Woman cheating on husband says Airbnb makes affair feel like a 'real relationship'

There are many places that couples who want to have an illicit meet up might go to ensure their affair remains secret.

It could be the 'traditional' seedy motel, a more high-end establishment, or even just at each other's houses - if you're not bothered about getting caught.

Needless to say, cheating is not something to be encouraged in any relationship, and inevitably ends in a massive, heartbroken mess.

Having an affair is often also a symptom of a bad relationship as much as a cause.

If you do want to leave your partner or see someone else, you could just tell them. It's not easy, but it's probably going to be less messy than when the affair is discovered and everything blows up in your face.

Also, being the person having an affair is unlikely to play in your favour in a divorce court.

But all that doesn't get in the way of people who use the affair-enabling website Illicit Encounters, which might as well be called 'Business Trip, wink wink'.

The website frequently releases anonymised statistics of its users, as well as anonymous experiences.

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And one woman has shared how she and the person she is having an affair with have changed their habits for where they choose to meet for their encounters.

She said: “I’ve been married for over 7 years but have been having an on and off affair with the same person for the past 8 months.

"I live in a town centre and hotels have always felt too risky, and it’s impossible to relax. The first time we did an overnight stay together, it made me feel dirty too."

She continued: "We started using Airbnb's about three months into our relationship. It feels much more authentic, real, and feels like a real relationship.

"We do more relationship stuff, like explore the local area, and we spend evenings together cooking and drinking wine."

It all sounds very romantic.

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She continued: "I will leave my husband down the line, and this experience has made the relationship with my lover feel much more normal rather than a quick fling."

In fact, Airbnb tops out a list of places that people are choosing to have their affairs.

Given that you have to give your name, bank details, and reason for your visit when making a booking, it doesn't seem to really lend itself to secrecy. Just saying.

Number two on the list is at a home address, followed by a hotel. Then there's in your car at number four, and the office at number five.

Jessica Leoni, Sex and Relationships Expert at Illicitencounters.com, said:

“The UK is reported to be the fourth most under surveillance country in the world, and there's no doubt Airbnb provides more choice,

Amid tightening of purse strings, Airbnb in general is cheaper...This is interesting, with lovers attempting to shed the seediness and guilt of a traditional hotel rendezvous with a more wholesome option."

Make of that what you will.