Tag: extramarital

Cat-ching cheats: Cat owners more likely to stray in a relationship

The key findings

* Survey reveals 29% of cheaters own a cat, making them the most likely to cheat

* Findings coincide with International Cat Day – 8th August

* Fish (21%) and rabbit (16%) owners also made it into the top three  

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

It’s official: there’s a new way of discovering if your partner is unfaithful. Forget detective work; checking phones and messages is old news. Now, keep an eye out for one critical detail: whether they have a feline friend!

IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s top dog when it comes to married dating sites, found that nearly a third of the 2000 members polled own cats, making them by far the most unfaithful pet owners. 

You might want to keep an eye on your partner if they own fish too, with 21% of cheaters polled owning an underwater friend, using their smooth-talking skills and deception to swim through tricky situations without getting caught.

Rabbit owners made it into the top three, with 16% of cheaters declaring they’ve got a bunny at home, and in the meantime they’re bed-hopping behind their partner’s back.

Ironically, rat and mice owners have been found to be the most faithful, with just 4% of loverats having one at home. 

Cat owner, Sarah from Newcastle, who took part in the survey said “I’ve always been a bit of a cat woman. I just feel like I relate to them so well: I’m confident, independent and like to strut my stuff. I suppose I like being the centre of attention too, and since my husband works non-stop these days, I’ve turned to my lover to fill that void.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, IllicitEncounters.com’s sex and relationships expert commented, “It’s funny how behaviour in pets often mirrors that of their owners. Cats sometimes come across as aloof and unaffectionate due to their independent nature, which can be viewed as a lack of loyalty. With fewer displays of attachment and obedience, it seems cat owners are taking a leaf out of their feline’s way of life.

Next time you find yourself having a discussion with your partner about which animal you want for pet children, push for a mouse and be wary if they propose having a pussy at home. With tomorrow being International Cat Day, partners of those four-legged purrers might want to be extra vigilant.”


Results

Cat 29%

Fish 21%

Rabbit 16%

Bird 11%

Dog 9%

Reptile 8%

Rats/mice 4%

Other 2%

Surge in women cheating on partners in shocking trend – broke blokes beware

The key findings

* Number of women cheating is rising due to their partners earning less than them

* 79% of women say they’re not willing to date a partner who doesn’t match or exceed their own salary

* The findings come from IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site
 

According to recent reports, there’s a surge in women cheating on their partners, and the culprit might just be a little thing called money. It seems that as more women climb the ladder of success, some are straying from their partners who just can’t keep up financially. 

Gone are the days when women were content with being arm candy for a high-rolling suitor. Today, they’re taking control, refusing to settle for anything less than what they bring to the table. Nowadays, women have their sights set on partners who can match their ambition, drive, and, according to a new poll, their bank accounts.

A recent survey of 2,000 women conducted by the married dating site IllicitEncounters.com sheds light on this emerging phenomenon. Astonishingly, a whopping 79% of ladies expressed their unwillingness to date a partner who earns less than they do. 

When asked about how much their partner earns compared to their own salary, the survey yielded intriguing results. Among the responses, 47% said their partner earns less than them, while 31% said their partner earns a similar amount. Only a minority of 22% said their partner earns more than them.

So, why are women choosing to cheat if their partner earns less than them? One of the reasons cited by the ladies included heightened resentment from their husbands after no longer being the financial “superior” in the relationship. Partners who are unable to match a woman’s drive and ambition was also highlighted as a key factor when it comes to opting for infidelity, with ladies seeking fulfilment and a connection elsewhere.

Emily, a member of the married dating site, said “My marriage has completely broken down since I brought up the issue of my husband earning less than me. It’s not about being materialistic, I just don’t want to be the one that has to cater for them – surely it should be the other way around, or at least share the responsibility? I’m the one who covers the bills and pays our ridiculously high mortgage while he just sits back and earns his peanuts.”

