When a partner cheats, it can be a heartbreaking violation of trust. You loved your spouse and you thought they loved you back. Whether infidelity comes as a complete shock or your relationship was already on the rocks, it’s one of the most painful things a person can experience.
Once you discover what happened, what should you do? Betrayal can spark negative emotions, including anger, jealousy and deep sorrow. This can be the end of the relationship for many couples, but a break-up is not the only option.
A recent article on Refinery29 claims that dealing with the fallout of this painful experience could actually improve a relationship. Although this seems counter-intuitive, it may be possible.
Some couples find that the love has died down over time. For them, it seems that criticism is much more common than date nights. The couple may be silently unhappy about aspects of the relationship, but they don’t discuss the issues. Infidelity can become the crisis that breaks through the surface and starts conversation. The couple might start counseling sessions, which can resolve the root of the problem.
The article also suggests that cheating might have more to do with the other partner than you. Even if you have a good relationship, a partner could make a mistake or cheat because they have an issue with themselves.
Ultimately, you must decide whether or not you would be able to forgive their actions. Everyone has a unique “deal-breaker” that they know they cannot tolerate in a relationship. If you doubt that you can give your partner another chance or counseling had failed, you may choose to separate. When a married partner cheats, the break-up is much more complex and calls for the aid of a divorce attorney.