Instead, the teacher left Nancy to cope with that painful situation in solitude. Ridicule by one's own sex is distressing, but rejection by the opposite sex is like taking a hatchet to the self-concept. Defend the most defenseless child in your classroom. We can do no less. Both husbands and wives suffer incalculable anguish when a mate is unfaithful.
Men do seem to have a cultural advantage after the crisis is over, however.
Their work is often a better diversion and their economic consequences are less severe. They also find it easier to find someone new, as a rule. But no one wins in illicit affairs of the heart.