Do cheaters cheat again?

While you may have heard the phrase, “Once a cheater, always a cheater,” the truth is more complicated. If someone has cheated on their partner once, it does not necessarily mean they will cheat again. That said, studies show that someone who has cheated once is three times more likely to cheat repeatedly than someone who has never done so.

Sometimes, people cheat because they feel particularly insecure and are seeking external validation. In other cases, they make an uncharacteristic decision due to a perfect storm of circumstance. In situations like these, when the motivating factors for cheating are temporary, it’s likely they won’t cheat again. 

In other cases, someone might be what’s known as a serial cheater. A serial cheater is someone who continues to cheat in romantic relationships. Some people cheat multiple times because they struggle with an insecure attachment style, or other emotional issues. Some may repeatedly attempt to commit, but find that monogamy is not for them. Others may cheat because they are aroused by the experience of cheating itself.

Some serial cheaters may have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), a condition that can lead to an exaggerated sense of self-worth and importance, a lack of empathy, and a strong need for attention. Narcissists often have troubled relationships, and may cheat on their partners because they have an insatiable need for admiration and attention, requiring validation from as many sources as possible.

Do you know your attachment style? 

Take this free, online Attachment Styles Quiz today to find out your attachment style. Get a free, customized report too! Knowing your attachment style is the first step to understanding why you act the way you do. 


Monarch does not employ any provider and is not responsible for the conduct of any provider listed on our site. All information in member profiles, and messages are created from data provided by the providers and not generated or verified by Monarch. As a user, you need to perform your own diligence to ensure the provider you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws and licensure requirements. Monarch is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Monarch assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, for the quality or any other aspect of the services a provider may provide to you, nor will Monarch be liable for any act, omission or wrongdoing committed or allegedly committed by any provider.

Articles and information and assessments posted on Monarch are for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Treatment and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriate health care provider.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE MONARCH. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OR THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE OR HARMING YOURSELF OR OTHERS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR ANOTHER APPLICABLE EMERGENCY NUMBER.