The Curse of Success : Why Ambitious People are Bound to Cheat
Ask someone to envision their idea of typical cheater, and the person will usually describe a powerful man – someone with wealth and status, whose decision to acquire a mistress is driven by his desire for excess in all areas.
Although many stereotypes about infidelity are false, IllicitEncounters.com can confirm that this one is true; high-achievers are naturally predisposed to cheating.
Our research has proven that those working in positions of professional power – from politicians to financial consultants – are more likely, when unhappy in their current relationship, to pursue an extra-marital one.
IllicitEncounters.com provides gives men and women seeking such connections a platform on which to communicate, and in recent findings, we have found our membership to be, demographically, considerably above average. Analysing the incomes and professions of a 600-strong sample from our site, we found over 64% belonged to social grades A and B (upper middle-class and middle-class). Only 25% of the general UK population are classed as grade A or B; the majority belong to grade C1.
In addition, the average household income of members is around 34,000 after tax, compared the UK average income of 29,000 after tax.
These trends are not only visible online, but in the public sphere as well. A slew of recent 'celebrity cheats' has prompted the observation that ambitious, high-achieving people are pre-disposed to infidelity. Politicians in particular, arguably the most powerful professionals in the world, are regular culprits – from the affairs of influential figures such as John Major and David Mellor, to the recent scandal surrounding Irish MP Iris Robinson, who left her marriage after an affair with a man more than 20 years her junior.
However, although ambitious, successful individuals may be more inclined to pursue an affair, predisposition alone does not cause people to be unfaithful. Speaking with several long-standing members of the site, IllicitEncounters.com found that successful men and women sought out 'something extra' only when their needs were unfulfilled at home.
Rosanne is 37, and works in broadcasting. "I see my affair as a practical arrangement. My sex life at home is less than desirable. I have communicated this with my husband, which has encouraged no effort on his part. I love him, but regular sex is something I require."
Unfaithful husbands and wives are often adamant that they would stay faithful if their spouse addressed and attempted to figure out their problems, and couples that communicate openly with one another are more likely to stay faithful, regardless of traits which may predispose them to straying.
Want to find out more about the subject of infidelity?. Visit IllicitEncounters.com for more information.
