Chapter 4
Why do affairs often leave the new partner feeling intensely competitive?
The competitive nature stems from the formatting of the affair itself. Because the relationship was built in secret, the mistress constantly had to compete with the primary wife for time, affection, and validation. Once the divorce occurs and she "wins" the man, that competitive mental wiring does not simply disappear; it shifts into a hyper-vigilant fear that the ex-wife still holds power or that a new rival will emerge to repeat the cycle.