Why Did You Cheat?

“;These are my confessions,” Usher sings on his hit track ‘Confessions’. We all have secrets, deep dark ones.

And for some, it involves cheating. For years, many have been asking the question ‘why do people cheat?’ and the reasons have been plenty. Loneliness, feelings… or is it simply in the blood?

A study done earlier this year states that there are a number of scientific theories as to why people cheat. The first theory is that monogamy is not natural, it is in fact something that is developed, especially if it matters to us. Another theory claims that it’s in the genes, making it more likely for you to cheat.

Another study claims that our brain systems concerning love and emotions do not always cooperate with each other, therefore, when they seek other interests, you are more likely to cheat.

Despite these theories, The Weekender’s readers came clean by sharing some of the reasons why people cheat, forgiven or not. “It’s imprinted in our brains,” Musa Kaseke shared.

Shawn Davids also had his own explanation. “It’s very simple. People cheat by will.” Andrew Shatimwene put his two cents into the conversation as well. “Feelings make us to do it.”

Freddie Hamukoto shared his views on cheating, with a comparison. “Have you ever ordered food, yet you are still looking at the menu? Why do you do that?”

Fikameni Mathias shared enlightening news on cheating. “She wasn’t around and I was hungry. Take it this way, when electricity goes off at home, chances are that you will use a generator.” A temporary replacement, perhaps? Facebook user Fillipe Cellor had this to say: “I cheated because of being lonely. I am in a long distance relationship, so when I got feelings of wanting sex, my partner was not around and someone else was nearby who had feelings for me. So I just cheated…”

“Having no time with your boyfriend/girlfriend will lead to cheating, because I’m always feeling lonely but that’s not the matter,” Ascar Udaly shared.

Speaking under anonymity, Elizabeth Shilongo* shared her experience. “Well, I cheated simply cause my guy had trust issues. He would go through my phone every time just to see what I have been up to. I felt like the passion had faded and then I met someone who treated me better and appreciated me.”

Also choosing to voice his opinions under anonymity, Felix Burger* shared his opinion about cheating in general. “The first explanation is probably the most well known: Spouses cheat because of problems in their relationship. Something is missing, the passion has faded, partners feel lonely, a partner finds someone who treats them better or who appreciates them more than their current spouse, and so on. Cheating isn’t good. I am a man with respect, passion, trust and I could not cheat. I respect my girlfriend, that’s why I cannot cheat.”

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.