Can a relationship survive infidelity?

how to survive infidelity?

It's a question of a sensitive nature that has been asked for centuries: can a healthy committed relationship survive an affair? Our cultural ideal of what a relationship should look like has evolved throughout time. We want our partners to take full responsibility for their actions in order to work towards the best outcome. This can be especially difficult when they continue behaving badly, like having sidebar relationships. Affairs can feel like a major thing in our lives and it can be a long process to heal the pain caused to emerge stronger. When there is an unfaithful spouse it can be very confusing. The answer is not always clear-cut, as there are many factors that can contribute to the outcome. However, being completely honest can help as infidelity does have the potential to ruin one's own marriage or relationships. We will explore the causes of infidelity and discuss how affairs can affect relationships. We will also work on diminishing stigma attached to experiencing an affair. We will provide advice on how to deal with infidelity if it occurs in your own relationship and how you can speak to an unfaithful partner. 

What are the different types of affairs?  

There are many different types of affairs, but they can generally be classified into two categories: physical affairs and emotional affairs.  

Physical affairs involve sexual contact between the two parties involved. Emotional affairs, on the other hand, do not necessarily involve physical contact. Instead, they involve a deep emotional connection that may or may not include sexual attraction.  

What are the causes of infidelity?  

The causes of infidelity are varied and can stem from a number of underlying issues. In some cases, one partner may feel neglected or unfulfilled in the relationship. This can lead them to seek attention and emotional intimacy outside of the relationship. In other cases, infidelity may be the result of a lack of communication or unresolved conflict within the relationship. Whatever the cause, infidelity is often a symptom of something deeper going on in the relationship. 

There are a few factors that can contribute to infidelity. Some people cheat because they are unhappy with their current relationship. Some people cheat because of all their repressed stuff about a relationship gets expressed in the form of an affair. Others cheat because they feel a need for excitement or novelty in their life. And still others cheat simply because they have an opportunity to do so.  

how to survive and affair

Common effects and feelings in affairs: betrayed partner

There are many different effects that infidelity can have on a relationship. Some of the most common effects include feelings of betrayal, jealousy, and anger. Infidelity can also lead to communication problems, mistrust, and resentment. In some cases, these feelings can even be the cause of divorce.  

What are some tips for dealing with infidelity? Is it best to really be completely honest?

There are many different tips that can be helpful for dealing with infidelity in a relationship. Some of the most important tips include:  

-Consider marriage counselling  

- Communicate with your partner: It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner if you suspect that they are cheating on you. This will allow you to get to the bottom of what is going on and to make a decision about what you want to do next.  

- Couples therapy: If you are struggling to deal with the emotions associated with infidelity, it may be helpful to seek professional help from a qualified therapist, counsellor, licensed clinical social worker, licensed marriage specialist.  

- Be honest with yourself about what you want from the relationship. If you decide that you are not willing to forgive your partner for their infidelity, then it may be best to end the relationship.  

- Take some time for yourself after you have been affected by infidelity. This will allow you to process your emotions and to make a decision about what you want to do next. Sometimes it can take up to two years to trust again and resist the urge to look at a partner's phone.  

Your partner doesn't seem committed to the relationship 

One of the most difficult things to deal with in a relationship is feeling like your partner is not fully committed. If you suspect that your partner is not as invested in the relationship as you are, it is important to communicate openly and honestly with them. This will allow you to get to the bottom of what is going on and to make a decision about what you want to do next. If you decide that you are not willing to forgive your partner for their infidelity, then it may be best to end the relationship. However, if you decide that you are willing to work through this difficult time, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified therapist or counsellor. Taking some time for yourself after infidelity can also be helpful in order to process your emotions and to make a decision about what you want to do next.  

Your spouse doesn't want counselling 

If your spouse doesn't want marriage counseling, it may be because they are not ready to face the infidelity and work through the emotions. It is also possible that they are not actually changing their behaviour and may have more secret affairs that are ongoing. It is important to communicate with your spouse and express your feelings. However, do try and not make it a reality tv style confrontation. If you decide that you are willing to work through this difficult time, it is important to seek professional help from a certified imago therapist.  

counselling for infidelity

What if your partner doesn't apologise 

One of the most difficult things to deal with in a relationship is when your partner doesn't apologise for their intimate betrayal. The healing process can be difficult. Affairs happen, and it can be difficult to move past this if you don't feel like your romantic partner is taking responsibility for their actions. They may also not seemingly hurt in the same way you are on the outside, but that does not mean they are not feeling hurt on the inside. If you decide that you are willing to work on the relationship's issues, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified therapist or counsellor. People can change and once a cheater always a cheater is not always the case.  

