Men often get the bad rap as cheaters, but the truth is that women cheat, too.  In fact, the stats are about equal.  Cheating happens no matter what gender is doing it.  The reasons for cheating, though, differ between men and women.

Understanding why women cheat can help you through being cheated on or to help you prevent being cheated on.

Here are the top ten reasons why women cheat:

1. Lack of sex. Again, another stereotype is that women never want sex.  This could not be further from the truth.  Women love sex, too, and if they are not getting enough of it then they may turn elsewhere to get what they need.

2. A need to feel bad. Men are not the only ones who go through a phase where they want to be out of control and wild.  Women are often thrust into the role of being the responsible one and are taught to be a good girl. For some women this becomes too much and they need to break out of their good girl role and try being bad.

3. Low self esteem. If she is feeling unloved, unwanted or otherwise bad about herself or your relationship then she may wander to find what she needs.  An affair may help her to love herself and make her feel good about herself again.

4. Payback. If you cheated on her then she may cheat on you to get your back or even the score.  Not all women think like this, but some do and will use cheating as payback.

5. Emotional needs. If your relationship has become mundane and you simply exist together then your woman may not be getting the emotional, intimate things she craves.  If you don’t give it to her then she will look for it somewhere else.

6. Feeling underappreciated. It is normal for the daily grind to get in  the way.  You may expect her to do things, like the laundry, clean the house and make dinner.  However, she doesn’t have to do those things.  Have you ever said thank you?  Do you let her know that you appreciate her?  If not, then you are setting the stage for an affair.

7. Your withdrawal. Have you been distant lately?  If so, she may see this as a sign that you want to end things.  She sees the need to move on so she starts seeing other men.  She is just pulling away before you break it off so she is less emotionally harmed.

8. Boredom. Sometimes a woman feels bored in a relationship.  She may still care for you, but if the passion is lacking then she cannot help but move on.  If she is bored and looking for spice then you have to give it to her or she could find another man who will.

9. Ending things. Maybe she wants to end things with you, but she doesn’t know how.  Instead of talking to you and having to deal with that confrontation, she decides cheating will be her way out.

10. Her heart. Sometimes a woman cheats because she finds someone who she is truly interested in.  Maybe she really has fallen in love with someone else.  She may not even be thinking straight.  Perhaps the time has just come for her to move on.