When faced with infidelity in a relationship, it can be an exceptionally challenging and heartbreaking experience. With so many unknowns, doubts, and emotions at play, it isn’t easy to know how to handle the situation and make it through intact.
It doesn’t matter if you are on either end of the betrayal – both are devastating strikes against trust and connection that must be dealt with accordingly. To confront this ever-looming turn of events head-on requires patience, understanding, and hard work to prevent further heartache.
In this article, we will discuss how to let go of resentment or guilt while building trust and emotional closeness over time so that you can begin putting your relationship back together again after discovering infidelity.
Approximately 30-60% of married individuals in the United States will engage in infidelity at some point in their marriage.
What is infidelity?
Infidelity is a breach of trust between two partners in a relationship. It can take many shapes and forms, such as emotional or physical cheating, repeatedly lying to your partner, or even having an affair.
No matter the form, infidelity creates broken trust and can lead to feelings of hurt, betrayal, insecurity, and confusion.
Physical intimacy in a relationship has been broken or altered due to infidelity. It can be exceptionally difficult to overcome the resentment and anger.
Yet, rebuilding trust can be one of the most important steps in overcoming infidelity in a relationship.
What causes infidelity?
Unresolved issues within the relationship usually cause infidelity. These could include a lack of communication, an unbalanced power dynamic, or a lack of emotional connection between partners.
Poor boundaries can also lead to infidelity, as people may become more willing to stray outside the parameters of their healthy relationships if boundaries are not set and enforced.
Non-Sexual Infidelity or Emotional Affairs
Examples of non-sexual infidelity and emotional cheating can include:
- Frequently texting or talking to someone you are attracted to
- Keeping secrets from your partner about your interactions with someone else
- Sharing all the details about your relationship with another person
- Overinvesting in someone outside of the relationship
- Neglecting or ignoring your partner’s needs and feelings while focusing on another person’s
Does Infidelity Pain Ever Go Away?
Overcoming infidelity pain can take time, but it is possible. Recovery requires great effort from both partners and may involve communication, counseling, or therapy. It could also include re-establishing trust through positive behavior over an extended period.
The most important thing to remember is that the healing process takes patience and understanding. It is important to understand that restoring the broken trust takes time and moving forward in a healthy, positive way.
About two-thirds (65%) of couples who experience infidelity remain together after the discovery of the affair.
-Journal of Marriage and Family
Emotional infidelity and why does it hurt
Emotional infidelity can hurt just as much, or even more, than physical infidelity. This is because emotional cheating involves sharing intimate thoughts and feelings with someone other than your partner. It’s a form of betrayal that deeply damages trust.
When facing emotional infidelity, it is important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner. This will help rebuild trust and provide clarity on the situation.
It’s important to remember that emotional infidelity can be overcome with honest communication, understanding, and compassion.
Overcoming Infidelity & Moving Forward
Overcoming infidelity can be a long and difficult process, but it is possible to move forward. It is important to take the time to understand why the infidelity occurred and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the betrayal.
Both partners should agree on accountability and work together to rebuild trust and create a healthier, more balanced relationship. Over time, this process of rebuilding can lead to an even stronger bond between the two of you.
Regarding moving forward, it is important to remember that healing is possible, and there can be an even stronger connection between you two. With patience, understanding, and open communication, couples can emerge from infidelity with a healthier relationship.
It’s important to remember that overcoming infidelity is a process that won’t happen overnight. With an open mind, understanding heart, and mutual commitment, couples can make it through this difficult experience stronger than ever.
Only 35% of marriages end in divorce due to infidelity
-American Psychological Association
How long does it take to get over infidelity?
The amount of time it takes to get over intense emotional pain differs for everyone. It depends on the individual, the type of betrayal, and how willing both partners are to work through their issues together. Generally, trust can take months or even years to restore, depending on the circumstances.
Regardless of how long it takes, it is important to remember that healing and restoration are possible.
Overcoming infidelity requires much focus and effort from both partners, but the result can be an even stronger relationship than before. Couples can make it through this difficult experience intact with patience, understanding, communication, and time.
