Attraction doesn’t ask permission. It can show up quietly, even in the life of someone who’s happily married.
For some married women, unexpected feelings for another man don’t start with intention — they begin with subtle emotional shifts. These feelings don’t guarantee infidelity, but they can create changes that people around her notice.
According to Psychology Today, men and women often cheat for different reasons. Many men cheat for physical satisfaction, while women are more likely to cheat because of emotional needs, connection, or feeling misunderstood. A 2021 Statista survey also shows that one in five Americans admit to cheating, and a 2022 study found 20% of men and 13% of women have been unfaithful at least once.
Here are nine signs a married woman may be developing feelings for someone else — even if she’s not planning to act on them.
1. She Seems Emotionally Distant
If she’s physically present but mentally far away, often quiet or disconnected, she may be preoccupied with someone else. Therapist Elizabeth Winkler notes that emotional “distance” is a common early warning sign.
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