8. An affair can eventually feel like a bad habit

The thing with the human brain is that it can get addicted to anything. Give yourself a reward after experiencing an action or event, and that can slowly become part of your regular needs. This includes a long-term affair, too, even if you’re not feeling it anymore.

Even if a person doesn’t want to have an affair anymore, they may not be able to stop doing it. Any relationship can be binding, even one built on a shoddy, cheating foundation. When affairs last for years, it’s inevitable for those cheating to build some type of bond with the person they’re sneaking with, whether it’s love or something a bit less than love.

Some affairs last for years, too, because many people lack the confrontational skills to put an end to any kind of relationship. In other words, they’d rather stick to the affair’s regular schedule instead of getting out of it and committing again to their spouse.

If you liked our article on the reasons why some affairs last for years, you may also want to read 11 Very Subtle Signs Your Wife Is Cheating on You.