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.

Though a lot of stereotypes around the subject of infidelity are false, IllicitEncounters.com can confirm that this one is true; successful, high-achieving people are more likely to cheat that anyone else.

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 guaranteed to cheat. 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 concerning Irish MP Iris Robinson, who left her marriage after an affair with a man 20 years younger than her.

However, although high-achieving individuals may be more inclined to pursue an affair, predisposition alone does not cause infidelity. Speaking with several long-standing members of the site, IllicitEncounters.com found that successful men and women sought out ‘something more’ only when their needs were unfulfilled at home.

Rosanne, from Berkshire, works in TV production. “I see my affair as a practical arrangement. My sex life at home is less than desirable. I have communicated this with my partner, which has encouraged no effort on his part. We love each other, but regular sex is something I require.”

Cheating husbands and wives are often adamant that they would not stray if their partner addressed and attempted to work on 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.

Leave a Reply