Why People Cheat in Relationships (It's Not What You Think): The Psychology of Betrayal, Self Awareness and Disconnection with Chad Taylor

Is infidelity really about sex - or is it a symptom of something much deeper?When we hear the word infidelity, most of us immediately think betrayal, broken trust, and relationship-ending behaviour. But what if the affair wasn’t actually the beginning of the story? What if it was the final expression of patterns that had been quietly forming long before anyone crossed the line?In this thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Psychotherapist and Author Chad Taylor to explore the psychology behind infidelity through a completely different lens. Together, we unpack why cheating is often less about the other person and more about our relationship with ourselves. This episode is not about excusing infidelity or minimising the pain it causes. Accountability always maters. Instead, its about understanding the unconscious patterns, unmet needs and emotional disconnection that can drive behaviours we later regret - and why genuine healing requires far more than simply changing partners. Whether you’ve experienced betrayal, are rebuilding trust, or simply want to better understand human behaviour and relationships, this conversation offers powerful insights into self-awareness, emotional responsibility and lasting personal growth. Key takeaways Why infidelity is often a symptom of deeper emotional disconnection rather than simply a moral failure How unconscious patterns, unmet emotional needs and validation seeking share our relationshipsThe subtle forms of infidelity that often begin long before a physical affairWhy self-awareness, accountability and emotional responsibility are essential for breaking unhealthy relationship patternsWhat it actually takes for a relationship to recover after betrayalPractical ways to strengthen connection and prevent emotional distance from growing over timeTimestamps00:00 - Why we need to look beyond behaviour or infidelity05:20 - The psychology of disconnection, unmet needs and unconscious patterns13:10 - Emotional affairs, micro-infidelities and the behaviours we often overlook23:05 - Accountability vs avoidance: Can people really change after betrayal?30:00 - Can relationships recover after infidelity? What rebuilding trust actually requires38:20 - Chad’s approach to developing self-awareness through ongoing personal growthIf this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you shared it with someone who might need to hear it. And don’t forget to follow Grow As I Go on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.Connect with Chad TaylorIf you’d like to learn more about Chad’s work, you can find his newly released book ‘It’s You. Oh F*ck. It’s Me’ on Amazon.Chad also hosts his own podcast, where he explores relationships, self-awareness and the unconscious patterns that shape our lies and runs a weekly online therapy group designed to help people develop greater self-awareness in a safe supportive environment. @chadtaylor.itsyou