[dpark]

> The fact they are actively trying to hide it could also be because they are trying not to hurt them.

Eh, kind of doubt it. Most people would rather have their partner break up than cheat on them. It's considerably less hurtful to just leave someone than to carry on a hidden affair.

> The cynic in me also just doesn't think it's sane to expect that an oath to love forever could be relied upon anyway, and the statistics do bear this out.

I guess the optimist in me believes that if a partner is no longer in love and no longer interested in trying, they should break up rather than cheat. Similarly, I believe a business partner who no longer wants to be involved in the business should sell off their shares rather than purposely tanking the business.

[brokenmachine]

> It's considerably less hurtful to just leave someone than to carry on a hidden affair.

Not if nobody finds out about the hidden affair. But yes, it's a douchey thing to do.

> I guess the optimist in me believes that if a partner is no longer in love and no longer interested in trying, they should break up rather than cheat.

That doesn't sound terribly optimistic to me, optimistic IMO would be believing that a vow for love forever might have a chance of working.