3 Scientific Reasons We Are Psychologically Programmed To Cheat On Our Partners

According to the National Science Foundation, only three to five percent of mammals are monogamous.

Updated 10 years ago, April 16, 2015

There are many romantic things about monogamy. Having one person who knows you inside and out for the rest of your life is a beautiful thought. And relying on only one person makes life a lot simpler.

But how natural is monogamy?

Well, according to science: it’s not — and these three reasons are to blame.

1. Men And Women Lose Interest In Sex Over Time.

For ladies, the lovin’ usually goes out the door. You may try to spice things up with lingerie or toys but science shows women aren’t designed for long-term desire. Research has found that women tend to go from having passionate love to compassionate love over time, meaning the relationship turns into more of a platonic friendship.

Psychology Today found that men’s sex drives suffer in monogamous relationships. One reason being that conflict in the relationship tends to hinder sex. However, when a man finds a new partner, sexual excitement returns.

2. Monogamy Kills Women’s Best Years Of Sex.

You’ve probably heard before but men’s sex drive is in its prime in their 20s whereas women hit it in their 30s and 40s. Furthermore, science has found that women who are in relationships throughout these prime years report low sexual desire when in reality, these are the years they should be having the best sex of their lives!

3. We Naturally Want To Cheat.

According to the National Science Foundation, only three to five percent of mammals are monogamous. Studies have found that sexual monogamy also relies on hormones and receptors that the brain releases. Humans’ receptors vary from person-to-person resulting in some people leaning more towards polyamory than others. So if your partner has cheated, he might just not be cut out for monogamy. But don’t worry — he probably still loves you.