Why Do People Really Have Affairs? (It's Not Just Sex)

The Scarlet Edit: Infidelity, Divorce, Starting Over. · Sep 24, 2026 · 24m

Are affairs just about sex? It's the question people jump to the second they hear the word affair, and after last week's conversation with Dr. Marie Murphy, I wanted to go deeper with my own answer.

Yes, sex plays a role. We crave intimacy and connection, and some people go looking for it because they're not getting any of it at home. I get it. Physical intimacy is a non-negotiable for me too. But if my affair had only been about sex, it never would have lasted as long as it did. You reach a point with someone where you either like who they are or you don't, and the sex can't carry that.

I…