How is female infidelity different from male?

From the point of view of science

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Women’s infidelity is worse and more destructive than men’s, despite the fact that women, on average, cheat less than men – this is a common belief. But is it really so and is it consistent with the current reality and morality? Swiss journalist Michelle Binswanger, who wrote the book Cheating: A Handbook for Women, is sure that everything is not so simple.

The book, currently only available in German, collects the experience of women of all ages who cheated on their partners once or regularly. And these stories can make us look at the myth of female fidelity with very different eyes. Statistics show that men are more prone to infidelity: for example, some studies claim that up to 80% of men have ever cheated on their girlfriends – while for women this figure is half that. But is higher morality really the cause of such a gap? Binswanger is sure not.

“As you know, women are more susceptible to social pressure than men. And society, until recently, was categorically negative about female infidelity, and even now it is much more willing to “forgive" unfaithful men than women, “says the writer.

Another reason that keeps women from cheating, Michelle Binswanger calls less free time and opportunities: due to the fact that housework and raising children are mostly assigned to women, it is more difficult for them to find free time, as well as communicate and get to know each other. with new people – and therefore more difficult to make casual connections

However, the writer was able to formulate the main difference between female infidelity and male infidelity. According to her, a man cheats if an opportunity presents itself, while a woman decides to cheat after she feels dissatisfaction with some of her expectations and desires. In addition, according to the writer, having changed, women experience a deeper sense of guilt.