Do you think infidelity is becoming normalized? This is one question I asked in an online survey sent to my various social media sites. The answers available were: Yes, No, Not sure.
The other questions asked were: If so, why do you think infidelity is becoming normalized? Why do you think infidelity is not becoming normalized? Why are you unsure?
The tally:
55% thought infidelity is becoming normalized
15% didn’t think so.
30% were unsure
Do these numbers surprise you? Me, not so much. I definitely think infidelity is becoming normalized which is one of the reasons I wrote my book.
Comments were received as well. All have value and keep me informed, no matter my personal preference. I’ve had plenty of “things that make you go, huh?” moments researching infidelity. This isn’t about judgment, but about recognizing what exists. And I’m here to tell you, with this subject, plenty does.
Some respondents chose to answer just one, two, or all four of the questions. That in itself interested me. Several were cut and dried, others expounded. Good stuff. For the record, the answers were anonymous (even to me), but the sentiments were loud and clear.
Infidelity normalized? Yes.
… continued enforcement of mainstream media…
… less interested in working on a relationship and more in self-pleasure …
Infidelity normalized? No.
… people who truly care don’t indulge in mental suffering…
… not right and should never be considered the norm…
Infidelity normalized? Not Sure.
… something we see a lot in the media but not something we talk much about in our own personal lives…
… tend to not keep up with trends and don’t know anyone who cheats on their spouse…
These are just a few snippets of what was received. Equal representation was given to each category in spite of the percentages. Statistics do have their place: to glean pertinent information, but, they are not absolutes. Too many variables can cloud the outcome, especially when it comes to infidelity. It’s an emotional topic that more often than not, begets emotional responses, which is to be expected. In this case, the answers were well-thought-out; some more impassioned than others, but each expression had merit. Job well-done. Kudos to the participants!
What I know: Something is amiss when it comes to honoring a committed relationship. And it appears I’m not alone. Yay, that. I’m hoping more people will move toward awareness and understanding of this self-defeating behavior. Not easy to do, but it’s undeniably worth the effort. Just ask anyone who’s applied healthier relational or personal principles and has experienced growth.
Do some of these answers ring true for you? If so, please drop me a line and share your view. If not, I’m interested in hearing about that, as well. There’s always room for the unknown or other versions. I know there are plenty of stories in the city. Rest assured, your input will be anonymous. I use feedback as a learning curve, not as a chance to “out” anyone or their opinion(s).
Remember, I’ve been on both sides of infidelity. I get it.
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