Affairs & FantasyAnger & StressBoundariesBreaking Self-Defeating PatternsCouples IssuesInfidelityInfidelity & AffairsLeading A Double LifeMen’s IssuesMidlife CrisisOvercoming Shame & GuiltRelationship IssuesSelf-Defeating PatternsShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorTemptation, Fantasy, & SecretsThe Male Mind

The Psychology of a Cheating Spouse

Dr. Lynn Margolies
by Dr. Lynn Margolies
Learn why people cheat in relationships and whether it means they don’t really love their wife (or husband). The answer may surprise you.
Psychology Today [View Article]
A man in a hoodie points to his shadow, which resembles a long nose, against a gray wall.
Dr. Lynn Margolies

by Dr. Lynn Margolies

Dr. Lynn Margolies is a Ph.D. licensed experienced psychologist. She was trained at McLean Hospital, a Harvard teaching hospital, and was a Harvard Medical School Instructor and Fellow. Read Bio

Similar Topics

Affairs & FantasyAnger & StressBoundariesBreaking Self-Defeating PatternsCouples IssuesInfidelityInfidelity & AffairsLeading A Double LifeMen’s IssuesMidlife CrisisOvercoming Shame & GuiltRelationship IssuesSelf-Defeating PatternsShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorTemptation, Fantasy, & SecretsThe Male Mind

See Related Articles

A frustrated young woman gestures while a man raises his hand, blocking her. Tension is evident between them. Academic Pressure & PerfectionismAffairs & FantasyApproaching Difficult TopicsAssertiveness & BoundariesBoundariesBreaking Self-Defeating PatternsClear Thinking & Decision MakingConnecting with TeensDifficult ConversationsDisguised (& Overt) HostilityDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesDreaded ConversationsEmotional Contagion in FamiliesFamily IssuesFollowing Your ValuesGetting Teens to Talk (and Listen)Guilt & Anxiety in ParentsHelping Teens Do WellHelping Teens SucceedHolding on & Letting GoInfidelity & AffairsInfluencing People ConstructivelyInterpersonal BoundariesLaunching Your College Age (or Failure to Launch) ChildLeading A Double LifeLimits & BoundariesMarital & In-law IssuesMisguided Efforts that Impede ProgressParenting ChallengesParenting in DivorcePopular Psychology TopicsPositive Influences on PerformanceProactive VS Reactive ParentingPsychologically SpeakingRebellion & DefianceRejection Sensitivity in ParentsRelationship DynamicsRelationship IssuesRepairing Broken RelationshipsRewiring Your HabitsSetting Limits With Manipulative PeopleShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorTeens & Young AdultsTemptation, Fantasy, & SecretsThe Art of PersuasionThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Teenage MindsetUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Your Words (& Actions) RevealWhen Parents Split UpWomen & TraumaWomen’s Issues The Hidden Dynamics of Defiance and How to Disarm It

The Hidden Dynamics of Defiance and How to Disarm It

How to avoid psychological traps with people who repeat the same solvable issue.
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesJuly 15, 2026
A man smiles at his phone while a woman looks at him with concern from behind. Affairs & FantasyAnger IssuesAssertiveness & BoundariesAttraction & RomanceBoundariesClear Thinking & Decision MakingCouples IssuesCouples TherapyDifficult ConversationsDivorceDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesDreaded ConversationsEarning RespectFamily IssuesFollowing Your ValuesHidden Assertiveness Issues in MenHolding on & Letting GoInfidelityInfluencing People ConstructivelyInterpersonal BoundariesLeading A Double LifeMarital & In-law IssuesMen’s IssuesMoving Beyond Self-SubordinationPopular Psychology TopicsPsychologically SpeakingRebellion & DefianceRelationship DynamicsRelationship IssuesRepairing Broken RelationshipsRewiring Your HabitsSetting Limits With Manipulative PeopleShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorTemptation, Fantasy, & SecretsThe Art of PersuasionThe Cost of Being Overly AccommodatingThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Problem With AppeasementUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceWhat Your Words (& Actions) RevealWomen’s Issues How to End an Affair: Examples Tell All

How to End an Affair: Examples Tell All

The phrases and behaviors that secretly perpetuate an affair.
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesApril 29, 2026
Anger & StressBreaking Self-Defeating PatternsClear Thinking & Decision MakingDr. Margolies' Commentary on News ArticlesFollowing Your ValuesHidden Culprits of Failed ProgressInfluencing People ConstructivelyMen’s IssuesMisguided Efforts that Impede ProgressOvercoming Shame & GuiltPopular Psychology TopicsPositive Influences on PerformanceRebellion & DefianceRewiring Your HabitsSelf-Defeating PatternsShame, Guilt, & Out of Control BehaviorThe Cost of Self-BetrayalThe Male MindUnintended Effects of Popular AdviceUnlocking PotentialWhat Your Words (& Actions) Reveal When Does Repentance Fail to Lead to Improved Behavior?

When Does Repentance Fail to Lead to Improved Behavior?

Dr. Margolies’ Commentary on A New York Times Column: The Raw Power of Repentance (French,…
Dr. Lynn Margolies
Dr. Lynn MargoliesApril 28, 2026