Thousands of people across the UK are turning to affairs to let off steam and save their relationships, as the cost-of-living crisis heaps pressure on couples, according to marital affairs website, Illicit Encounters. The website, which has well over 1 million members - has seen a 169% spike in new members in the past two weeks, and reports August is on track for a record month for sign-ups vs the same stage last month.
Jessica Leoni, spokesperson at Illicit Encounters, said the spike follows a similar trend in sign-up increases when the nation feels the pinch the most. Adding January is traditionally the site’s best performing month in a calendar year but the days we’ve seen of August have already surpassed that.
“The last couple of weeks have been unprecedented in terms of new members joining Illicit Encounters - we’re already approaching more than double an average August month. It’s a pattern we’ve seen in previous years and the formula is simple - when the financial climate in the UK is bad, there’s more pressure on couples, which results in a significant spike in those seeking affairs as an escape.
"You can go all the way back to the 2008 financial crisis, and more recently the COVID pandemic and Brexit to see similar behaviour.”
As interest rates see the biggest jump since the past 27 years, a recent Stowe Family Law report uncovered couples worries over ‘not enough money coming in’ and ‘not enough money to pay the bills’ are impacting the health of relationships. The research revealed 20% of couples disagree over what to allocate their dwindling funds towards.
This follows internal data from Illicit Encounters, who polled 1,000 of its members on the question 'Do you think the cost of living crisis is impacting your marriage and making you more likely to cheat?' With an overwhelming 85% admitting yes.
Last week it was reported that financial uncertainty is proving too much for many marriages, leaving couples desperate for a divorce. But as the cost-of-living crisis strips millions of people’s disposable incomes, they’re finding themselves unable to actually afford one - prompting them to remain in the same house - or in the case of Illicit Encounters - go down the route of extramarital affairs.
One user from the South of England, who joined the website on the August 2, admitted arguments with her husband over money, and added tension at home were the main reasons she sought an affair.
“I’ve been married for seven years, but the past couple of months have been the most difficult patch we’ve gone through. Regular arguments over bills and spending tipped me over the edge, and I just had an urge for some no-strings lust to get me out of the house. I feel less stressed, and things are improving at home because of it.”
Leoni added: “Thousands of Brits are dealing with the stress of living through no-strings attached extramarital fun. We’re clearly doing our bit, unlike the Government who might know a thing or two about affairs - but aren’t doing much to help households cope with financial pressures.”
