I used to think I had a solid grip on why infidelity happens, but the more I read about the reasons why women cheat, the more I realized it’s a lot more complex than I’d ever imagined. Cheating stings, and it often spells heartbreak for everyone involved. Yet it still happens, despite the enormous risks. Now, one expert has explained six primary factors behind this phenomenon, offering a fresh perspective on what drives some women to break their vows.
1. Feeling Emotionally Unfulfilled

One of the biggest reasons why women cheat lies in emotional neglect. I’ve seen this in friends who tried to communicate but felt like their words never truly landed. According to a study done in the UK and Australia, around 65% of women who cheated said emotional emptiness was at the heart of their decision. Conversations that stay shallow or go ignored can leave anyone feeling alone, but for some women, this loneliness propels them toward an affair.
What Does “Emotional Unfulfillment” Look Like?
Psychology Today suggests that when discussions always remain surface-level, or supportive responses are absent, women might feel emotionally abandoned. Over time, that sense of neglect can push them to find comfort elsewhere.