Welcome to our new web site!
To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.
During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.
There's no one right way to heal from infidelity, but Rula shares tips that can help you move forward.
Most people see infidelity or cheating as having no place in a healthy, long-term relationship. But despite these attitudes, it's incredibly common. According to national surveys, approximately 15% of women and 25% of men admit to engaging in sexual activity outside of their committed partnership. When we account for emotional affairs without a sexual component, those rates increase by 20%.
So if you're one of the many people whose relationship has been impacted by infidelity, know that you're not alone and help is available. Infidelity is one of the primary reasons that couples seek therapy. But whether you seek to heal from a breach of trust as a couple or on your own, know that you can overcome the pain of infidelity and repair your ability to trust.
When you hear the term "infidelity," what do you think of? For most people, it calls to mind images of cheating or sexual liaisons outside of a committed partnership. But the truth is that infidelity can take many forms, and cheating isn't limited to sexual affairs. Each couple gets to define the rules that govern their relationship. What counts as infidelity in one couple might not be viewed the same way by others.
For example, some people might view flirting, texting, or other online interactions as cheating. But others may view sexual activity as the only type of infidelity that could violate trust. It's also important to note that, for some people, emotional affairs can be more damaging than sexual ones. This might include sharing deep, personal information and cultivating non-sexual intimacy with a person who isn't your partner.
There are many ways to overcome infidelity. For some couples, a serious breach of trust may prompt the end of their relationship. Other couples may choose to work together with a shared desire to repair their connection. But whether you embark on this journey individually or as a couple, know that you can heal from infidelity with the right support.
If you're feeling lost or unsure what to do next, give yourself time for self-care and to process your emotions. Then, consider using the following steps as you think about what's next for you and your relationship.
Research shows that therapy can help couples work through infidelity, stay together, and even improve their relationship. While the process can vary from one couple to the next, a couples therapist can help you and your partner address three important aspects of overcoming infidelity.
A couples therapist can help you:
When it comes to healing from infidelity, there's no set timeline for recovery. Infidelity can cause a significant loss of trust that may take a long time to process.
Remember, your healing journey is your own. Whether you decide to stay with your partner or end the relationship, be patient with yourself throughout this experience, and remember that healing is hard work. Try to channel some self-compassion, and know that you are not defined by your relationships.
And if you need some extra help, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for individual therapy. Sometimes, infidelity can lead to relationship trauma that can be difficult to overcome on your own. But by working with a therapist, you can address the effects of infidelity, repair your ability to trust, and overcome the trauma of betrayal.
This story was produced by Rula and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.