It's a marvel that the term "cheating" can be trotted out without challenge so easily. What does it even mean?
"Cheating" normally refers to trying to gain an advantage by not following the rules. How does that concept even apply to infidelity?
The bargain you strike when you get married goes something like this:
- The man agrees to support the woman and any children that come along
- The man agrees to split up all the assets if he leaves the woman
- The woman offers free sex
Anything else is by negotiation (who will look after the kids, who will do the housework, etc).
If you don't see things this way, have a look at divorce decisions of courts and also "loss of marital relations" claims when spouse is killed or injured in an accident.
So, if you break off a piece on the side, but stay married and continue to support your wife and kids, who exactly are you cheating and what advantage are you obtaining?
Interestingly, neither under our laws or our western moral code are there any consequences for a woman who withdraws her sexual favours or who lets herself become so unattractive that her favours aren't wanted. Is she "cheating"?
In my view, whether you engage in the hobby has more to do with your own "code" and value or lack of value you think that monogamy has within you own relationship. Everything else is B.S..