Infidelity has made headlines across the globe, from Beyoncé and Jay-Z's highly publicised turmoil to the unexpected revelations in Shakira and Gerard Piqué's split. These stories spark endless debates about loyalty, trust, and heartbreak. But beyond the celebrity spotlight lies the everyday reality of betrayal. According to a survey, around 20% of men and 13% of women admit to infidelity in a relationship. While men often cheat due to physical attraction which has nothing to do with the relationship they are currently in, women are more likely to cheat because of dissatisfaction in their current relationship, driven by a lack of emotional connection. Men cheat because they are chasing novelty; women cheat because they are seeking the love they’ve been denied. In this article, five women share their deeply personal experiences of being cheated on—raw moments of discovery, the aftermath, and the lessons they’ve carried forward. From secret messages on a partner’s phone to shocking confessions, their anecdotes paint a vivid picture of how infidelity reshapes lives.

The man who betrayed again and again 

“Coming to Bangalore from Nepal for my undergraduate studies felt like the start of a dream. Later, as an air hostess, my life soared to new heights—except in one part: my relationship. For four years, I loved a man who repeatedly cheated on me with other women. I would leave meals ready for him before heading on duty for his convenience and because I loved him so much, only to find he shared them with another woman he secretly brought home. Each time I found out, it shattered me, leaving me feeling unworthy and invisible. Despite giving him multiple chances, hoping he’d change, he clearly did not; but giving him those many chances was my biggest regret. I have moved on and am dating a wonderful man, but a thing like that changes you forever, and makes you question everyone’s intentions.” -A. 

The perfect boyfriend

“When I moved to a new city for my studies, my high school boyfriend promised to join me but later, he chose a different city instead. At first, his love seemed boundless and promising with flowers, cakes, heartfelt emails, and long messages claiming he didn’t deserve me and I was the best thing that happened to him. But then, I discovered the unthinkable: he had been with a sex worker in that other city. It blew my mind. The experience was traumatic and I still struggle to trust men and have lost faith in long-distance relationships. It’s a wound that still shapes how I view love today.” -R.

My dad saved my life

“I’d been with him since eighth grade—my first love, my everything. He’d pick me up from school, charm everyone around him, and in my eyes, he was perfect. People said I deserved better, but I was convinced he was the one. Introducing him to my parents after school was monumental; in Indian families, that’s a really big deal. He even came to the airport with them to see me off when I left for studies abroad. Six months in, and my dad called me to tell me that he’d seen my boyfriend getting cosy with another girl. I knew then that I had to break up and I was so embarrassed that my dad found it out before I did.” -H.

The absolute red flag

“I was in love with him, or so I thought. Looking back, I wonder why I stayed with him even though he was never good to me. He cheated on me repeatedly, and even called to gloat, saying I could never compare to those other girls. Not only that, he also forced me to confront my abuser, who was a mutual friend, because he thought I was lying and wanted to make sure. When I finally left, I fell for his best friend, who cut ties with him after seeing his behaviour towards me and other women. My ex still blames me for the fallout, but I’ve stopped caring. If he wanted my respect, he should’ve earned it with decency. You reap what you sow.” -M.

He was too hung up on his ex

“I had been dating him for a year, and everything seemed perfect and happy. One evening, while my phone charged, I casually used his to show him something on Instagram. We’d always been comfortable sharing our phones, and we never crossed boundaries to snoop around or check who the other was texting. But this time, Instagram opened to his chat list, and his ex was right at the top. I literally froze. Respectfully (and very stupidly), I ignored it, only for him to snatch the phone away from me like he was caught red-handed or something. So I had to ask him why he was talking to her and why I did not know they were still in touch. Turns out, he was flirting with her behind my back. If you only wanted her back, why waste my time, and why fumble her in the first place? Ugh, men!” -S.

Men often cheat under the illusion that they can find "better" partners, failing to realise they often don’t deserve the ones they already have. It’s a paradox—both sad and absurd—that men display such confidence while contributing so little to relationships. Women in heteronormative partnerships bear the brunt of emotional labour, navigating their partner’s immaturity and often thanklessly keeping the relationship afloat. It’s time we reframe these dynamics—compensating women not only for the emotional toll they endure but for the patience required to deal with men who consistently fall short. As the examples show, it’s clear: men need to do better.

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