15 Surprising Cheating Statistics by Age and Gender (2026)
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How common is cheating really? 16% of adults report an affair while married, and one-time cheaters are 3X more likely to stray again. See 15 stats.
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Emma Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief at thecandiddate.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being 'boy crazy,' but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. Emma brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to thecandiddate.com.
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Chloe Young elevates news and advice content at thecandiddate.com.
Not much can beat the heartache of discovering your partner has stepped out on your relationship. We understand your pain and have developed a healing balm of content to help you through it.
Our expert contributors address betrayals in romantic relationships, including emotional and physical cheating, and how to rebuild and heal. We also educate readers on different forms of infidelity, from micro-cheating to cybersex, and how to spot the subtle signs.
Every relationship is different. And people react differently to the painful and complex experience of cheating. So we prepared advice for every type of reader, whether you want to rebuild or move on.
We cover what comes after. Find articles on how to rebuild self-esteem, heal with intention, and manage emotions in the wake of betrayal. It may seem like there is no antidote for this kind of betrayal, but we promise there is a way out. Hopefully, our expert tips and guidance will be there to get you through each step.

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Nora Adams is an experienced staff writer interviewing dating professionals and relationship experts for thecandiddate.com.
How common is cheating really? 16% of adults report an affair while married, and one-time cheaters are 3X more likely to stray again. See 15 stats.
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Daniel Hall is a professional matchmaker and dating expert sharing matchmaking insights for thecandiddate.com.
Worried he's cheating? Ten warning signs to watch for, from secrecy and shifting stories to unexplained time, emotional distance and changes in intimacy.
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Matthew King is a research analyst and writer using data-driven insights to guide modern daters on thecandiddate.com.
A Kinsey Institute study finds 61% of singles see sexting or AI romance as cheating, 72% call sexting infidelity, and 20% have snooped through a phone.
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Abigail Robinson is a professional writer and editor covering news, lifestyle, and modern dating trends for thecandiddate.com.
In a YouGov poll, 33% of Americans said they had cheated. Here's how to spot signs of infidelity, talk about your fears, and heal together or apart.
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Camila Wright brings a unique storytelling voice and marketing background to feature stories on thecandiddate.com.
What counts as micro-cheating, from secret confidants and online flirting to hidden messages, and how these small breaches can damage trust.
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Evelyn Garcia is a dating and relationship expert helping men build confidence and lasting connections on thecandiddate.com.
Cheating isn't only physical. Here's how emotional, physical and digital infidelity differ, what drives people to stray, the warning signs, and next steps.
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Amara Okonkwo brings humor and heart to dating news and trends on thecandiddate.com.
Couples therapist Jason Polk explains why betrayal isn't only cheating, how to decide whether to stay or go, and how rebuilt trust allows a second chance.
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Ella Lee writes about the sociological influences of modern relationships and dating culture for thecandiddate.com.
Dr. Paulette Kouffman Sherman, a couples counselor, helps partners rebuild trust after an affair with weekend intensives and regular counseling sessions.
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Emma Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief at thecandiddate.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being 'boy crazy,' but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. Emma brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to thecandiddate.com.
We asked over 1,000 people how cheating came to light. Texts and DMs top the list, but credit card bills, dating apps and a stray condom play a part too.
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What counts as an affair, from physical and emotional to cyber, plus the personal and relationship factors behind cheating and how culture shapes it.
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Zion Scott is a singles coach serving as a lesbian dating expert for thecandiddate.com.
When the woman you love is still married to a man, it tends to go one of six ways, from a supportive husband to promises to tell him that never come true.
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Noah Miller is a Gay Dating Expert at thecandiddate.com, focusing on dating, relationships, and sexuality for gay men.
Is it cheating if your boyfriend watches porn or chats with men online? There's no black-and-white answer, but three steps help you agree on what's OK.
• Read More »Emma Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief at thecandiddate.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being 'boy crazy,' but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. Emma brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to thecandiddate.com.
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