Olivia, another user of the website, commented “The relationship with my husband has become so tense since I started earning more than him. All of a sudden he feels inadequate and it gets his back up that I’m now the one able to splash the cash. Our arguments have gotten so petty that I’ve had enough now, so I’ve turned to IllicitEncounters to find someone who praises my success instead of being jealous of it.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

When asked to comment on the results of the survey, sex and relationships expert for IllicitEncounters.com, Jessica Leoni, said “When it comes to relationships, money can really stir up a mixed bag of emotions, especially for the modern woman. It’s a real shame that men have a hard time accepting relationships where women earn more than them.

Times have changed. Women are more successful than ever in the workplace, and they don’t want to have to provide for someone earning below their pay grade. Could it be time we started adding salaries to dating profiles?”

Frisky Friday Warning: Today (21st July) is the peak day of the year for affairs

The key findings

* Today is the day people are mostly likely to cheat on their partner

* July is the most popular month for infidelity, with the end of the school year and higher temperatures to blame

* The Christmas period is the next most popular time for affairs 

* The findings come from IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site
 

Today has been declared the day that people are most likely to have an affair. Known as ‘Frisky Friday’, it’s the peak day for affairs with people planning to have their last illicit encounter with their lover before schools break up for the summer holidays.  

Leading up to Frisky Friday, there was a notable surge in activity on IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s top website for married dating, with a substantial 52% increase in registrations. Anticipating even more engagement, the platform expects a significant 79% overall upswing on the 21st July, which happens to be the most favoured day of the year for extramarital affairs.

After surveying 1000 male and female members, the site discovered that a significant 89% of adulterers maintain communication with their affair partner during the summer “cheat break”. Additionally, over half of them (58%) have already made arrangements to meet their lovers immediately after the summer holidays in September.

Charlotte from London who uses the extramarital site said, “I’ve been with my husband for years now, and with every day that passes, the spark in our relationship fades. I’ve been seeing a married man for months but we both know the school holidays will make it challenging for us to meet. That’s why we’ve planned to see each other today for one last rendezvous. Don’t get me wrong, we’ll still be in touch over the next month but if I’m honest, I’m already looking forward to September.”

George from Birmingham, who also uses the website, commented, “I’ve been meeting women from the site for years now, despite being married with two kids. Summer holidays are actually the thing I dread most because I know that’s the time I won’t be able to see my lover, and instead I’m forced to play happy families.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

When asked to comment on the Frisky Friday phenomenon, Jessica Leoni who is the sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com said “July has historically been the busiest month of the year for our website, and the data shows that this year is no different.

The peak tends to come just before and after the summer holidays, as well as the Christmas period – perhaps one of the most stressful times of the year for couples. Knowing that they’ll be taking a “cheat break” pushes people to find the connection they’re lacking at home, and, as soon as the obligatory family time comes to an end, they’re free to do as they please.”

Results

1. July
2. January
3. December
4. October
5. September
6. June
7. February
8. April
9. November
10. August
11. March
12. May

Wimble-YUM: what’s keeping women glued to the British tennis tournament?

The key findings

* 92% of women watching Wimbledon this year are solely interested in the good-looking players

* Matteo Berrettini is declared the player most women will be keeping an eye on on the courts

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

Wimbledon is back. Tennis fans around the world have been eagerly anticipating the prestigious tournament, and the world’s top-ranked players have started to battle it out, showcasing their skills and striving for victory, but it seems that tennis itself is not the real reason people watch Wimbledon – if you’re a woman.

A survey conducted by married dating site IllicitEncounters.com found that of the 2000 ladies polled, a resounding 92% of women watching Wimbledon this year are only interested in watching ‘the talent’ on the courts, and we’re not talking skill… 

When asked who in particular they were keeping a close eye on this year, Italian Matteo Berrettini aced the competition with a spectacular 77% of the vote.

Stefanos Tsitsipas appears to have also smashed his way into the hearts of the ladies, as 74% declared he’s the hottie they ‘love’ to watch.

Making it into the top three with 68%, the top-ranked British player Cameron Norrie is one to watch for women, sure to get hearts racing this year.

Mia, a member of IllicitEncounters commented, “I’m not the sportiest person, and if I’m honest I have no idea about the rules of tennis but I do know a hottie when I see one. It’s the Italians I like to keep an eye on, especially Berrettini – he’s pure perfection.”

