A married man is like a great-fitting pair of pre-stressed jeans: already tested, broken in, and approved. The relative independence of not being tied down to a “real” relationship also has its allure. But there are many good reasons why you shouldn’t succumb to the temptation of an illicit affair. Here are just a few of them.
- It’s anti-feminist
Feminism isn’t about burning bras or marching in the streets with placards. It’s about respecting and supporting the rights of other women. If you participate in the destruction of something a sister has worked hard to build—such as her marriage and her family—no amount of banner-waving will make you a feminist.
- It hurts other women . . . and children
Your dalliance with a married man isn’t a victimless crime. Not only are you hurting another woman, but your selfishness will affect her children as well. And, depending on how deeply affected the kids are by the downfall of the marriage, the hurt just might filter down to their kids. Do you really want a stain like that on your soul?
- You’ll be miserable on Christmas and Valentine’s Day
And any other day he’ll be expected to spend with his family. If the man is determined to hang on to his marriage and his family, you’ll wind up taking a back seat to it every time. Which brings us to . . ..
- You’ll be selling yourself short
The mistress is the second banana, and that’s all she’ll ever be. Wouldn’t you rather be with a man who is able to—and wants to—give you all of him, rather than a tiny sliver at a time?
- You’re wasting chunks of your life
You’re treading water, going nowhere. It’s a dead-end relationship. Shouldn’t you be out there looking for a full-time relationship of your own? Especially if you want to have kids. Don’t mean to be cruel, but . . . tick tock, tick tock . . ..
- What goes around, comes around
He’s already proven himself capable of infidelity. He’s shown that he’s willing to put his own selfish desires ahead of the feelings of the woman he once loved. Or even still professes to love. If it comes to pass that he leaves his wife, and you take her place, how long do you think it will be before you are the one lying alone in an empty bed, listening out for the sound of his key in the door?
- You’re going to hate yourself
Sure, sneaking around is naughty, and so is taboo sex. Feels great, right? But one day you’ll wake up and hate yourself. With good reason.
- It makes you look bad
Being the outside woman is just plain tacky. Don’t do it.
