Infidelity in marriage is an all too common occurence these days. Stories about this are rife, from gossip in the workplace, tabloids and magazines to TV chat shows. What are the effects of cheating on our society as a whole? Does this duplicitous behaviour affect the emotional health of our nation?



The ten commandments forbid infidelity in the eyes of the man upstairs. So even in biblical times married people was stricken with a case of the wandering eye. Adultery in ancient times was often met with public humiliation or evena horrible death at the hands of the public.

Although we may kid ourselves that we have progressed since then, most of the problems that society faced then are still with us now. Infidelity is like a stone dropped into a pond; and its effects can encompass both friends and family.

No one is affected moreso than any children involved. Their parents are role models for how they are to act and treat others when they reach adulthood. Seeing one parent treat the other in a duplicitious and deceitful manner does not give them a good foundation about the appropriate ways to treat people.

Extra marital affairs quite often end in the divorce courts. This weakens the moral fibre of our country. If the solemn vows of marriage are viewed on a "when it suits me" basis, it erodes the reasons for making a marriage work.

If divorce is not the outcome, the infidelity is often hidden from the kids. This can lead to bitterness, lack of trust and suppressed anger which may often lead to a family unit which provides a poor guide to how an adult should act and gives a dysfunctional view of family life.

Deceit and duplicity, encountered in their own family and all the way up to the Whitehouse provide a skewed learning environment. Our children are our future and to immerse them in weak and deceitful relationships bodes ill for our society's future.

The men and women in our society should make it a common goal to be faithful when the enter into matrimony. It will help our country become healthier and happier people and give our children secure environments to grow up in.