Another user of the married dating site, Ellie, said, “It’s all about the British charm and good looks for me, so I’ll be glued to my seat for Cameron Norrie’s matches. The truth is, though, there’s so much eye candy on the courts these days that I’m just spoilt for choice.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert for IllicitEncounters noted, “When it comes to why women watch Wimbledon, it’s not all about the fierce competition and incredible tennis skills displayed on the court.

Evolutionary psychology says that women are naturally wired to be attracted to healthy, fit, and genetically superior mates. So, when we see those hunky athletes with their killer physiques and chiselled jaws, it triggers our primal instincts.

Wimbledon offers a perfect mix of top-notch tennis action on British soil and some seriously good-looking athletes. It’s like a sports event and a visual treat rolled into one, making it a win-win situation for women everywhere.”

Results

Which players in particular will you be watching during Wimbledon?

Matteo Berrettini 77%
Stefanos Tsitsipas 74%
Cameron Norrie 68%
Grigor Dimitrov 62%
Borna Ćorić 57%
Casper Rudd 50%
Andy Murray 48%
Alexander Zverev 42%
Dennis Shapovalov 37%
Dominic Thiem 33%
Novak Djokovic 28%
Other 12%

Study finds link between education and cheating

The key findings

* 83% of people who cheat have a degree

* Computer science graduates top the list of people most likely to have an affair

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

In a world where higher education is hailed as the secret recipe for personal and professional triumph, an unexpected guest appears to have crashed the party: a connection between graduates and infidelity.

According to new research released by IllicitEncounters, the UK’s leading married dating site, there could be a link between being university educated and cheating. 

Back in January, new census data showed that 1 in 3 people now have a degree or similar in the UK*, making the number of potential cheaters alarmingly high, and with summer graduation ceremonies in full force, that figure continues to grow.

When it polled 2000 of its members, IllicitEncounters found that 83% are graduates, seemingly making it the ultimate magnet for the brainy and bright.

Delving deeper, the website found that Computer Science was the degree that the majority of cheaters have, with 1 in 5 tech-savvy people clearly knowing how to hack into complex algorithms and secret affairs.

Business graduates followed, with 18% of unfaithful people knowing how to mix profit with pleasure.

14% of cheaters have a degree in Management studies, managing to master the art of an extramarital love life and spreadsheets, whilst keeping a few secrets tucked away in their briefcases.

History and graphic design graduates, on the other hand, were declared the least likely to cheat, with just 2% of unfaithful people having studied these at university.

Andy, who is a member of the extramarital dating site, commented, “I currently work for a big multinational as a data analyst, having studied computer science at university. Even the most logical minds can’t resist a bit of playful rebellion. Plus, since I’m good with computers, I know how to hide my digital tracks making it practically impossible for my wife to find out.”

Another user of IllicitEncounters.com, Emma, said, “When I went to university, it was the first time I lived away from home and that’s when I really felt a sense of independence. It definitely helped in terms of personal growth and I started exploring my desires and boundaries, so I suppose you could say that’s what sparked my open-mindedness when it comes to having a relationship outside of my marriage.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Addressing the study, Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert at IllicitEncounters.com noted, “It certainly appears that there’s a direct link between a person’s education and their approach to infidelity.”

When asked what could be fuelling graduates to cheat, Leoni stated, “Graduates often dive headfirst into ambitious careers which demand their time and energy: deadlines, workaholic tendencies and high-stress roles can definitely take a toll on relationships at home.

In addition to that, people often gravitate towards intelligence and the charm that can come from those more stimulating conversations, which in turn can create opportunities for connections that might test the boundaries of commitment.”

 *https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/educationandchildcare/bulletins/educationenglandandwales/census2021
 

Results

Do you have a degree?

Yes 83%
No 17%

What did you study at university? 

