The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity

Infidelity: it can steal a couple's relationship, their joy, their very sense of self. And yet, this incredibly common human phenomenon remains poorly understood. What should we make of this long-standing taboo—universally forbidden yet universally practiced? Why do individuals stray—even those in happy marriages? What makes an affair so devastating? What is the true definition of infidelity? Do our romantic ideals about marriage leave us vulnerable to betrayal? Is there really such a thing as a marriage that is immune to affairs? Can someone truly love more than one person at the same time? And is it possible for an affair to actually improve a marriage? Through a combination of real-life cases and insightful psychological and cultural analysis, this captivating book by Perel delves into these questions and more with a playful and humorous tone.