Affairs and Personality Disorders - 7 Signs Your Partner's Affairs Might Signal a Bigger Problem
By Shannon E Cook

Affairs are highly destructive to any relationship that is built on honesty, trust, and fidelity. It is possible in many instances to repair and strengthen a marriage after an affair -- if both partners are willing to work hard to save the relationship, and the work opens up communication and accountability between the partners. However, an affair or affairs may be only the tip of the iceberg when the offending partner has a personality disorder.

Personality disorders are characterized by a different kind of mental hard wiring than the rest of us have. Some of these disorders - like sociopathy/psychopathy, and narcissism, can be extremely destructive to a relationship. While only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose a personality disorder, it is helpful to know some of the traits to look for. Here are 7 signs that the affairs may be a sign of a larger problem like a personality disorder:

1. Lack of empathy. Your partner may not be able to put him or herself in another person's shoes. Your partner may attempt to act empathetic, but when the surface layer is peeled away there is callousness beneath.

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....and not even acknowledge it to himself! Why? Because he's off charming the socks off of new women as if your years together didn't even exist!

The sociopathic narcissistic ex continually acts in abusive, bewildering and confusing ways. He is not above committing destructive acts. When the breakup becomes a reality, it is likely that his 'false persona' will completely disappear all together and you will most likely experience the most hurtful of behavior from him. He is completely lacking in empathy, and - since he is not receiving any admiration from you anymore - he will dismiss you and discard you as worthless to him, consequently dropping any fake front that he use to put up in order to keep you in the relationship. Click here to read 'The Counterfeit Heart: Breaking Up With a Narcissist - the Sociopath in Your Life' by Tigress Luv

2. Lack of guilt or remorse. Your partner may not be troubled by conscience the same way most of us are. In fact, if your partner is sociopathic/psychopathic, he or she may actually feel justified in committing hurtful actions because the victim was weak and "set him or herself up." Again, there may be a show of remorse, but this is a ploy to keep you useful to the sociopath, rather than an expression of genuine emotion.

3. Poor impulse control. Your partner may have difficulty with delayed gratification and may become bored easily. This can lead to a greater possibility of affairs as your partner seeks to fulfill impulses and engage in activities for excitement. Your partner may have anger outbursts and even become violent.

4. Consistent irresponsibility. Your partner may have a problem holding down a job, paying bills or taking care of personal business, or honoring marital commitments.

5. Grandiose sense of self worth. Your partner may think of him or herself in terms of superiority and exaggerate his or her accomplishments. This may lead to a sense of entitlement and the expectation of preferential treatment. He or she may adopt a haughty attitude toward others and expect to associate with special people and institutions.

6. Manipulation and conning. Your partner may be willing to step on others to get ahead, use people freely to get needs met, and not be concerned about the effects on others.

7. Compulsive lying. Your partner may lie about everything -- including his or her affairs. In fact, if there is a personality disorder involved, you may never get the full truth about anything from your partner. One or two affairs may in reality be more.