As someone who has been in a relationship for over four years, I realize how hard it can be at times to love someone else.

To truly love someone means to be there for another person, to push that person to be the best they can be, and to put up with them on their worst days. While most parts of dating or marriage aren’t bad, relationships are challenging, nonetheless. You have to consider someone else in all of your decisions and think about someone other than yourself. There is no such thing as a perfect relationship. But even with all that being said, I love being in a relationship and wouldn’t trade it for the world.

These days, for every story I hear of a successful or happy couple, I hear double or more stories about someone cheating on their significant other. Cheating seems to have become a norm in this day and age and it’s no wonder why divorce rates appear to be through the roof. But why? Why do so many people cheat? Why do so many people think it’s okay? If you are incapable of truly loving someone else, then don’t. No one is forcing you to have a significant other, or to be in a committed relationship. Being in a relationship is a choice and so is cheating. But, cheating is a choice that should never be justified.

Here are 10 reasons why cheating is NOT acceptable.

1. You don’t have to be in a relationship.

As mentioned above, being in a relationship has its challenges. Some people are not mature enough or interested in facing these challenges head on. Remember, you have the choice to choose whether or not you want to commit to someone. Plenty of people are single and love their life. If you want to live life solo and focus on yourself, go for it.

2. If you are unhappy, you can get out of a relationship.

Just like you don't have to be in a relationship, you don't have to stay in an unhappy relationship either. If there are things in the relationship that are toxic or things that make you feel upset and/or depressed—then be mature about it and separate yourself from the situation. Don't use your unhappiness as an excuse to get with someone else. That's a temporary fix, not a problem solved.

3. If you are unhappy with your relationship but still love the person, make an effort to change the things that are wrong or bothering you.

If you are dating someone that you just can't live without, even if things get bumpy at times, then sit your significant other down and tell them how you feel. Once your feelings are out in the open, make a plan about how you are going to work together to address the problems and issues. While counseling is a very reasonable option, sometimes communication is the main key that was missing all along.

4. If that doesn’t work, you can get out of the relationship.

Once again, if you are not happy with the results that come from addressing the issues, then get out of the relationship. Not all relationships are for the long-run. You may not be with your forever love. Nothing is concrete and if you gave it your best shot and things don't improve, it's okay to move on.

5. If you are cheating because you are bored, then dump your significant other and go enjoy all the fish in the sea.

Some people cheat because they want to explore their options and get a taste of the other choices. Well, that's what being single is for! When you are single, you can spend time with whoever you want and don't have to answer to anyone. Monogamy is not for everyone, but don't be in a monogamous relationship if you can't commit to someone that's committed to you.

6. It’s not fair to sleep around when your significant other is being faithful.

If you are getting around with other people and your significant other is being faithful, that is selfish. If you expect them to be with you and only you, how can you justify going out and hooking up? That's a double standard. It's also not right to make someone think you're committed to them when you are going behind their back and having your own fun while they are dedicated to you and only you.

7. Cheating can bring unplanned pregnancies or STDs into your actual relationship.

Generally, when you are in a committed relationship, you are with a partner you can trust and you know their history. If you go around hooking up with random people that you may not know, you can bring an STD back to your GF/BF or hubby/wife. You could also cause an unwanted/unplanned pregnancy with a person you were just having fun with. Sleeping around with others betrays the trust in a relationship and can have serious long-term effects.

8. A relationship is about loyalty, and being there for someone, and if you can’t be loyal or faithful, your relationship will never be successful or happy.

If you think you can go behind your significant other's back and have your fun without it coming back to you, you are wrong. Most people find out if they are being cheated on, whether it be through word of mouth, text messages, emails or phone records. Technology will bite your affair in the ass. And once your significant other finds out what you did, your relationship will crash and burn. All trust will be gone and there will be many wounds. This will make for an unhappy and trying time that may result in the end of your relationship.

9. Stop thinking about what you want, and appreciate what you have.

A lot of people who cheat love their significant other, but get caught up in the idea of other options. In our society, we always want something better. Well, stop looking for better and appreciate the person you fell in love with. Open up your eyes to the things that made you first fall for them.

10. Your significant other should be your best friend, and you shouldn’t want to hurt your best friend.

When you are in a committed relationship, more often than not, you are really close and comfortable with the person you are with. They become your best friend and you would do anything for them. Why would you want to ruin the bond that is so special? Friends aren't supposed to hurt friends.

Cheating is a choice. Don't make it. Instead, make the choice to love the person you're with or get out of the relationship.