Computer science 20%
Business 18%
Management studies 14%
Law 13%
Dentistry 10%
Psychology 8%
English Literature 5%
Languages 4%
History 2%
Graphic design 2%
Other 4%

‘Kink-teresting’ poll reveals keeping sexual secrets could lead to infidelity

The key findings

* 86% of people are keeping their sexual fantasies a secret from their partner
* BDSM tops kinky list of secret sexual fantasies people aren’t willing to disclose to their other half
* Poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site
 

According to a new survey by the married dating site IllicitEncounters.com an alarming number of people are keeping schtum about their sexual desires, suggesting it could be fuelling an increase in infidelity as they fill their void elsewhere.

The website polled 2,500 of its members asking if they have sexual fantasies they haven’t revealed to their partner. The results showed a staggering 86% of people are keeping their sexual kinks under lock and key, unwilling to share their deepest desires.

Those who admitted to keeping sexual secrets were then asked to reveal what needs aren’t being met at home. BDSM dominated the list of secret sexual fantasies, tying up the competition and taking first place with 62% of the vote.

Half of members polled secretly fantasise about role play, suggesting that slipping into seductive characters and exploring taboo scenarios is too risqué to discuss with partners.

Fittingly in third place, threesomes are high on the list of secret sexual fantasies (47%). The allure of a steamy trio clearly captures the minds of many but few would reveal this to their other half.

A member of the married dating site, Jeff, said, “There’s so much I’d like to explore sexually with my wife but she’s really reserved. In fact, I don’t think we’ve ever really spoken about sex, let alone sexual fantasies. I know it’s something that’d make her feel uncomfortable, so I’d rather avoid rocking the boat.

Instead, I’ve decided to seek excitement and fulfilment elsewhere. I wouldn’t say it’s about being a cheater, I just want to fulfil my wilder desires and experience the adventure I’m missing at home before it’s too late.”

Carolina, another member of the website, said, “I’ve always struggled with opening up to my husband, so I just keep my sexual fantasies to myself, maybe because of fear he’ll judge me, or worse, laugh at me.

I suppose I’d always hoped he’d magically understand what I crave, which is why I’m now having my needs met outside of my marriage. Finding someone who I can be 100% honest with sexually has been so liberating – I just wish I’d found the site sooner!”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, sex and relationships expert for IllicitEncounters.com commented, “Not everyone feels comfortable sharing their sexual fantasies, and that’s perfectly fine! Sometimes the fear of judgement or rejection is just too much to handle, and it’s difficult to fully suppress those kinky desires, so needing to find a way of meeting those fantasies elsewhere isn’t surprising.

However, the number of people who don’t feel comfortable enough to share those sexual fantasies with their partner is actually quite alarming, because having open communication about something like that can have a huge impact on intimacy within a relationship. Sharing your desires can create more opportunities for exploration, understanding and potentially discovering new shared interests.”

Results

Do you have sexual fantasies you haven’t revealed to your partner?

Yes 86%
No 14%
 

Which sexual fantasies are you hiding from your partner?

BDSM 62%
Role play 50%
Threesomes 43%
Filming yourself having sex 27%
Swinging 22%
Crossdressing 13%
Other 8%

Destination Infidelity: Most men don’t consider affairs abroad as cheating

The key findings

* 77% of men don’t consider it cheating if they have an affair while on holiday
* Ibiza was voted the top holiday destination where men have a secret fling
* Research conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site
 

With the sunshine finally making an appearance in the UK, Brits have started to plan their summer getaways – but you might want to keep an eye on your man if he’s off on a lads’ holiday. A new study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com shows that the majority of men DON’T consider themselves to be cheating if they have an affair abroad.

Of the 1,800 members polled by the extramarital dating site, a surprising 77% of men don’t see an issue with indulging in an affair on foreign soil, believing it to actually be acceptable.

When asked where in the world they’d had a secret fling, Ibiza came out on top with 44% of the vote. The ultimate lad’s holiday destination often regarded as party paradise is clearly a hotspot for pushing boundaries.

Sailing close behind in second place was Ayai Napa with 41% of the vote. The coast of Cyprus clearly has sex appeal, with its non-stop rollercoaster of sun, sea and partying, and inhibitions are often left at home.

Magaluf made it into the top 3, with 36% of men admitting they’d cheated on their partners whilst soaking up the Spanish sunshine. The famous strip is a winner for men when it comes to cheating abroad.

