Cheating is for those that aren't being honest with themselves. Open relationships are fine for those whom understand and consent, but many people don't do well in them. I don't think I could ever do it but it is do to my own faults, not the practice.
Most cheating I think happens because someone hasn't admitted to themselves that they aren't happy enough in their relationship, or to cowardly to leave it for many a reason. Stability, whether financial or otherwise make staying in a relationship the "easy" option to many people.
Starting a new chapter of life is often hard. Social circles, work, living situations, vehicles, pets, and every other thing we forget about that has been a staple to us is often intertwined. Families as well. A lot of people stay together out of feeling it is better off than rocking the boat, many feeling like it would be devastating for their partner and like to think it is better for them long term as well. It doesn't mean it is, or would be.
Relationships are just hard all around, but at some point we have to choose happiness over forcing shit to work.
Being afraid of failure has always been one of my flaws. Relationships are mostly all failures, even many that last till death.
~end random rant, it wasnt disagreeing with your comment by the way, apparently I just started typing
all fair points. there is deff a story behind every thing. i was going more for people need own their behavior. classic story is parents staying together when it was bad for kids.
i guess it could work somehow... but we all heard the stories where it was dragged out too long and hurt more.
There is a lot of stastics and info on this topic that might surprise you. I would encourage you to look into cheating rates by demographics. After that if you want any recommendations for books on subject, let me know.