The author applies his formula for the basic neurotic conflict,—i.e., fear and shame caused by psychic masochism, and the need to deny it,—to certain neurotic husbands who half confess and exaggerate marital infidelity to their wives, arousing jealousy in them. These are usually passive masochistic men who marry shrewish women out of psychic necessity. After a time the wife loses interest in her husband, and the husband reacts with a feeling of semi-impotence. The unconscious superego reproaches the masochistic behavior of the husband. In defense, the unconscious ego resorts to a lesser crime, adultery. Instead of admitting to masochism and impotence, it admits to pseudoaggressive marital infidelity. The husband's narcissism is thereby safeguarded and guilt over the masochism is assuaged.