
13/08/2025
“Craving the new, forgetting the true”
As a psychologist, I am often asked, “Why do people cheat?”
The truth is, there’s no single answer. Human behavior is rarely that simple. But one powerful reason is the craving for novelty. We are drawn to what’s new, exciting, and unknown. We crave the thrill of adventure and discovery even in our relationships.
Humans are wired to seek out the new. We long for excitement, conquest, and the emotional high that comes with exploring an uncharted landscape. Neurologically, falling in love activates the same brain mechanisms as addiction. The dopamine rush. The obsession. The euphoria. It’s intoxicating.
So when the newness of a relationship fades and it always does, some people chase that first high elsewhere. Not necessarily because they’re unhappy, but because the thrill is gone. They want to feel alive again. Desired. Excited. Unpredictable.
But here’s the paradox: novelty is fleeting. What once felt electric will eventually become familiar.
This isn’t to justify cheating, but to explore one of its psychological roots. If we can understand the powerful pull of novelty, we can also learn how to cultivate freshness and intimacy within long-term relationships.
Curiosity doesn’t have to lead to betrayal. With intention, it can lead us back to each other.
The first adventure may have been winning your partner’s heart. But the next adventure, the deeper one, is yours to create together. Falling in love doesn’t have to be a one-time thrill. With effort and imagination, it can be a journey that never truly ends.
What are some reasons you think people are unfaithful?