Living with Intention Building Meaningful Relationships in Life
Image Source: bing.comIt’s a common midlife crisis scenario: a middle-aged man or woman suddenly feels the urge to break free from their boring routine and start a new, exciting life. And often, this includes having an affair with a younger partner. But why do these affairs never last? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.
The Thrill Wears Off
Image Source: bing.comAt the beginning of the affair, the thrill of doing something forbidden and exciting can be intoxicating. But eventually, the novelty wears off and the reality of the situation sets in. The midlife crisis spouse may realize that they don’t have much in common with their younger partner or that the relationship is based on nothing more than physical attraction.
The Guilt Sets In
Image Source: bing.comAs the midlife crisis spouse comes to terms with the reality of their situation, the guilt of betraying their long-term partner can become overwhelming. This guilt can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and a sense of being trapped in a no-win situation.
The Younger Partner Wants More
Image Source: bing.comWhile the midlife crisis spouse may have been content with a purely physical relationship, the younger partner may want more. They may want a committed relationship or even marriage and children. This can put a strain on the affair and make it difficult for it to last long-term.
The Midlife Crisis Ends
Image Source: bing.comEventually, the midlife crisis will end. The person going through it will either come to terms with their situation and find a way to move forward or they will revert back to their old life. If they choose the latter, the affair will likely come to an end as well.
The Younger Partner Grows Up
Image Source: bing.comAs the younger partner grows up and matures, they may realize that the affair was nothing more than a fling. They may want to move on and find a more stable, long-term relationship. This can also contribute to the end of the affair.
The Midlife Crisis Spouse Doesn’t Change
Image Source: bing.comOne common misconception about midlife crisis affairs is that they are caused by a desire to change one’s life. However, often the midlife crisis spouse doesn’t change at all. They may continue to engage in risky behavior, neglect their responsibilities, and avoid facing the real issues that led to their crisis in the first place. This can make it difficult for any relationship to last, including an affair.
The Midlife Crisis Spouse Wants to Go Back
Image Source: bing.comAs the midlife crisis comes to an end, the person going through it may realize that they made a mistake. They may want to go back to their old life and try to repair the damage that was done. This can be difficult if they are still involved in an affair.
The Other Spouse Finds Out
Image Source: bing.comOf course, the most common reason why midlife crisis affairs never last is that the other spouse finds out. Infidelity can be devastating to a relationship, and it can be difficult to recover from. Even if the midlife crisis spouse decides to end the affair, the damage may already be done.
Conclusion
While midlife crisis affairs may seem exciting and romantic at first, they rarely last. The reasons behind this are complex and varied. Whether it’s the guilt of betraying a long-term partner or the realization that the relationship was based on nothing more than physical attraction, midlife crisis affairs are often doomed to fail. If you are going through a midlife crisis, it’s important to seek help and support from friends, family, or a professional therapist.
