Infidelity: Signs, Causes, and Coping
Infidelity. The word alone can strike fear into the heart of any person in a committed relationship. The very thought of your partner being intimately involved with another individual can send shock-waves. The reality is even more devastating. It undermines the foundation of the relationship, but that doesn’t mean it has to end it.
There are signs to look for that can help identify problems in the marriage before resulting in infidelity. The key is to address them directly in order to save your relationship. If your partner says things like, “I’m not happy”, “This isn’t working” or “I wish things were like they used to be” he or she may be crying out for help. It’s important to acknowledge that cry and seek professional assistance. An objective, nonjudgmental third party can help guide things down a path of recovery. Sneaking around, a history of cheating, and sudden unexplained interest in personal appearance may also be red flags. Again, it’s important to address these signs head-on.
Maybe your situation has already moved beyond warning signs and the infidelity became a reality. You may be wondering why your partner cheated or how to move on from here. The reasons can be as varied as the individuals involved, but there is some evidence to suggest men typically cheat for sexual reasons while women cheat for emotional reasons. With that said – the opposite can also be true (men cheat for emotional reasons and women for sexual). However, knowing the reason probably won’t provide much comfort. If both parties are committed to saving the relationship it can become stronger than before. It may take a lot of time, space, and professional help to repair the trust that was broken, but take hope in knowing that it can be done.