Why do people cheat in the first place?
People cheat for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, it is because they feel disconnected from their partner and are looking for connection elsewhere. It can also be due to unresolved issues such as a lack of communication, trust, or respect in the relationship.
Additionally, feelings of insecurity or inadequacy can lead to cheating as well.
Whatever the reason for cheating, it is important to work together to address any underlying issues and rebuild trust. Overcoming infidelity requires open communication and a willingness on both sides to make changes for the relationship to progress. Couples can make it through this difficult experience intact with patience, understanding, and hard work.
15% of wives and 25% of husbands have extramarital affairs. The most common reason cited for infidelity was a lack of emotional intimacy in the relationship.
-American Association for marriage and family therapy
Regardless of why people cheat, it is important to remember that healing and restoration are possible. Overcoming infidelity requires a great deal of effort from both partners, but with open communication, understanding, and patience, couples can make it through this difficult experience stronger than ever before.
Whether you should stay or go
Whether to stay or go into a relationship after infidelity is a difficult decision. It depends on the individual, the circumstances of the betrayal, and if both parties are willing to work together to rebuild trust. Ultimately, it is up to each partner to decide what’s best for them and their relationship.
If you choose to stay, it is important to remember that healing and restoration are possible. Overcoming infidelity requires much focus and effort from both partners, but the result can be an even stronger relationship than before. Couples can make it through this difficult experience intact with patience, understanding, communication, and time.
On the other hand, if you choose to go, it is important to remember that moving on is possible. You can take the lessons learned from this experience and use them to build a healthier and more balanced relationship in the future.
Tips for Overcoming Infidelity in Your Relationship
Forgiveness is key:
Overcoming infidelity can be incredibly hard, but it is important to remember that forgiveness plays an essential role in the healing process. It can take time for both partners to forgive each other and move past the betrayal, but the relationship must progress.
Forgiving doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting, but it does mean that both partners need to make a conscious decision to move forward.
Overcoming infidelity requires patience, understanding, and willingness to work through the issues together. By being open and honest with each other, couples can better understand what led to the betrayal and how to prevent it from happening again.
Decide to forgive your partner:
Once both partners have expressed their feelings and communicated about the issue, it’s important to make a conscious decision to forgive each other. This can be not easy, but it is essential if you want to move forward in the relationship.
Overcoming infidelity requires patience, understanding, and willingness to work through the issues together.
When forgiving your partner, it is important to remember that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. It means taking ownership of the emotions and making a conscious decision to move forward.
This can help both partners let go of some of the pain and hurt associated with the betrayal and start working towards rebuilding trust in the relationship.
It is also important for both partners to take responsibility for their actions and recognize that they have played a part in creating this situation.
Overcoming infidelity requires open communication, honesty, empathy, respect, and understanding to move forward in the relationship.
Be prepared for bad thoughts
It’s normal to struggle with resentment, anger, and bitterness. Overcoming infidelity can be incredibly hard, so it’s important to be prepared for these thoughts and learn to manage them healthily.
Suppose a partner is unwilling to take responsibility for their actions or make an effort to rebuild trust in the relationship. In that case, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with negative emotions.
When these feelings arise, learning how to cope healthily is important. Talk to someone you trust and talk about your feelings. Take some time away from your partner or try engaging in activities that reduce stress, such as yoga or meditation. Overcoming infidelity requires patience, understanding, and hard work to make it through intact.
Don’t use your partner’s infidelity as ammunition
Using your partner’s infidelity as a weapon in an argument is easy, but doing so will only further damage the relationship. Overcoming infidelity requires both partners to move past the betrayal and work together to rebuild trust. Bringing up their past mistakes will further damage the relationship and make it harder to move forward.
If you feel resentful or angry, take a step back and talk to someone you trust. Overcoming infidelity requires both partners to rebuild trust and understand each other’s feelings.
Instead of dwelling on the past, try focusing on positive steps both can take to build a stronger and healthier relationship in the future.
