When the going gets tough – the tough turn to their partners

The traditional excuse men use for having an affair is “my wife doesn’t understand me”. Now they have another reason: the recession.

According to a survey, men who are under stress because of fears over job security and money during a harsh economic climate are more likely to cheat on their partners.

Researchers from the University of Kansas in the US say this is because men go into survival mode when they feel threatened – and thus get the urge to spread their seed.

Study author Professor Omri Gillath, whose findings appear in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, is quoted as saying: “We’re biologically wired to reproduce, and the environment tells us the best strategy to use to make sure our genes are passed on.

“If you think you might die soon, there’s a huge advantage for a man to use short-term mating strategies – to make sure there are a bunch of offspring and hope that some of them survive – but women can’t do the same thing.”

Last week’s blog talked about how having to tighten your purse strings to weather the economic storm can actually bring you closer to your partner and strengthen, rather than weaken, a marriage.

Although extra-marital affairs are no longer the leading reason why couples decide to split up, according to accountancy firm Grant Thornton’s latest annual study of divorce in the UK (it’s “growing apart”), adultery destroys very many marriages.

If you are already going through a rough time because of the financial crisis, the last thing you want is to add to your burdens. Yes, a flirtation with an attractive woman (or man) might add a bit of spice to life and a welcome diversion from the anxieties of daily life, but a full-blown affair is likely to end in disaster.

When the chips are down, most people turn to their family for reassurance, stability and succour. So ensuring that family remains intact is vital.

Marriage isn’t easy at the best of times; when you’re worried about paying the mortgage and being able to put food on table, it can put a strain on the relationship.

Jumping into bed with someone else is not the answer. As we said last week, appreciating what you do have – your health, your family and friends – is key to maintaining a happy life.

So if your business is struggling or you’re fearful of losing your job, don’t add to your problems by playing away from home. Turn to the one rock in your life – your partner.