In many cases, cheating is not something people plan to do (see, why people cheat).  So, when people cheat on a partner, it creates a discrepancy between how people want to view themselves and the reality of the situation.  In order to reduce this stress, individuals often trivialize what they have done.  New experimental research tests this out.  In a hypothetical situation, cheaters, who were able to minimize their behavior by claiming “it didn’t mean anything”, felt better about themselves.

So, the next time a cheater says, “It didn’t mean anything” – it probably means a lot.  It most likely means that the cheater feels better about what has happened.

What is the purpose of oral sex?  Could it have evolved as a means of detecting infidelity?  After all, what better way to check on a mate’s fidelity than by doing a close up inspection where you can make use of more of your senses – smell, sight, and taste.  It sounds revolting, but new research is starting to explore how oral sex may function as an unconscious way of checking for infidelity.

New research shows that people impose double standards when it comes to cheating.  Men, who have cheated, are less judgmental and more forgiving of other men who have cheated.  Cheating men, however, are not as forgiving when it comes to evaluating a female who cheats.  Women impose the same double standard – women, who have cheated, are more forgiving of women who cheat.  Non-cheaters, were less forgiving regardless of the cheater’s sex.