I recently saw some statistics on infidelity in a magazine in another waiting room, and I felt compelled to share.  The numbers were absolutely staggering!  I didn’t check the scientific methods of this particular website, but just googled infidelity statistics and this is one of the sites that came up…check out some of these numbers, courtesy of a website titled, “Infidelity Facts” ( InfidelityFacts.com)  The numbers are similar to the ones reported in the magazine I read.  Take a look:
Percentage of marriages where one or both spouses admit to infidelity, either physical or emotional: 41%
Percentage of men who admit to committing infidelity in any relationship they’ve had: 57%
Percentage of women who admit to committing infidelity in any relationship they’ve had: 54%
Percentage of men and women who admit to having an affair with a co-worker: 36%
Percentage of men and women who admit to infidelity on business trips: 36%
Percentage of men and women who admit to infidelity (emotional or physical) with a brother-in-law or sister-in-law: 17%
Average length of an affair: 2 years
Percentage of marriages that last after an affair has been admitted to or discovered: 31%
Percentage of men who say they would have an affair if they knew they would never get caught: 74%
Percentage of women who say they would have an affair if they knew they would never get caught: 68%

I just wanted to share those figures, keeping in mind that the actual numbers are probably higher yet, given the nature of the questions asked…some of the folks may not have told the whole truth given the shame that can accompany some of the answers to these questions.

I thought that this might be quite eye-opening, to know that infidelity is THIS common.  If you find yourself either having an affair, or being married to someone who has, the first step is to get yourself into the office of a top-flight therapist.  (Give me a couple years, and you can come and see me!)

Marriage and relationships are tough.  I know first hand!  If you find yourself in need of some guidance, or even just a referee to call the fouls while you work through some stuff like an affair, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or send an email and find a good therapist.  It’s not as scary as you think…therapists are the least judgemental folks you will find.  Thanks for stopping by!

Nancy Eisenman, MSW, LSW is an individual, marital, and family therapist. She specializes in couples and marriage counseling, individual counseling, group and family counseling. Nancy serves the surrounding areas of Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Fishers, and Noblesville. E-Counseling available for residents of Indiana.

©2010, Nancy Eisenman