It takes a lot of time and effort to make a marriage work today. Both partners must commit themselves to having good communication with one another. They must also reach a common ground when making decisions. Sadly, this doesn’t always happen and one partner sometimes goes astray. Sometimes it’s the husband, but just as often it’s the wife who cheats. With this in mind, it’s important that you have a thorough understanding of cheating wives so you know what to look for.

Here are some important statistics about cheating wives. These are things you really need to understand so you realize you’re not alone. They include:

Although it’s difficult to establish estimates of infidelity, surveys consistently show that women are more likely to remain faithful and less likely to cheat.

When wives cheat on their husband, it’s more likely an emotional affair and not a one night stand. Typically, this is with someone who’s a member of their social group – a friend, co-worker, or someone from school or church.

Most wives cheat with men who have a higher status and more resources than their husbands or who are more attentive, appreciative and understanding.

Cheating wives are more likely to think about leaving their husband during the affair. This is because of the fact this is an emotional affair. As such, women attach more significance to an affair than men do.

Women who cheat are more likely to believe they’re doing so because they have problems with their relationship. On the other hand, men easily separate infidelity from problems at home.

When cheating, women typically draw positive inferences about their physical appearance. They believe they’re still attractive and desirable.

When a woman has a one night stand, it’s usually with someone who’s more attractive than her husband.

While women rarely cheat to “get even,” they are more likely than men to cheat so they can get revenge.

Most women will suddenly spruce up their appearance. Whether it’s taking fitness classes she never showed interest in before or having her hair or nails done or changed, she’ll go out of her way to take on a new, “improved” appearance.

Women who work will start staying late at work. They’ll even inadvertently start talking more about a certain male whom they work with.

Most of the time they’ll stop showing you physical signs of love and affection because they’re getting their needs met elsewhere. You’ll probably also notice changes in their attitude too. Women who were easy to get along with in the past may start picking fights now. The opposite is also true in that women who argue a lot are now easier to get along with.

While knowing the psychology behind why wives cheat is important, you may still find yourself wondering if your wife is cheating on you. If you can answer “yes” to many of the following questions, it’s possible that she’s cheating on you. These questions include:

Is she researching other areas nearby or around the country? Does she have a good reason for doing so?

Is she talking to you less than she used to?

Is she making plans without including you like she did in the past?

Is she spending more time at work with her male co-worker?

Have you seen any “suspicious” emails, letters, or heard any “suspicious” voice messages?

Is she hiding from you while making phone calls so you don’t hear what she’s talking about on the phone?

Has their attitude changed to you – either physically or psychologically?

Suspecting your wife is cheating is difficult on you emotionally. When you suspect your wife is cheating on you, make sure you approach the subject gently even though you’re probably quite angry. Don’t simply come out of nowhere and accuse her of cheating on you. Tell her you’re concerned and have noticed some recent changes in her behavior – be specific. Encourage her honesty, but tread carefully. If you accuse her of cheating and find out you’re wrong, she’ll think you don’t trust her. However, if you’re right, you still have plenty of time to express your hurt and anger – maybe even work through your feelings and salvage the relationship if there’s a desire to do so.