The Most Common Reasons for Cheating One example is the role of unfulfilled needs. One spouse may be unable to meet the requirements of the other partner, yet those needs are frequently unspoken. Marriage partners do not have mind-reading abilities. Another issue is the failure to handle issues directly. If a person avoids dealing with a problem, it will continue to haunt them. Finally, there is a lack of respect shown by someone who has families. They believe that because they have value as a person that their spouse does too.