No blame games, please
When it comes to overcoming infidelity, it is essential for both partners to refrain from playing the blame game. It’s important to acknowledge that both parties have contributed to the situation and must work together to move forward.
Overcoming infidelity requires open communication, honesty, empathy, respect, and understanding to make it through this difficult experience intact.
Instead of assigning blame, focus on finding solutions and rebuilding trust in your relationship. Taking responsibility for your actions can help foster a sense of understanding between both partners and make it easier for them to forgive each other. Overcoming infidelity takes time and patience, but with dedication and effort, couples can come out stronger than before.
Understand that you may never understand
It’s important to remember that you may never fully understand why your partner cheated in the first place. Overcoming infidelity requires both partners to accept this and focus on rebuilding trust. It can be difficult to let go of the pain, anger, and hurt associated with the betrayal, but it’s important to do so for the relationship to heal.
Don’t seek retribution
It can be tempting to seek revenge or retribution in the aftermath of infidelity, but doing so will only further damage the relationship. Overcoming infidelity requires both partners to move past any hurt and work together to rebuild trust.
Be kind and understanding
It’s important to remember that overcoming infidelity is a long and difficult process. Overcoming infidelity requires both partners to be patient, kind, and understanding of one another.
Seek professional help if necessary
If you’re struggling to work through the issues in your relationship, it may be helpful to seek professional help. Overcoming infidelity can be incredibly hard, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
How Do I Let Go of the Pain Caused by Infidelity?
Letting go of the pain caused by infidelity can be an incredibly difficult process. It can feel like a heavy burden that you carry around with you, and it can be hard to move forward when all you want to do is dwell on the past. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Overcoming infidelity requires much work and dedication, but it can be done.
The first step in overcoming the pain caused by infidelity is to take responsibility for your emotions. It’s important to acknowledge your hurt and recognize that it’s normal to experience these feelings. Once you have accepted this fact, it’s important to start working toward the healing process.
Allow yourself to express your emotions healthily. This could include talking with a trusted friend or writing down your feelings in a journal. It can also be helpful to participate in activities that provide relief, such as exercise or engaging in creative pursuits. Doing so will help you start processing the hurt and grief you are feeling healthy.
Learning to forgive can be one of the most difficult steps on your journey toward healing. Overcoming infidelity requires both partners to take responsibility for their actions and strive for forgiveness, even if it sometimes feels impossible. It is important to remember that forgiving does not mean forgetting but accepting the pain and working towards healing.
Finally, it is important to remember that time is necessary for healing. Overcoming infidelity can seem like an impossible task, but with patience and understanding from both partners, you will eventually be able to move forward in your relationship.
It may take some time before you fully let go of the pain caused by infidelity, but with effort and dedication, you can start to rebuild your trust and connection. With understanding and compassion for yourself and your partner, you can eventually move past the hurt and pain caused by infidelity.
Real-life examples of couples who are happier now than they ever were before, and how you can be too.
Real-life examples of couples who have found happiness despite infidelity can be incredibly inspiring. Overcoming infidelity is a long and challenging process, but it’s important to remember that it’s possible to come out the other side feeling happier than ever.
One example of this is the prominent couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. After experiencing infidelity in their marriage, the couple committed to working through the hurt and rebuilding their trust.
Over time, they could move past any negative feelings created by the infidelity and find a newfound appreciation for one another. Today, they are stronger than ever and continue to exemplify true resilience and love.
Another example is popular singer John Legend and model Chrissy Teigen. After experiencing issues in their marriage, the couple was able to come together to discuss their feelings and move past the hurt that had been caused by infidelity. Over time, they rebuilt their trust, leading to a stronger and healthier relationship.
These real-life examples show that it is possible to move past the hurt caused by infidelity and find a newfound appreciation for one another and your relationship. Overcoming infidelity requires hard work, dedication, and patience, but it can be done if both partners strive toward healing together. With understanding and compassion for yourself and your partner, you can eventually move past the pain caused by infidelity and find a happier relationship than ever before.
