Men who have a history of cheating often possess these 7 traits, according to psychology

If you’ve ever been in a 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.

They may profess their love one day, only to be unfaithful the next.

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.

These men often have a knack for making you believe in their stories, no matter how far-fetched they may seem.

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.

2) They are often extremely charming

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.

They might shower you with compliments, show a keen interest in your life, and make grand gestures that sweep you off your feet.

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.

It’s a way for them to keep your focus on the good times, so you’re less likely to notice the red flags or question their fidelity.

The key is to look beyond the charm and consider their actions. Are they consistent? Do they align with their words?

Understanding this trait can help you separate genuine affection from calculated manipulation.

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.

Despite the pain their actions may cause, they continue their behavior without showing remorse or understanding the impact they’re having on their partner’s emotional well-being.

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.

While it’s difficult to see someone you care about struggle, it’s important to remember that their actions are not a reflection of your worth, but of their own internal conflict.

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.

This thrill-seeking behavior extends beyond their relationships and into other aspects of their life.

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.

Whether it was deciding on a career path, sticking to a workout routine, or staying faithful in a relationship, he always seemed to be looking for the next best thing.

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.

Unfortunately, men who regularly cheat may have a tendency to deflect blame and avoid accountability.

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.

Final thoughts

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.

Understanding this is perhaps the most critical step in dealing with the pain caused by their infidelity and moving forward towards healing and growth.