Five Ways to Bounce Back from Infidelity

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

 According to PubMed, one in five Americans in a monogamous relationship say they’ve cheated at least once. Finding out your partner cheated on you is possibly the most heart-breaking feeling to experience; and it can cause resentment and could ultimately ruin the relationship. It’s hurtful and deceiving and it can leave you emotionally scarred.

The common saying:“once a cheater, always a cheater” is often stated to remind you that if your significant other cheated on you, what makes you think he or she won’t do it again? It’s a tough and emotional road ahead, but if you choose to work through the issues, it can bring you solitude and hopefully rebuild the relationship.

Here are five ways to recover from unfaithfulness:

• It doesn’t mean the relationship is over; Every couple has their stumbling blocks. Some are more severe than others; but with communication and some effort to sort out the problems, it can be worked through.

• Know your worth: Infidelity can make you think about where it all went wrong; but it’s key to keep in mind that you’re an excellent companion and you deserve the best.

• Discover the real problem: Did he or she not receive the emotional attention they needed from you? Have you two neglected your sex life? These are a few common questions to truthfully ask yourselves. Sometimes people cheat because they’re not getting attention in certain areas that are neccessary in any healthy relationship. Regardless of what the issue is, solve it so it won’t happen again.

• Forgive: It’s easier said than done, but if you truly care about each other, or you wish to save your relationship, sometimes accepting the fact that what’s done is done and choosing to move on can be a great option.

• Work on the trust: Trust is the fundamental seed for any relationship. Cheating causes the trust to break, but with help from counselors and time, both sides will see the dedication and how much you love each other.

Bottom line: Friends and family will always give their opinion on whether to take a cheater back or move on, but ultimately the decision lies between you two.