enticing to those who crave excitement.

The thrill of the new, the secret, the forbidden can act as a strong pull towards extramarital affairs.

This is linked to the brain’s reward system, where dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released during novel experiences.

It’s important to note that having a thrill-seeking personality doesn’t automatically mean a man will cheat, but understanding this trait can help in fostering open discussions about needs, desires, and boundaries within a relationship.

3) Lack of emotional intelligence

It’s not uncommon for men who struggle with emotional intelligence to be more susceptible to having affairs.

Emotional intelligence, or EI, refers to the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others.

If a man lacks EI, he might find it difficult to express his feelings or understand his partner’s emotional needs.

This can create a disconnect in the relationship and may lead him to seek emotional fulfillment elsewhere.

Now, this isn’t to say that these men are bad or lacking in some way.

Everyone has different strengths and areas for growth.

Some people might just need a little more guidance and patience when it comes to emotional communication.

4) Having a history of infidelity

Let’s face it, we all have a past—and, sometimes, that past includes mistakes we’re not proud of.

For some men, a previous history of infidelity could be an indicator of future behavior.

It’s not about living in the past or holding past mistakes against someone.

People can and do change.

However, if a pattern of infidelity is present, it might be worth addressing.

It’s about understanding where they’ve been, what they’ve learned, and how they’ve grown since then.

And most importantly, it’s about open communication and honesty.

A past mistake shouldn’t define a person, but it can help to inform the steps you take together moving forward.

5) Low self-esteem

Surprisingly, men with lower self-esteem can sometimes be more likely to have affairs.

You might think, “But wouldn’t they be grateful for the love they have?”.

Well, it’s not that simple!

I remember a friend of mine who, despite being in a loving and supportive relationship, could never shake off the feeling that he wasn’t good enough.

He constantly sought validation from others to counter his low self-esteem.

Unfortunately, this led him to seek affirmation outside of his relationship in the form of an affair.

It wasn’t that he didn’t love his partner; rather, his struggle with self-worth compelled him to look for validation elsewhere.

So it’s crucial to understand that low self-esteem can sometimes lead to harmful behaviors, even if unintentional.

6) Lack of personal responsibility

When it comes to relationships, personal responsibility is non-negotiable.

If a man often shirks responsibility or blames others for his actions, it might be a red flag.

If he’s always playing the victim or passing the buck, he might struggle to take responsibility for his actions in a relationship.

This could potentially lead to infidelity, as he may shift blame or deny fault if confronted about his behavior.

Everyone stumbles now and then.

However, repeatedly avoiding responsibility isn’t just a bad habit.

It can seriously damage trust and mutual respect in a relationship.

7) Poor communication skills

At the heart of every successful relationship lies effective communication.

Men who struggle with their communication skills can sometimes be more likely to have affairs.

If a man finds it hard to express his feelings, needs, or concerns within the relationship, he might seek an outlet elsewhere.

This doesn’t excuse the behavior, but understanding this can help address the root cause.

Communication is a two-way street—it’s not just about talking; it’s about listening too.

Encouraging your partner to share openly and ensuring they feel heard can pave the way for better understanding and stronger connection.

Because at the end of the day, understanding each other better is the key to navigating any challenge that comes your way.

Conclusion

Understanding and navigating relationships is a complex task—and it’s all shaped by what you personally value and desire in a partnership.

This article has aimed to shed some light on the traits that could possibly make a man more likely to have an affair.

However, at the end of the day, it’s your relationship and your choices that matter.

Remember, time spent in understanding each other better is never wasted time.

Being truly intelligent in a relationship means knowing your partner well enough not to let these traits define them entirely, but rather use them as insights to foster better communication and understanding.

Here’s to nurturing healthier, happier, and more fulfilling relationships!

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