Esther Perel, a psychotherapist with decades of experience, says infidelity happens mainly because people feel their relationship has lost its excitement. While many factors can lead to cheating, the most common is a reaction to emotional deadness or disconnection.
Perel points out that relationships can become too intense and smother passion, or partners may grow apart, making one feel unloved. She also notes that many adults have several relationships or marriages, and affairs sometimes signal the end of one and the start of another.
The good news? Perel believes couples can revive their connection through curiosity—being willing to explore and discover new things about each other. This openness leads to playfulness and fun risks, which can bring back the spark that keeps relationships alive.
