* A shocking proposal was made in an online forum, suggesting the 29th February should be an opportunity for people to cheat on their partners without consequences.

* Rather than being met with disdain, the initial post received a wave of positive responses, causing concern for married people.

* Relationship expert suggests cheating on the 29th February could actually be beneficial for relationships, as 72% of married people said they were happier in their marriage since they started having an affair.

* The post on the IllicitEncounters.com ‘Flirt Forum’ is just one of many unconventional topics discussed.

In the world of love and romance, traditions have often leaned towards the conventional, with men taking the lead in popping the question. However, every four years, the tables turn and women can take the reins on the 29th February.

But the leap year tradition sparked a controversial discussion on extramarital dating site IllicitEncounters.com’s ‘Flirt Forum’. 

The debate began when a user posted a suggestion that would normally raise eyebrows, reading: “Since it’s a leap year, women can propose on the 29th February. And that got me thinking… for people who are already married or engaged, we should celebrate ‘Cheat Leap’, where cheating in a leap year doesn’t count! Sounds like a good enough excuse to play away this year… Or maybe the 29th should be ‘Come On To Someone Else’s Spouse Day’. What do we reckon?”

The shocking suggestion, rather than being met with disgust, was actually applauded by people who responded. One user reacted, “Good lord, genius, a national f**k another partner day.”

Another added, “Sounds perfect I like that idea…”, whilst someone declared they would “give it a try on the 29th, who knows it could be worth a leap of faith for one time”.

One user seemed to welcome the idea, stating “I’m thinking that sex at home is probably once every leap year….I’m looking for my temperature to be risen a lot more frequently than that.”

Although it’s a concerning topic that might spark fears for people in relationships, it turns out, having an affair might not be such a bad thing after all.

Jessica Leoni, spokesperson for IllicitEncounters.com, commented on the discussion, saying, “Our Flirt Forum is full of some rather unexpected conversations, with topics you really won’t find anywhere else.

It’s interesting to see that people who have already gone through the proposal process might end up feeling a little left out when leap years come around.

However, back in November 2023, a study we conducted showed that 72% of married people said they were happier in their marriage since they started having an affair – which actually became a topic of discussion on Good Morning Britain. 

So, actually, having an affair on the 29th February, or during a leap year might not be such a bad thing for your marriage after all.”