by Elaina Wicks

Created on: February 24, 2011   Last Updated: February 26, 2011

According to research over recent years, 30 to 60 percent of married couples will engage in some sort of infidelity. Whether it is emotional or physical infidelity, chances are that there’s at least a 50/50 chance that you or your partner has at least thought about having an affair of some sort. However, experts say that knowing the risk factors in your relationship may not only aid in preventing an extramarital affair, but may help you save a marriage affected by infidelity that has already transpired.

Identifying the Causes of Infidelity

Often times, marriages go through a roller-coaster ride of obstacles and changes that can affect its stability.  From hectic work schedules, children or outside influences, there are many factors that can put a strain on a relationship.  Many couples complain of feeling either underappreciated or even ignored by their partner.  The problem in most cases is that couples don’t learn how to address these feelings until it becomes too late.

In an online article, Marriage and Family expert, Helen Rothschild, writes about her experiences with married couples who have experienced infidelity.  She writes that, “infidelity is a symptom and not the cause of relationship problems” and that, infidelity “is a wake-up call to identify and resolve any issues that are hurting the intimate connection.”  In other words, some partners may engage in infidelity as a way of filling the gap for what is missing in an existing relationship.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The first step in identifying any red flags in a relationship is to evaluate the relationship as a whole. Do you feel appreciated, desired and fulfilled?  Are you giving your partner ample attention and consideration? Do you and your partner openly express your feelings when there is a conflict? Are you and your partner able to come to a resolution when there is a conflict at hand? When was the last time that you and your partner had quality alone time? If you answer no to any of the above questions or can no longer remember that “loving” feeling, perhaps this is an indicator of problems ahead. 

In the beginning stages of courtship, both partners are filled with giddiness and excitement about the prospects of a new relationship.  Neither partner can wait until the next liaison; the mere thought of separation is exasperating.  You both go out of your way to get to know everything about each

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