Life Is Short, But Should You Have An Affair?

If you ask relationship experts about the reasons why people cheat, they can probably come up with a few hundred motives.  Now, let us add one more: websites that cater to couples who are thinking of cheating or are already in extramarital affairs.  Websites such as AdultFriendFinder, Meet2Cheat and Ashley Madison have not-so-discreetly advertised their services.  In Toronto, for example, a company offering similar services even put out a billboard trumpeting, ‘Life is short.  Have an affair.’  The question is, should you?

Having services such as those mentioned can seem like great excuses for cheating spouses to find their fill of extramarital satisfaction.  Sure, life is short.  But really, should you have an affair?  Here are reasons why you might want to and reasons why you shouldn’t:

Have an affair because…

It’s a good ego-booster. 
Men and women who no longer feel wanted or desired by their spouses want to validate their looks and personal values by having affairs.  They find the love, attention and desire from other people that they don’t get from their significant other.  Unfortunately, they still look the same.

It’s exciting and sexy.
People who have affairs report they feel sexier and that they find the sneaky part of their relationship very exhilarating and exciting.

You can improve your progeny.
Birds do it.  So do many other members of the animal kingdom.  People who have affairs to do their descendants a favor by stirring up the otherwise bland gene pool are quite rare.  However, that’s still a good excuse why you should have an affair.  Hey, life is short, right?  Might as well produce really strong, great looking babies while you’re at it.

Be faithful to your spouse because…

An affair isn’t worth it.
Forget about the ego boost.  An affair is just that – a temporary thing.  Unfortunately, its effects can last a lifetime.  Imagine meeting that person again in public or finding out later that you’ll be working together or that they’re your spouse’s friend from college.  Or they could be stalkers and really deranged.

Your marriage is worth saving… and enjoying.
Hey, you married the person.  Might as well work on it because it’s an investment you made.  Besides, who else can stand your little quirks and bad habits except for your spouse?  Your lover certainly won’t.

It’s cheaper.
Life is too short to spend too much for a thing that won’t last.  All those flowers, jewelry, expensive gifts and extra minutes on the phone can add up to thousands of dollars.  Be faithful to your spouse and put the money in good stocks instead.

It’s healthier.
Think STD.  People who trumpet that life is short and that they should have an affair make it even shorter by contracting dreaded sexually transmitted diseases.  By remaining faithful to your spouse, you minimize (even eliminate) the likelihood that you could come home with bacteria and viruses in tow.