SEXUAL INFIDELITY: Why Extramarital Affairs Happen And How To Deal with It Through The Power Of Prayer

Naturally, sexual fidelity is highly valued among couples. Marriage, dating, and other forms of intimate relationships work with the premise of exclusivity. However, unfaithfulness has been an issue among a number of partners. Why does this happen? According to multivariate analyses, “values, opportunities, and the marital relationship are associated with sexual infidelity” (Treas & Giesen, 2000). Hopefully, with the exploration of the following reasons, we can shed more light on this sensitive issue and work towards blissful devotion.

Weak Values

Is it moral to have an affair if your partner would never find out?

Unfortunately, fidelity as a principle is not imbibed let alone truly understood by some individuals. They think that if they “can get away with it” it is just ok. Genuine couple loyalty is very powerful that it should go beyond the committed person’s selfish desires. Liberal beliefs regarding extramarital affairs undermine trust and may eventually cause significant damage to relationships.

Tempting Opportunities

Have you ever been seduced by someone other than your partner?

One’s values may be tested by distance, prospective partners, and other temptations. For instance, a husband’s resolve may be weakened by distance as well as an attractive secretary nearby. As what others say, “misery loves company”. It would be quite challenging for a very lonely intoxicated person to say “no” to a very persuasive seducer.

Marital Dissatisfaction

Would it be easier to cheat on your partner if you think you are not getting what you deserve from your relationship?

Logically, partners who do not feel satisfied may seek gratification elsewhere. The tendency to leave a relationship is obviously higher when the grass seems to be much greener on the other side of the fence. In addition, it is no secret that some people have affairs just to get back on their partners. If you are contented with what you have, you would be less likely to be vulnerable to temptations.

Prayer can Strengthen Values against Temptations and Martial Dissatisfactions

It is possible to move men, through God, by prayer alone.

~ Hudson Taylor

To address the abovementioned reasons of sexual infidelity, we need to employ very potent habits such as prayer. If we can be moved through prayer, couples who pray for each other as well as together can indeed last longer or better yet, forever. However, only a handful of relationships engage in this vital habit. We just find ourselves too preoccupied to nourish our spiritual development. Some people actually think that they are too cool or too smart to invoke spirituality in their intimate partnerships. Hopefully, the following facts can inspire and reinforce beatitude among relationships.

Praying Strengthens Marital Values

Research has shown that praying engenders key elements that encourage responsibility in nurturing affiliations (Fincham, Stanley, & Beach, 2007). Communication with God promotes perception of accountability, forgiveness, and sensitivity regarding the other person’s needs. For instance, a husband who prays for his wife may feel more compassionate towards her. Also, couples who set aside time to pray together can significantly feel unified as they seek divine benediction.

Church Life Binds

Understandably, prayer is usually linked with church attendance. According to a study by Larson and Goltz, you are less likely to ditch your wedding vows if you are involved in church activities. Support groups from religious organizations are beneficial in encouraging couples to work things out. In addition, it would be difficult to sacrifice friendships established in church when faced with the possibility of leaving the marriage.

Prayer Satisfies

A study by Fincham, Stanley, and Beach provides proof that praying for your partner can foster relationship satisfaction (2007). The researchers explained that since prayer likely helps in practicing forgiveness, couples focus on each other’s positive attributes. Since this positivity generates likewise optimistic feelings, satisfaction easily ensues.

By the Couple Clinic, a company of Winnipeg therapists (www.winnipegcouplesclinic.ca).