Shaun, who uses the married dating site, said “What happens abroad, stays abroad. It’s become a bit of a ritual for me and the boys now. Every year we book a week away – sun, good food, great company and if you’re lucky, a nice little one-night stand. Obviously, my wife wouldn’t be too happy if she knew what we get up to, but because it’s just sex and a bit of fun, there’s really nothing for her to be worried about – I don’t love her any less, but life’s short so why not!”

Another member of IllicitEncounters.com, Joshua, said “For me there’s no doubt that cheating abroad is acceptable. Having done it before, it’s just physical, I’m not looking for an emotional connection, so as long as you can separate the two, there’s no harm done. You have a bit too much to drink with the lads, get a little loose, return home and it’s all back to normal – no one needs to know.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Sex and relationships expert, Jessica Leoni, commented “With temperatures set to rise and the long-awaited arrival of summer finally upon us, you might want to think twice about agreeing to your partner’s lads’ holiday. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” according to the majority of men polled. In terms of where men tend to let loose, island destinations dominated the list, with Spain having two spots in the top three with men deciding it’s the best country to live la vida loca.

It’s the mix of sunshine, copious amounts of alcohol and being far away from the wife that could potentially lead your partner astray – and you might be none the wiser when the boundaries of monogamy dissolve stepping off the plane. With lowered inhibitions, it’s all about having a good time, seizing the day and doing things they wouldn’t or couldn’t do back home.”
 

Results

Do you consider it cheating if you have an affair while on holiday?

Yes 23%
No 77%

Where in the world have you had a fling?

San Jose, Ibiza – 44%
Ayai Napa, Cyprus – 41%
Magaluf, Mallorca – 36%
Laganas, Greece – 32%
Bangkok, Thailand – 31%
Amsterdam, Netherlands – 27%
Prague, Czech Republic – 22%
Budapest, Hungary – 16%
Other – 7%

Is your partner a Man City fan? They might be cheating on you

The key findings

* Manchester City fans have been declared the biggest love rats
* Newcastle fans are the most faithful among the Premier League teams
* 79% of people are spurred on to cheat by their football team winning a match
* The findings come from IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

When it comes to football, the discussion about the GOAT is a continuous debate, but the UK’s largest married dating site, IllicitEncounters.com, has found the GOAT in the world of cheating: Manchester City fans.

The poll conducted by the website asked 2000 members which team they support, with Manchester City fans topping the league with 39% of the vote.

Arsenal fans came second in the list of biggest football fan cheats with 22%. Much like their position in the league, they haven’t quite managed to make it to the top.

If your partner supports Newcastle, on the other hand, you can rest easy as they’ve been declared the most faithful with just 2% of the vote.

In a second poll, the same pool of members was asked which match result made them more likely to message their mistress. Team triumphs were the biggest factor for contacting a secret lover with a notable 79%. If your partner’s team draws, there’s far less cause for concern, with just 2% spurred on to reach out to their fling.

Oliver, a member of Illicitencounters.com, said, “I’m a Cityzen through and through. I’ll be honest, when City got through to the semi-finals of the Champions League I went absolutely nuts. A lot of guys will be able to relate – the rush you get when your team scores is something else, let alone when they win. It’s like I’m on cloud nine, so reality just flies out the window. When I’m on a winning high, that’s when I get that YOLO feeling and get in touch with my mistress. The wife doesn’t notice because she just thinks I’m in the lads group chat celebrating. It literally is a win-win.”

Another user of the site, Noah, commented “Winning is like a drug: once you get a taste of it, you can’t stop. That’s exactly how I feel about having a secret relationship outside of my marriage. Every time the Gunners win it’s like an out-of-body experience. With that much adrenaline pumping around my body I need a release, and that’s when I get really randy.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Analysing the results of the polls, sex and relationships expert, Jessica Leoni, commented “It’s actually dopamine which sets off that good feeling in your brain after a win, which in turn makes you want to keep experiencing it over and over again. Goals scored in the last minutes of the match can have the biggest effect on football fans – last minute wins give an unparalleled buzz of adrenaline, which explains why so many men are spurred on to cheat afterwards. 

