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    1. Life
    2. Relationships

    Why The Phrase 'Once A Cheat, Always A Cheat' May Actually Be Scientifically True

    Could this be the answer to why people stray?

    By Marie Claire
    Published 2 November 2015 In Features

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    Could this be the answer to why people stray?

    While we don't like to tar all cheaters with the same brush, apparently that old cliché 'once a cheat, always a cheat' could actually be true - and there's scientific evidence to back it up.

    According to AsapScience, cheating is in our genes, with dopamine, the pleasure hormone, playing a big part in the decision to stray.

    50% of people who have the long allele variant of the dopamine receptor have cheated on their partner - while only 22% of people with the short allele variant have done the same.

    Apparently, long allele folks are also more likely to give into pleasure-seeking vices such as excessive drinking and drug-taking.

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    And it's not only alleles which are to blame (bet you wish you paid more attention in Biology GCSE now, right?). According to science, money also plays a part, with men who make more money than their female counterparts more likely to cheat - but also, men who stay at home during the day while their wives work are also likely to cheat. We can't win.

    Then, the most obvious one of all - emotional baggage can also be a reason why people cheat, whether they had a difficult childhood or a traumatic breakup.

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    Here are all the theories explained in one helpful video...

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    Do you think the theories are true, or are people fully in control of whether they cheat or not? Let us know @marieclaireuk

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