Infidelity, or cheating, can be a devastating blow to a relationship. It shatters trust, creates feelings of betrayal, and can leave the person who was cheated on feeling lost and alone. However, it is possible to survive infidelity and come out on the other side with a stronger relationship. Here are some tips for surviving infidelity:
- Allow yourself to grieve: When you first find out about the infidelity, you may experience a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, and disbelief. It is important to allow yourself to feel these emotions and grieve the loss of the trust in your relationship.
- Seek support: You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to friends, or family for support. Talking about your feelings and getting advice from others can help you process your emotions and move forward.
- Take time for yourself: It’s important to take care of yourself during this time. Do things that make you feel good, whether that’s exercise, spending time in nature, or treating yourself to something you enjoy.
- Consider couples therapy: If you want to try to work through the infidelity and stay in the relationship, couples therapy can be a helpful tool. A trained therapist can help you and your partner communicate effectively, rebuild trust, and move forward together.
- Set boundaries: If you do decide to stay in the relationship, it’s important to set boundaries with your partner. This may include asking them to cut off contact with the person they cheated with, being transparent about their whereabouts and activities, or seeking outside help if necessary.
- Be patient: Healing from infidelity takes time. It’s important to be patient with yourself and your partner as you work through your emotions and rebuild your relationship.
Surviving infidelity is not easy, but it is possible. With support, communication, and a willingness to work through the difficult emotions, you can come out on the other side with a stronger and more resilient relationship.
If you need assistance with getting through infidelity, we have therapist available to support you.