Infidelity can cast a shadow over many relationships, and can be a difficult reality to confront. Help is available.
What is infidelity?
Infidelity can be defined as breaking the agreement of exclusivity and honesty that exists in a relationship. It is a violation of the trust and devotion expected in a loving partnership. Infidelity can take several forms. This includes physical infidelity involving physical acts such as sexual relations with someone outside the relationship. However, emotional infidelity can also exist. This type of infidelity does not necessarily include physical intimacy. It involves investing feelings and love in someone other than your partner.
Views on what constitutes infidelity differ, and it is important to identify how you define it personally. A good start to creating that definition is to think about what actions from your partner would hurt you. Then you can define your boundaries based on that.
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4 tips on infidelity from our couples counsellor
- Define infidelity: You and your partner may consider different things as infidelity. Be sure to talk through what constitutes infidelity in your relationship to avoid misunderstandings.
- Set boundaries and rebuild trust: If you feel that there has been infidelity in your relationship, talk to your partner and set clear boundaries and structures to rebuild trust in the relationship. Infidelity doesn’t always have to be the end of the relationship, it can be the start of getting to know each other better.
- Communicate openly: If infidelity has occurred, it is important to open up an honest and empathetic channel of communication with your partner. Share your feelings and listen to theirs to understand each other. Understanding and trust are the basis for working on the relationship.
- Talk to a counsellor: Sometimes it may be necessary to seek the help of a counsellor to navigate the complex emotions and consequences of infidelity. Couples therapy can be a place where you can both express your feelings in a safe environment.
9 common questions about infidelity in relationships
What is infidelity?
Infidelity is breaking the agreement of exclusivity and honesty that exists in a relationship. It can include physical intimacy or emotional connection with someone outside the relationship.
What are the most common signs of infidelity?
Common signs of infidelity can include secretive behaviour, reduced interest in the current partner, changes in schedules or lifestyle, and emotional distance.
How common is infidelity?
Statistics on infidelity vary and of course depend on how infidelity is defined. But it is unfortunately relatively common from a more general perspective. Many factors can influence the risk of infidelity, including the quality of the relationship and individual circumstances.
What are the most common phases after infidelity?
Phases after infidelity can include shock, anger, grief and acceptance. It is a complex process that requires time and work to heal.
How can one get over infidelity?
Getting over infidelity requires patience and communication. Open dialogue and professional help from a couple’s therapist can be valuable in this process.
How to deal with the need for validation after infidelity?
An increased need for validation after infidelity is understandable. Communicating openly with your partner and building trust over time can help alleviate the need for validation.
How does ADHD affect relationships and risk of infidelity?
ADHD can affect relationships through distraction and impulsivity, but there is no research showing that this is more prevalent in relationships with ADHD. As with all relationships, it is important to work on communication and strategies to reduce the risk of infidelity.
What are the most common causes of infidelity?
The causes of infidelity can vary, but common factors include lack of intimacy in the relationship and emotional challenges.
What questions should be asked in cases of infidelity to understand the causes?
Important questions to ask in cases of infidelity include “Why did it happen?” and “How did you feel in the relationship?” Communication is key to understanding the causes of infidelity.
Couples therapy as a solution
In some cases, it may be helpful to seek professional help through couples therapy. A therapist can offer tools and perspectives to better understand each other’s needs. Therapy can help you communicate in a way that builds the relationship, rather than breaking it down. You can choose whether you want to meet a couple’s therapist in person or online.
Infidelity can bring about a lot of complex emotions. It is important to approach these feelings with thoughtfulness and openness. Through self-reflection, communication and possibly professional help, we can learn to deal with these feelings in a way that strengthens our relationship rather than weakens it.
Infidelity, a summary
Infidelity is a challenge that can affect many couples. It is important to be well-prepared to deal with this topic should it arise in your relationship. By understanding what infidelity is, the common signs and stages that follow, and by taking personalized advice from professional couples’ therapists, couples can start on the road to healing and renewed trust. Remember, it is possible to rebuild and strengthen your relationship after infidelity. It requires time, work and commitment from both parties.
