Infidelity can be a relationship killer because it marks the end of trust and bonding. While some couples consider breaking their ties, others commit to working hard to rebuild the relationship. Either way, being on the receiving end can be traumatic. Even if you decide to start afresh, you may never trust a cheating partner again. But you can cope with the pain and stress by investing conscious effort in resolving your complicated feelings. Your partner may help, but everything boils down to healing from within. Here are some therapist-recommended tips to deal with the trauma of being with an unfaithful partner.
Accept your feelings
Being cheated upon is a painful feeling you cannot explain in words. You will likely encounter a mix of negative emotions, from shock to fear, anger, depression, and confusion. Accept your feelings because they are normal, and learning to live with them is the only way to survive. You cannot expect the mistrust to end overnight, even if you want to give your relationship a second chance. Give yourself time to process the emotions, just like grieving a dead loved one.
Invest in self-care
Healing from infidelity is a slow process, and it may take years to resume normalcy in your relationship. You must support yourself by investing in self-care, no matter how much you want to overlook your health. Join a workout program, schedule a daily meditation session, and step out for fresh air. Consider embarking on a solo trip to reconnect with yourself and understand what you really want.
Do not trust too soon
Once a cheater may cheat again, so you should not trust your partner too soon, no matter how genuine they sound. Trusting too early is like giving them a chance to hurt you again. Keep an eye on your partner and look for red flags because you will probably know them from your past experience. You can even hire a hacker to break into their cell phone and get evidence to prove infidelity. If you are lucky, your partner will come out clean.
Skip the revenge game
Coping with infidelity is perhaps the most challenging thing you may ever do. Betrayal can take you on the wrong side, and you may even want to get back on your partner by seeking revenge. You may even consider having an affair to get even. However, giving up on your values is the worst way to handle the trauma. It can land you in an even bigger fix, so focus on rebuilding, not breaking apart.
Seek counseling
Living with an unfaithful partner is not easy, but you need not deal with the trauma alone. Consider seeing a marriage counselor before deciding on the next step because they can provide a neutral insight into the situation. They can also help you open up and speak honestly with your partner without losing your cool. Expert support can save your marriage and sanity in the long run.
Infidelity is hard to survive as it hurts your sanity, self-esteem, and confidence. But ending your marriage may not be the best solution, specifically if you have children. You can follow these tips to regain control and rebuild your relationship.
author bio: John Rose is a content writer at Submit core. Rose takes a deep interest in educating his readers on family life. When not writing, you can find John chilling out with his kids.
