Almost two in five Brits (39%) would forgive their partner if they cheated on them, according to new research about the most outrageous scenarios people are willing to excuse. The research, commissioned by Paddy Power Games, asked respondents which situations they’re prepared to turn a blind eye to in a relationship, finding 14.3 million Brits would pardon their partner for cheating.
And, more than one in 10 admit they’d let their partner off the hook for multiple cases of cheating (11%), with as many as 3% willing to turn a blind eye five times or more. The most forgiving area is Cambridge, where 57% admit they’d excuse an unfaithful partner. Citizens of Sheffield and Bristol are also especially forgiving (48% and 45% respectively).
The research also revealed that 6% of people in Northern Ireland would forgive their partner for cheating five or more times, which is double the national average.
Other unforgivable acts in a relationship include accidently saying an ex’s name (73% wouldn’t forgive this) and forgetting a partner’s birthday (68%). Surprisingly, unforgivable acts include stealing a partner’s joke (55% wouldn’t forgive) and having leftovers stolen by the other half (47%).
A spokesperson for Paddy Power Games said: “We know Brits like to keep calm and carry on, and that’s certainly the case for two in five who’d be willing to look the other way if their partner cheats.
“But utter an ex’s name and its curtains…unless you live in Cambridge, where residents appear have first class degree in forgiveness. At Paddy Power Games, we’re all about giving more chances, but even we draw the line at serial cheats!”
