If you’ve ever been in a Massachusetts relationship with a serial cheater, you know it can be a rollercoaster of emotions and heartbreak.
These men often display certain traits that can leave you baffled and hurt.
Infidelity isn’t a spontaneous act, but often a pattern of behavior rooted in deeper psychological issues.
Being in a relationship with such individuals can certainly be tough, but understanding these traits might just be the first step towards managing, or even avoiding such situations.
In this article, we’ll delve into the minds of serial cheaters, based on insights from psychology.
1) They are masters of deception
If you’ve been involved with a serial cheater, you might have witnessed first-hand how skilled they can be at weaving a web of lies.
They may reassure you with convincing tales about where they’ve been and who they were with.
It’s like they’re playing a role, one where they’re the innocent party, and you’re the one questioning their loyalty without reason.
The reality is, your suspicions have merit and it’s their deception that’s causing the turmoil.
Such manipulative behavior can leave you feeling like you’re in the wrong when you’re actually being deceived.
No surprise here — men with a history of cheating can often come across as incredibly charismatic and engaging.
They tend to have a way with words and are usually quite good at making people feel special.
At first glance, they may seem like the perfect partner, always knowing the right thing to say or do.
But this charm can serve as a tool for distraction.
The key is to look beyond the charm and consider their actions. Are they consistent? Do they align with their words?
3) They lack empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s what allows us to connect with people on a deeper level.
Obviously, given their propensity to deceive, men who frequently cheat often display a significant lack of this quality.
4) They may struggle with insecurity
Deep down, men who often cheat might be battling feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.
Insecurity can cause these individuals to seek validation from multiple sources, even if they’re in a committed relationship.
According to Elevate Counseling and Wellness, “Someone with low self-esteem might look outside their relationship for approval or attention. Even if their partner makes them feel loved, that love might not feel like enough.”
The thrill of new conquests might temporarily boost their self-esteem, but it’s a fleeting high that doesn’t address the root of their feelings.
5) They’re prone to thrill-seeking behavior
Many of us enjoy a good adventure now and then. It’s exhilarating to break the routine, try something new, or take a risk.
However, men with a history of cheating often take this desire for thrill to another level.
Research shows a clear link between infidelity and sensation-seeking.
They may find the secrecy, the lies, and the risk of getting caught exciting.
They might love extreme sports, gamble, or constantly seek out new experiences, always chasing the next ‘high’.
We all seek excitement in our lives, but when it comes at the expense of someone else’s feelings and trust, it becomes a problem.
6) They struggle with commitment
I once knew a man who was charming, charismatic, and always the life of the party.
But beneath the surface, he found it incredibly hard to commit to anything.
Men who frequently cheat often share this trait.
They struggle with the idea of commitment, not just in their romantic relationships, but in various aspects of their lives.
They might frequently change jobs, have a hard time making decisions, or constantly seek new and exciting experiences.
7) They often avoid responsibility
Facing the consequences of our actions and taking responsibility for them is a part of growing and maturing.
If confronted, they might twist the situation around, making you feel as if their infidelity is somehow your fault.
They might say things like “You were never around” or “You didn’t give me enough attention”.
But let’s be clear: Cheating is a choice they made, not a reaction to your actions.
The blame lies solely on their shoulders.
Above all else, this is crucial to remember. Men who have a history of cheating often possess these traits, but their behavior doesn’t define your worth.
You might blame yourself, thinking you could’ve been more attentive, more loving, more exciting.
But the truth is, their decision to cheat is about them and their issues, not about you or your worthiness.
You are deserving of respect, honesty, and love.
Don’t let their actions cause you to question your value.