The State of the ahem "Union" in Australia - Affairs

A new online dating site has launched in Australia - but I'm not saying singles take note! Ashleymadison.com caters to married individuals and those in long term relationships that are looking to indulge in a bit of...dallying on the side.

It's actually not supposed to be that surprising. According to many estimates, 60% of men ad 45% of women admit to having an extramarital affair. Meanwhile, that puts estimates of all marriages affected by affairs at a whopping 70%. Noel Biderman, founder of the site, told SMH that it's not in the human nature to stay in with one partner for the long term. It would seem like the general populace agrees, with 280,000 users subscribed to the site already - 36% of them are women.

Some reckon that a little affair can rekindle the old marital flames - add a little spice in your life. Even if this were true, is an affairs' based website the way to go about it? Isn't part of the excitement of an affair is that it's spontaneous and wasn't meant to happen? The appeal and romance that the two of you couldn't keep your hands off each other and are risking your unions for the sake of passion and animal magnetism?

Meanwhile, today's other Life & Style headline is that Australia is one of the world's cluckiest nations - Australia ranks just behind Norway as the best country to have children. So to the outside reader, we're a nation of clucky cheaters - who believe a woman can't be raped wearing skinny jeans.

If I was a woman thinking about moving to Australia - I'd definitely be considering New Zealand at the moment.

What do you think about the state of the "Union"? Are most marriages affected by affairs? Would you consider starting an affair online?

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The State of the "Union" in Australia - Relationship Facts

Top 3 challenges people face in finding a partner:
1. No one suitable
2. How do you meet people?
3. Too busy

Top 3 causes for relationship breakdown
1. Communication Difficulties
2. Financial Stress
3. Lack of commitment

Top 3 factors that would make people happier
1. More money/better finances
2. Better health
3. More downtime and less work

Source: Relationship Australia 2008