How can you deal with infidelity in a relationship?  

If infidelity occurs in your relationship, it is important to deal with it in a constructive and positive way. Repair broken trust, is top on most people's list. However, you first, you need to communicate with your partner about what happened and why your partner cheats. It is also important to discuss how you both feel about the situation and what needs to be done to move forward. In some cases, infidelity can be overcome and the relationship can be even stronger than before. However, in other cases, it may be best to end the relationship.   

How to rebuild trust 

One of the most important things that you can do if you want to strengthen trust in your relationship is to be honest with your betrayed spouse about what happened and why it happened. At no circumstance blame your partner for what you have done. Taking responsibility for your actions is the only way to change and rebuild trust. It is also important to discuss how you both feel about the situation and what needs to be done to move forward. In some cases, infidelity can be overcome and the troubled relationship can be even stronger than before. However, in other cases, it may be best to end the relationship.  

Remember that the decision about whether or not to stay in a relationship after infidelity occurs is up to you and your partner.  

What are some signs that infidelity has occurred in a relationship?  

There are many different signs that infidelity has occurred in a relationship. Some of the most common signs include:  

- Your partner is suddenly spending more time away from home  

- Your partner is being secretive about their whereabouts  

- You notice that your partner is dressing differently or taking more care with their appearance  

- Your partner seems to be less interested in you or the relationship  

- You notice strange charges on your credit card or bank statements  

- Your partner is suddenly working longer hours or taking more business trips  

If you notice any of these signs, it may be an indication that infidelity is happening in your relationship. If you suspect that your partner has been unfaithful, it is important to communicate your suspicions to them in a constructive manner.   

relationship counselling

What should you do if you suspect your partner is cheating? 

If you suspect that your partner is cheating on you, it is important to approach the situation with caution. You should avoid accusatory language and instead try to have an open and honest conversation with your partner. It is also important to be aware of the signs of infidelity, such as a sudden change in behaviour or appearance, secretive phone calls or text messages, or unexplained absences. If you have concrete evidence that your partner is cheating, it may be helpful to confront them with this evidence. However, infidelity can be a sensitive topic, so it is important to proceed with caution and care.  

Regardless of the reason, infidelity is always a choice. There are many reasons why people cheat on their partners. Some people do it because they are unhappy with their current relationship. Others may cheat because they are attracted to someone else or they are seeking sexual gratification outside of their relationship. Still, others may cheat simply because they want to experience something new.  

Whatever the reason, infidelity can have a devastating effect on relationships. Cheating can lead to feelings of betrayal, insecurity, and mistrust. It can also damage communication and intimacy within the relationship.  

Healthy relationship. Happy relationship.  

A healthy relationship is built on trust, respect, and communication. Partners in a healthy relationship are able to openly express their thoughts, feelings, and needs to one another. They also work together to resolve conflicts in a constructive and positive manner. Healthy relationships are based on mutual love, care, and support. Partners in a healthy relationship feel secure and comfortable with one another. They also have a shared sense of intimacy and connection.  

Conclusion 

So, can a relationship survive an affair? The answer is that many factors need to be considered when answering this question. Each couple is different and will have their own unique set of circumstances surrounding an affair. However, if both partners are willing to work on the relationship and are committed to making things right, then there is always hope for reconciliation. If you’re struggling with this issue and would like help navigating these murky waters, please reach out to us at Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling. We have years of experience helping couples mend their broken relationships and we would be more than happy to assist you in any way we can. 

 

Justin Duwe, MA, BSc, SAC Dip, Dip, MBACP (Accred)

Hi, my name is Justin Duwe. I'm a psychologist, sexologist, and author. I work with professional clients from all over the globe, offering tailored online counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups.

The main body of my work is in the areas of Addiction treatment, Sex/Relationship Matters, Chemsex, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Existential issues and more.

I've been working in mental health for over 15 years now. It's been a rewarding experience helping people deal with all sorts of challenges in their lives.

http://www.apc.limited
Previous
Previous

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

Next
Next

How you can you reduce anxiety