girls cheat too

This NY Times article discusses some research that suggests women may be closing the gender gap when it comes to cheating.

An excerpt:

University of Washington researchers have found that the lifetime rate of infidelity for men over 60 increased to 28 percent in 2006, up from 20 percent in 1991. For women over 60, the increase is more striking: to 15 percent, up from 5 percent in 1991.

The researchers also see big changes in relatively new marriages. About 20 percent of men and 15 percent of women under 35 say they have ever been unfaithful, up from about 15 and 12 percent respectively.

The piece raises a good issue in questioning the legitimacy of adultery statistics -- particularly because it isn't exactly something everyone wants to discuss with a researcher.

Still, I think there must be some truth to reports of a rise in infidelity. The rise of social networking sites makes it so easy to instantly connect with a former fling, rekindling relationships (or at least communication) that would previously be resigned to "what if."

What's more, there appears to be more of an acceptance of cheating as a justified action in relationships that have turned sexless and emotionless.

It doesn't make it any more right, but people outside the relationship seem to at least understand infidelity when it's accompanied by a story about a dysfunctional marriage.

Thoughts?