I'm a man and I can confirm that cheating is also very high up on our guilt list.
I know it might not seem like it at times, but men are emotional beings too. I was once in that situation of cheating and the guilt was HUGE. It was eating me up from the inside and I didn't know how to handle it.
I had to stop the affair and turn back to my girlfriend because I simply couldn't cope with the fact that I would make her so unhappy.
So Men, don't underestimate guilt. It's a very ugly feeling.
thanks so much for sharing your story. I also believe that cheating would be high up on men's guilt list. it's definitely not something to underestimate, and what you did was very respectful for your wife. good luck to you.