No one's going to argue that infidelity can ruin a relationship. There are more reasons to stay faithful - or break off your unhappy relationship - than there are to cheat, but many spouses and significant others are tempted. The figures are murky about how many spouses cheat, but infidelity raises its ugly head in about one in five marriages, and those figures go even higher in some studies. There's no way to endorse or condone cheating, but if you're going to do it, then there are a few things to remember. Whatever your objective is for cheating - companionship, loneliness, sex, or something else - it points to something lacking in your relationship. Is there any way to meet that need besides cheating? If so, then give it a try; after all, cheating doesn't "just happen." If not, proceed with caution if your objective is to keep your "happy" home and long-term relationship intact. Make your intentions known - and learn of your lover's intentions - before embarking on an affair. Discuss what the two of you want out of the affair and avoid hurt feelings or miscommunication later.