What it takes to repair your relationship
To repair your relationship after experiencing infidelity, it is important to be open and honest with one another. Overcoming infidelity requires both partners to take responsibility for their actions and strive for forgiveness, even if it sometimes feels impossible.
Communication is key in rebuilding trust, as it allows both parties to express their feelings healthily. Understanding each other’s emotions and experiences can build the foundation of trust needed to move forward.
It is also important to remember that time is necessary for healing. Overcoming infidelity can seem like an impossible task, but with patience and understanding from both partners, you will eventually be able to move forward in your relationship.
It may take some time before you fully let go of the pain caused by infidelity, but with effort and dedication, you can start to rebuild your trust and connection.
FAQs
How can I move on from infidelity?
Overcoming infidelity requires both partners to take responsibility for their actions and strive for forgiveness. It is important to be open and honest with one another, as communication is key to rebuilding trust.
Understanding each other’s emotions and experiences can build the foundation of trust needed to move forward.
Additionally, it is important to remember that time is necessary for healing – with patience and understanding from both partners, you will eventually be able to move past the hurt caused by infidelity.
Where to seek help when overcoming infidelity in a relationship?
When overcoming infidelity in a relationship, it is essential to seek help from a professional. A therapist or marriage counselor can provide the tools and guidance needed to repair and restore the relationship.
They can help both parties understand each other’s feelings, provide an objective viewpoint on the situation, and help the couple create a plan of action to overcome infidelity.
Additionally, marriage counseling can provide a safe space for couples to discuss their feelings, learn better communication skills, and explore new ways of overcoming obstacles in the relationship.
What if my partner isn’t willing to work through our issues?
Overcoming infidelity requires dedication from both partners; if one partner isn’t willing to put in the effort, it will be difficult to make progress.
In this case, it is important that you set clear boundaries and expectations for your partner so that they understand the seriousness of the situation. If your partner is still unwilling to work through things, you may need to consider professional help or take some time away from the relationship to move forward.
How do I know if my relationship is worth saving?
Ultimately, deciding to stay in a relationship or move on from it is up to you and your partner. Overcoming infidelity can be difficult, but if both parties are willing to put in the effort and try to rebuild trust, there may still be hope for your relationship.
It is important to take some time apart before making any big decisions so that you can evaluate how you feel and decide if this is something you want to continue pursuing.
What if I don’t think I can ever trust my partner again?
Overcoming infidelity requires dedication and patience, but it is possible to rebuild trust with your partner. It may take some time before you fully let go of the pain caused by infidelity, but with effort and dedication, you can start to repair your relationship.
Through understanding each other’s emotions and experiences, open communication, and compassionate listening, you can begin rebuilding the foundation of trust needed to move forward.
What is key to overcoming infidelity?
One of the most difficult aspects of overcoming infidelity in a relationship is understanding how to let go of resentment or guilt. Whether you are the betrayed spouse /betrayed partner or the one who stepped out on your commitment, understanding the underlying causes and working to repair any damage done is key to overcoming infidelity.
How can relationship education be helpful in this regard?
Relationship education can help overcome the betrayal. Learning how to communicate better and create a more solid foundation for your committed relationship is key to overcoming the sexual trauma.
A deeper understanding of your partner’s needs and wants coupled with a willingness to meet those needs, can help create an environment of trust and respect.
How do I stay strong during this difficult time?
Overcoming infidelity can be a very trying time, but it is important to take care of yourself. Set aside time for self-care, such as taking walks, meditating, or journaling. You may also find it helpful to talk to friends and family members who you trust and who can provide support.
Additionally, seeking professional help may be beneficial if you need additional guidance in dealing with the situation.
Conclusion:
Overcoming infidelity is a difficult but achievable process. Through honest communication, understanding each other’s emotions and experiences, and taking time for self-care, you can move past the hurt caused by infidelity and start to repair your relationship. With patience and dedication from both partners, you may be able to rebuild trust to create a stronger connection moving forward.