Weve all heard the phrase “Once a cheater, always a cheater.” We hear it so often many people take it as truth. And while cheating is never an excusable offense, this old adage is not necessarily true. Serial cheaters are often narcissists or people that are turned on by dishonesty.

Can someone cheat once and never again?

The reality is that a partner who cheated once can cheat again, clinical psychologist Dr. Josh Klapow, tells Bustle. That being said, a partner who never cheated can cheat for the first time at any time, too. So the risk we take in any relationship is infidelity.

Can you ever trust a cheater again?

You will never be able to trust your partner after an affair “Once the couple understands each others relationship concerns and the one who cheated is remorseful, trust is again possible.” Sometimes the recovery process can result in a relationship that is stronger than ever before.

Why once a cheater always a cheater is not true?

Experts say no. Relationship counselors have seen many couples persevere through cheating and the cheater never cheat again. On the other hand, the opposite happens just as often. According to some studies, someone who has cheated before is 3x more likely to cheat again in their next relationship.