Why Do People Cheat?

DearSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Earlier this week I came across an article from The Huffington Post examining why men cheat. Referencing a recent Oprah that showcased Dr. M. Gary Neuman and his book, The Truth About Cheating, and citing Neuman's research that cheating isn't always about sex, the article determined that cheating for men is a result of feeling unappreciated at home.

Though my own thoughts on this are still undecided, I couldn't help but think of it yesterday when clips from Peter Cook's interview with Barbara Walters were released. Cook and Brinkley went through a bitter divorce in which Brinkley publicly exposed Cook's affair with an 18-year-old, and it seems as though he's looking to explain himself. According to Us Magazine:

Asked what he wanted out of his marriage, Cook tells Walters, "a little acknowledgment, a little attention, a little thank you every now and then for my efforts . . ."

Cook seems to echo The Huffington Post article and Dr. Neuman's sentiments about lack of appreciation rather than a sexual need being the reason to stray. But I'm not convinced just yet. I also think this argument is problematic since it puts blame on the person who didn't cheat. But I want to hear from all of you. Why do you think people cheat? If you've been cheated on or have cheated on someone else, does the notion of appreciation ring true?

Source

Is It Ever Worth It to Air Your Dirty Laundry?

DearSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you've all heard about the messy divorce between Christie Brinkley and her husband Peter Cook, who had an affair with his 18-year-old personal assistant, but if you're at all unfamiliar with their story, you'll soon know every little detail. Cook and Brinkley's Long Island judge has granted Brinkley's request for a public divorce hearing so as of July 2, you'll be able to follow along and learn about his cheating and alleged interest in Internet porn and swinger websites.

Obviously Cook fought to keep this matter private. His lawyer said:

I don't think there is a good parent in the world – not one – who would want allegations of adultery in a bitter divorce trial to be made public. I think it's payback time for her and her desire for revenge far exceeds her desire to protect the children. It's a disgrace.

While there's no question that adultery is not only heartbreaking but also humiliating, getting revenge by publicly degrading your ex just doesn't seem like the answer. Sure, getting even might temporarily take away some pain, but when children are involved (in this case two), gaining retribution by dragging the scandalous details of his sketchy behavior through the mud for the word to see seems cheap and unnecessary. So now that you have my take, tell me yours. Is it airing your dirty laundry to get even ever worth it?

Source

TresSugar

Why Do People Cheat?

Is It Ever Worth It to Air Your Dirty Laundry?