Any thoughts about potential consequences are washed away by the thrill of victory. So, if your partner never misses a match, you might want to secretly support the team they’re playing against – just to be on the safe side, otherwise their team might not be the only one scoring that night.”

Results

Which Premier League team do you support?

Man City 39%
Arsenal 22%
Man Utd 14%
Liverpool 11%
Tottenham 6%
Chelsea 4%
Newcastle 2%
Other 2%
 

Which football result makes you more likely to message your lover?

Team wins 79% 
Team loses 19%
Team draws 2%

Royal Flush – Prince Harry voted royal your partner is most likely to fantasise about in bed

The key findings

* 68% of women and 77% of men have fantasised about being intimate with a member of the royal family 

* 42% of women admitted to fantasising about Prince Harry while being in bed with their partner

* Kate Middleton voted by 54% of men as the royal they’ve imagined most during ‘sexy time’

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

Picture this: you’re in bed with your partner, things are getting steamy, the clothes are off, hearts are racing, but who are they thinking about? A poll conducted by IllicitEncounters.com has found that the person your partner is fantasising about at that moment is likely to be a royal!

The study by the married dating site asked 1000 women and 1000 men if they have ever fantasised about a member of the royal family. The results show it’s more common than you’d think, with 68% of women and 77% of men admitting to having visualised themselves getting steamy with a royal. So, it’s official – power and status are sexy!

Taking the top spot for women with 42% of the vote is ‘bad boy’ Prince Harry. Ditching his royal title and no longer being a working member of the royal family, ‘H’’s rebellion only adds to his attraction. He might be the ‘spare’ to the throne, but his rugged good looks and piercing blue eyes are enough to get the ladies swooning.

The next heir to the throne, Prince William came close second with 33% of women having fantasised about him, followed by King Charles with a regal 13% of the vote. Somewhat less inspiring were Prince Edward (5%), Mike Tindall (3%), Lord Frederick Windsor (2%) and Prince Andrew, with just 1% of ladies picturing themselves in the throes of passion with him.

When it comes to men, Kate Middleton is what dreams are made of, with more than half (54%) of males polled having fantasised about a ‘knight’ with the Princess of Wales. Naturally beautiful, slim figure with a regal smile – it all adds to her allure.

Taking second place with 23% of the vote was Meghan Markle, followed by Princess Eugenie (12%). Surprisingly, model Lady Amelia Windsor had only been fantasised about by 6% of men polled. Zara Tindall (3%) and Princess Beatrice (1%) don’t quite hit the spot for the gents.

One user of the website said “There’s definitely something exciting about the idea of being with a royal – I’ve shamelessly fantasised about Prince Harry more than once. What can I say?! I’m a sucker for a rebellious streak, and he just ticks all my boxes. My husband’s the complete opposite, we’ve been together forever and sometimes my mind needs a bit of stimulation when we’re being intimate, needs must!”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

Jessica Leoni, IllicitEncounters.com’s sex and relationship expert comments “It’s not uncommon to fantasise about being with people who hold positions of power – it’s actually a natural phenomenon. Members of the Royal family have the charisma and confidence that many people seek in a partner, not to mention their success, status and wealth. What’s not to love?!

It’s every little girl’s dream to meet their Prince Charming and that doesn’t change when we become adults. Alas, ladies and gents, the probability of being intimate with a royal is royally low, so don’t feel guilty about fantasising about it! We can all do with using our imaginations a bit more in the bedroom, and if thinking about King Charles turns you on, go for it – no one needs to know.”

Results

Which member of the royal family have you fantasised about?

For women:

Prince Harry 42%
Prince William 33%
King Charles 13%
Prince Edward 5%
Mike Tindall 3%
Lord Frederick Windsor 2%
Prince Andrew 1%
Other 1%



For men:

Kate Middleton 54%
Meghan Markle 23%
Princess Eugenie 12%
Lady Amelia Windsor 6%
Zara Tindall 3%
Princess Beatrice 1% 
Other 1%

Fatal Attraction – Cheaters less likely to forgive partner’s infidelity

The key findings

* 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.”

Expert comment from Jessica Leoni

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%