* 78% of people would not forgive their partner if they found out they were being unfaithful

* Poll finds sex, kissing and sexting to be the top three acts considered cheating

* Study released by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

 
With the release of the new ‘Fatal Attraction’ TV series on Paramount+ on the 1st May, the reboot has led to the topic of infidelity being on everyone’s lips.

The modern reimagining of the cult film tells the story of Dan Gallagher, a man who has a passionate affair with a woman (Alex) whilst the wife (Beth) is away. Admittedly, it all goes a bit pear-shaped, when Alex becomes the original ‘bunny boiler’ in the infamously hare-raising scene and well… you know the rest. Ultimately, though, Dan’s wife forgives the affair.

In stark contrast, a recent poll by IllicitEncounters.com, of 2000 members, found that a massive 78% of people WOULDN’T forgive their partner’s infidelity, despite the fact they themselves are users of the UK’s largest extramarital dating site.

When asked which acts they considered to be cheating, 100% of people said sex, declaring it undeniably the ultimate deceit.

Kissing followed, with 69% of people believing a snog is a step too far, whilst 47% said sexting was considered an unfaithful act.

On the other hand, chatting online with someone (32%), flirting (16%) and keeping in touch with an ex (15%) was deemed more acceptable, with fewer people considering it cheating.

Peter, a member of IllicitEncounters.com said “No one wants to know they’re being cheated on. Personally, I wouldn’t forgive my wife if I found out she was having an affair and I know that sounds rich coming from someone who is actually cheating, but I just don’t think I could bear the thought of her being with someone else. I’d be asking for a divorce straight away, and I think she’d do the same, which is why I’m being so discreet about my shenanigans.”

Jen, another user of the site, said “Ignorance is bliss. I’d be much happier not knowing that my husband’s having an affair. If he told me he was seeing someone else I’d then constantly be thinking about where he is and who he’s with, so I’ll firmly keep my head in the clouds.”

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert for IllicitEncounters.com, says “What is and isn’t considered cheating is incredibly subjective. Whilst one person might not have an issue with their partner keeping in touch with an old flame, other people just can’t stand the thought of it.

It’s no surprise that all members surveyed considered having sex with someone else as cheating, but the fact that the majority of those polled wouldn’t be able to forgive a cheating partner was rather shocking. It turns out people who are unfaithful have double standards when it comes to having affairs, and finding out their partner’s cheating is a hard pill to swallow.”

Results

Would you forgive your partner if you discovered they were cheating?

No – 78%
Yes – 16%
Unsure – 6%

What do you consider to be cheating? 

Sexual activity – 100%
Kissing – 69%
Sexting – 47%
Chatting online – 32%
Flirting – 16%
Keeping in touch with an ex – 15%
Other – 12%

* 78% of people admit to being unhappier in their relationship as a result of the cost of living crisis

* 53% of people have considered divorce because of current financial turmoil

* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site
 

After the surprise increase in the UK’s interest rates at the end of March and continuing rise in inflation, a new survey conducted by IllicitEncounters.com shows that financial woes aren’t the only thing we should be concerned about – marriages are increasingly at risk too.

More and more people are undeniably feeling the pinch during the current cost of living crisis, and it appears that relationships are suffering as a result.

The extramarital dating site surveyed 2000 members, asking if they are unhappier in their relationship as a result of the cost of living crisis. A whopping 78% of members agreed that it did indeed have an effect, suggesting that marriages are increasingly coming under pressure in the current financial climate.

Of those who declared they’re unhappier because of the gloomy economic situation, more than half (53%) have considered divorce due to marital tension as a result of the cost of living crisis.

However, divorce for many isn’t an option. The costly and drawn-out process is a headache no one wants to deal with unless absolutely necessary, so seeking an affair appears to be the cheaper and more accessible alternative.

Jeremy, a member on IllictEncounters.com said “The atmosphere at home over the past year was so bad that I just couldn’t stand being around my wife. I’d look for any excuse to stay away from her because I was so fed up with the arguments about how we were going to pay our bills that month. Obviously, with that amount of tension at home intimacy was the last thing on her mind, and since I wasn’t getting any at home I felt forced to find a release elsewhere.”

Lucy, another member on the site, said “I’d felt really isolated since the cost of living crisis came around. With my husband working non-stop trying to earn enough to cover the increased mortgage we’re paying, I’ve barely seen him. When we do finally get some time together, let’s just say that his performance is well below par – I’m lucky to get two minutes out of him but most of the time he doesn’t get aroused at all! Can you blame me for looking elsewhere?!”

IllictEncounters.com sex and relationships expert Jessica Leoni said “It’s no surprise that people are wanting to find a bit of happiness in what are pretty bleak times. With relationships bearing the brunt of the cost of living crisis, people are wanting to find ways to get those dopamine levels up again. Constant bickering about bills, turning the heating down or having shorter showers isn’t exactly sexy and definitely won’t get your engine revving.

We’ve actually seen a huge rise in new registrations over the past year. Taking that into account, as well as the figures released in the survey, it really just highlights how the current financial situation in the UK is having an impact on relationships, and the increased need to seek solace in the arms of others.”

Results

Are you unhappier in your relationship as a result of the cost of living crisis?

Yes – 78%
No – 19%
Unsure – 3%

Have you considered divorce as a result of the cost of living crisis?

Yes – 53%
No – 34%
Unsure – 13%