Men biologically wired not to cheat with friend's wife

Men may be biologically designed to avoid adultery with their friends’ wives, new research has found. University of Missouri researchers found men may have a natural aversion to amorous attractions to the wife next door.

The study found that adult males’ testosterone levels dropped when they were interacting with the marital partner of a close friend. Understanding the biological mechanisms that keep men from constantly competing for each others’ wives may shed light on how people manage to cooperate on the levels of neighbourhoods, cities and even globally.

“Although men have many chances to pursue a friend’s mate, propositions for adultery are relatively rare on a per opportunity basis,” said Mark Flinn, professor of anthropology in the College of Arts and Science. “Men’s testosterone levels generally increase when they are interacting with a potential sexual partner or an enemy’s mate. However, our findings suggest that men’s minds have evolved to foster a situation where the stable pair bonds of friends are respected,” Flinn said. “Using that biological understanding of human nature, we can look for ways to solve global problems. The same physiological mechanisms can also allow groups like NATO and the UN to solve problems,” he said.