I came across a thought-provoking question on Reddit about accountability in relationships. The post asked how people perceive a woman who knowingly engages with a man already in a relationship or marriage. The poster clarified that they already held the man fully responsible but were curious about societal views on the woman involved.
“I have no respect for anyone who chooses to stay with or continue pursuing someone when they find out they are married or in a relationship regardless of gender. If you are with someone and you realize they weren’t single, leave don’t be one of those people.”
“Or if you knowingly stay with someone who is not single, you’re trash.”
, “She’s an accomplice to homewrecking. And someone of zero morals. And we all hope to have front-row seats to the destruction of those two cheaters.”
Someone summed it up with a perspective that left no room for ambiguity: “Anyone, male or female, who knows someone is married and still pursues the relationship is a shit person.”
The discussion made me think about how society often focuses blame on one party in cases of infidelity, even when both individuals play a role. While the person in the relationship clearly holds primary responsibility, many believe that knowingly participating in someone else’s betrayal makes you complicit. It’s a conversation about personal ethics, respect for others’ relationships, and where we choose to draw moral lines.
What do you think? Is it fair to hold both people equally accountable, or should the majority of blame rest on the person who is in the committed relationship?