* 72% of married people say they’re happier in their marriage since starting an affair
* 52% of cheats say they’re having more sex with their other halves than ever before
* 38% of people believe a boost in their mood whilst having an affair has had a positive impact on their sex life at home 
* An increase in self-esteem (26%) and heightened sex drive (22%) when cheating are the other biggest factors that are leading to more action between the sheets for couples
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site
 

More often than not, having an affair is seen in a negative light. However, new research might have you considering the pros, as it turns out playing away not only makes you happier, but you’re more likely to see an improvement in your relationship with your spouse – especially in the bedroom.

IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site, polled 1,400 married members to see what effect having an affair has had on their relationship at home. 

Shockingly, 72% of married people say they’re happier in their marriage since starting an affair, and of those, 52% said they’re actually having more sex than ever with their spouses.

When asked why they think there’s been an improvement in their sex life with their partners, 38% of love rats said they’re simply happier as a result of cheating, and it’s that mood boost that’s giving them the horn. 

26% of married people having an affair said that they’re having more sex with their husbands and wives because they’ve got more self-esteem.

22% of love rats believe the thrill of cheating has led to a heightened sex drive, saying that’s why they’re seeing sparks fly in the bedroom with their spouses.

One member who took part in the study, Colin, 37 from Exeter said, “Since starting an affair five months ago, I’ve been having more sex than ever – and not just with my lover. 

I’ve definitely noticed that I’ve become more patient with my wife, more able to let the little things that got on my nerves slide. We’re fighting less too – it’s like having this secret escape has brought over a sense of calm in my life and I’m just happier overall. 

Now, I can actually bear going home to my wife and our sex is miles better…and funnily enough, we’ve been at it more in the past five months than in the past five years. It’s a win-win in my eyes!”

Jessica Leoni, IllicitEncounters.com’s sex and relationships expert commented, “It might sound strange, but so many people find that their overall satisfaction in their primary relationships improves when having an affair. 

One thing that’s become clear is the impact that personal happiness has on your sex life, especially for those seeking fun outside of their marriage. They get this newfound surge in happiness, whether that comes from the affair itself or from the escape it provides, and that can spill over into the relationship at home. 

Happier people often approach intimacy with a more positive mindset, making them more tolerant, and in some cases, more appreciative of their partners.”

Results

Have you been happier in your existing relationship since having an affair?
Yes -72%
No – 26%
The same – 2%

Do you continue having sex with your husband/wife whilst having an affair?
Yes – 86%
No – 12%
Not sure – 2%

Would you say you have more or less sex with your other half whilst having an affair?
More – 52%
Less – 23%
The same – 25%

* 77% of cheats say they’ve revealed their infidelity to someone they know, hoping to lighten their load.

* Alarmingly, 1 in 4 cheats have been outed by the person they confided in, finding the burden too much to bear.

* Best friends (34%) are the people love rats turn to when coming clean about their shenanigans, whilst talking to strangers online (22%), hairdressers/barbers (8%) and bartenders (4%) are the unlikely people cheaters trust most with their secrets.

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

A problem shared is a problem halved, right? Wrong – if you’re having an affair. New research has revealed that confiding in the people closest to you about your affair might not be the wisest move if you want to avoid getting caught.

The study conducted by extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com found that 77% of cheats have spilled the beans about their infidelity to someone they know.

Historical research provided by the website shows that in 2018 just 18% of people were betrayed by the person they confided in when it came to revealing their infidelity. However, a recent poll has found a significant increase in backstabbing as now 1 in 4 people get ratted out by the very people they believe they can trust the most, proving that loose lips really do sink ships.

So, who are cheaters most likely to share their darkest affair secrets with?

Best buddies are the top pick (34%), while others prefer to keep it in the family offloading on their siblings (27%).

Surprisingly, 22% of cheats have found themselves disclosing their infidelity to strangers online, with safe spaces like the Illicitencounters.com ‘Flirt Forum’ where love rats can vent, seek advice, and spill the juiciest details without fear of discovery.

If you suspect your partner’s having an affair, you might also want to consider talking to their hairdresser or barber. It turns out 8% of people have revealed details of their affair while going for a trim, making your hair appointments more like therapy sessions, whilst 4% of cheaters have poured their hearts out to bartenders.

Emily from Stoke-on-Trent, a member of IllicitEncounters who took part in the study said, “I’ve known my best friend for much longer than I’ve known my husband – I’d trust her with my life. Talking to her about my affair was one of the hardest but most liberating decisions I’ve ever made. Her support and non-judgmental approach was exactly what I needed, and there’s the extra perk of her now being my alibi when I’m meeting up with my lover.

I know it’s risky letting people know what I’m getting up to behind my husband’s back, but the weight of my secret was becoming too much to bear and I just needed to spill the beans to someone – I can’t tell you how much of a relief it was.”

Jessica Leoni, IllicitEncounters.com’s sex and relationships expert commented, “It’s fascinating to see just how many people turn to people they know when it comes to disclosing secret infidelity, highlighting the human need for emotional support and understanding during times of turmoil in a relationship. 

Close friends often serve as a safe space where individuals can seek advice, gain perspective, and find comfort when grappling with the complex emotions surrounding infidelity. In cases like this, a problem shared really is a problem halved.

Of course, there’s always a risk when it comes to confiding such an immense secret with people you know – make sure they really can be trusted to keep schtum because you could easily see this backfire.”

Results

People cheaters are most likely to confide in:
Best friends – 34%
Siblings – 27%
Strangers online – 22%
Co-workers – 16%
Parents – 11%
Hairdressers/barbers – 8%
Bartenders – 4%
Other – 2%