Why People Who Cheat Are So Terrified to Leave

Most people think an affair is about sex. I was the other woman, and I can tell you it almost never is. This week I'm joined by Dr. Marie Murphy, a non-judgmental infidelity coach, for a conversation that takes apart nearly every assumption people make about why others cheat. Marie works with people on every side of infidelity, and her perspective isn't one you'll hear anywhere else. We get into why most people who cheat don't want to be doing it, why "just get divorced" is harder than it sounds, and why some people wear being cheated on like a badge they can't take off. And for anyone who's ever wondered how long you're supposed to wait for someone to leave their marriage, Marie's reframe on that question is worth the whole episode. 0:03 Intro 0:58 Are affairs actually about sex? 4:04 Why we reduce cheating to "just sex" 6:01 Nobody wakes up and plans an affair 10:22 The night at 24 that flipped a switch for me 12:16 Meet Marie, the non-judgmental infidelity coach 13:26 Why people cheat and stay: the terror of hurting someone 20:25 Why couples counseling so often backfires 23:21 When being cheated on becomes an identity 27:00 Too afraid to leave, so they punish instead 29:35 "We weren't happy, we were just coexisting" 36:37 Complacency and the Alice in Wonderland moment 38:42 For the other woman: how long do you wait? 41:40 Wrap-up Guest Info. 🌐 https://www.mariemurphyphd.com/ ❤️‍🔥 About The Scarlet Edit The other woman's perspective on affairs, infidelity, and divorce — told without shame or judgment. I'm Nikki Corbett, host of The Scarlet Edit. Every Thursday I share honest conversations about midlife relationships, affairs, shame, heartbreak, desire, and what it really takes to start over. Whether you're navigating an affair, healing from divorce, or trying to understand the version of yourself that's emerging on the other side — this is where you'll find perspective and community for the things you've carried alone. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Thursday!    / @thescarletedit   🌐 Website: https://www.thescarletedit.com ❤️‍🔥 Connect with The Scarlet Edit Instagram:   / thescarlet.edit   Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thescarlet.edit YouTube:    / @thescarletedit   For Collaboration and Business inquiries: 💌 Email: teamnikkicorbett@gmail.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. © The Scarlet Edit #thescarletedit #infidelity #otherwoman #divorce #affairs #datingafterdivorce #relationships