Sexual Infidelity – “The Mating Game” text
Emotional Incompatibility – Spouses who stay in a loveless marriage for the sage of the children or for economic or
social reasons might seek affairs or one-night stands to obtain the passion, excitement, and affection they used to
receive from each other.
Boredom – People sometimes engage in affairs for purely recreational motives. They may love their partners and even
find their relational sex lives to be highly pleasurable, but at the same time they may feel a need for sexual adventure.
Sexual Incompatibility – One partner who desires sex more than the other, or who wishes to engage in activities that the
other does not enjoy or want to try, may pursue sex outside the relationship.
Flattery – Is defined as the notice or attention of an especially attractive or successful suitor, can cause people in even
the most stable, positive, and successful relationships to stray.
Desire to End the Relationship – A person might have an affair, a one-night stand, or some other sexual liaison
precisely so that the partner will find out and terminate the relationship.
Love – Some affairs grow out of long-term friendships or coworker relationships; the individuals involved already have a
strong affection and love for each other, and over time their feelings lead to a sexual relationship.
As discussed in class, I believe that “Anger” as a reason for sexual infidelity more appropriately falls under Emotional
Incompatibility or Desire to End the Relationship. However, I will list it here:
Anger – People also may engage in extrarelational sex out of anger or as a way to punish the partner for emotional
slights or other “bad” behavior.
"The Mating Game: A primer on love, sex, and marriage." Pamela Regan Sage Publications 2003