10 Reasons Why Rich People Cheat

Rebecca Lewis November 12, 2012

Statistics reveal that 25.4% of men have been unfaithful to their wives at least once (dailymail.co.uk, 2012) while women are gradually catching up to their male counterparts in the infidelity department. Some even claim that a disheartening six out of ten British men are expected to cheat on their wives at some point during their marriage. The figures are surmised to be even higher for rich and successful males and females, begging the question why infidelity seems so much easier for the rich and famous than it is for the average John.

Rich people need reassurance and validation, too.

It may come as a surprise that many rich people, in spite of their wealth, are insecure and constantly feel the need to be noticed and to be in the limelight. Just like everybody else, wealthy people feel special and validated when others find them attractive and desirable.  It may be that they are so used to the attention and even adoration that they actively seek out experiences and activities that would have them remain feeling good about themselves.

Some rich people like to seek thrills and take risks.

Rich people have a very high threshold for what is to be considered stimulating, given the variety of experiences they have access to. As such, their conception of excitement is usually taken to more extreme levels. They are used to playing for such high stakes that the routine of married life can be considered quite dull and unappealing. Thus, they engage in actions that they think may spice up their “dreary” lives.

Some enjoy the notion of getting away with the forbidden.

The idea of a clandestine encounter and a secret affair can be quite exciting for some people. This excitement is further heightened by the probability of getting away with it and not suffering consequences, a situation which rich people are more likely to find themselves in. It is amazing what forms of behaviour other people can find acceptable or can expect from people who have money and can therefore turn a blind eye to.

It is more difficult to maintain emotional balance if you are rich.

Usually, it is the powerful that are also rich and famous. As such, wealthy and powerful people are used to having no limitations as to what they can buy and what activities they can indulge in.  Especially when they are born into wealth, these people know no other lifestyle but the one in which all their whims and fancies are catered to. With such a backdrop of expectations and realities, it is difficult to keep grounded and to maintain a balance of what is appropriate and just. Indiscretions and excesses may be considered the norm and may simply not be perceived as wrong nor inappropriate.

Some successful and wealthy people may be adept at repressing guilt.

Many times, success comes at a steep price. Principles may have had to be compromised and guilty consciences may have had to be ignored. In an extremely competitive and high stakes culture, there is no room for remorse. The price of compassion may be the downfall of a financial empire. Some wealthy people may be primed to engage in underhanded tactics which could easily involve forms of deception, betrayal, infidelity, and at times, even illegal behaviour.

Rich people are very competitive.

Most people who are rich are also extremely competitive. The domain of extramarital relationships is one area which can be considered an arena for winning and collecting trophies. It can be said that the more affairs one has, the higher one’s “score” is.

The rich have more opportunities to cheat.

The rich get to travel more, whether for business or for pleasure, making them more apt to be absent from their homes. They have more opportunities to go places and meet more people. Outside of the home, striking up illicit romances with colleagues, clients, service providers, or new acquaintances, becomes much easier.

More men and women make themselves available to wealthy people.

Wealth and power are like magnets that attract opportunistic people who want a slice of the pie. Without even actively pursuing extramarital relationships, wealthy people frequently find themselves faced with offers to engage in illicit relations. These offers may come from friends, colleagues and even pure strangers who usually anticipate getting ‘something’ out of the relationship. The more temptations abound for the rich and powerful, the harder it is to resist.

Society primes successful persons to fit a stereotype.

Society and media usually portray the wealthy and successful businessman or businesswoman as a smooth and suave philanderer. Philandering is not only depicted as the norm but is, at times, even portrayed as something to be admired, envied, and emulated.

In some ways, rich people are basically just like everyone else.

Based on statistics, a great number of persons do engage in extramarital affairs. Being part of the entire population, rich people are not, in any way, exempt from the rules of normal distribution. It’s not so much that rich people cheat more than the average man or woman. It’s probably just that the transgressions of rich people are publicised and highlighted in more blatant ways, resulting in more people knowing about their affairs.

 

Rich people are not pegged out to be innately deceiving, selfish or bad. It’s just that wealth comes with certain naturally-occurring features that predispose the wealthy person to most likely demonstrate these traits. Predispositions and opportunities for cheating notwithstanding, not all rich and powerful people have affairs. Many of our rich and famous still do walk the straight and narrow.

 

Dear Readers,

Do you see similar attitudes in any wealthy friends or family you may know?

Share your comments below!

 

Sources of this article:

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/27/science/la-sci-0228-greed-20120228

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intimacy-and-desire/201105/why-rich-and-powerful-people-cheat-part-2

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intimacy-and-desire/201105/why-rich-and-powerful-people-cheat-part-1-0

http://healthland.time.com/2012/02/28/why-the-rich-are-less-ethical-they-see-greed-as-good/

http://crucible4points.com/why-rich-and-powerful-people-cheat-part-3-0