When the person we love breaks our trust, we can find it difficult to know where to turn. In this article we describe infidelity and the challenges it brings to relationships.
What is infidelity?
Infidelity is a violation of the trust and devotion expected in a loving partnership. Someone who is unfaithful has broken the agreement of exclusivity and honesty that exists in a relationship. Infidelity can take several forms, such as having sexual relations with someone outside the relationship. Emotional infidelity involves investing feelings and love in someone other than your partner, and may or may not include sexual activity.
Different people define infidelity in various ways, but what ultimately determines whether an act is unfaithful or not depends on your unique relationship. Feelings of guilt, acts of secrecy, and being suspicious of your partner’s behaviors are all signs that infidelity may be occurring and that it’s time to get extra help.
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Benedetta Osarenk
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4 tips on infidelity from our couples counselor
- Define infidelity – Infidelity can mean many different things to people. Be sure to talk through what constitutes infidelity in your relationship to avoid misunderstandings.
- Set boundaries and rebuild trust – If you feel 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 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 is the basis for working on the relationship.
- Talk to a counselor – Sometimes it may be necessary to seek the help of a counselor 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 means 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 behavior, 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 dialog and professional help from a couple’s therapist can be valuable in this process.
How to deal with the need for validation after infidelity?
Confirmation needs after infidelity are 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, emotional challenges and temptations in the workplace.
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 and how to communicate in a way that improves the relationship.
Infidelity is a common part of relationships, but it is important to approach these feelings with thoughtfulness and openness. Through self-reflection, communication and possibly professional help, you can learn to deal with these feelings in a way that strengthens our relationship rather than weakens it.
Infidelity is a challenge that can affect many couples, and 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, but it requires time, work and commitment from both parties.
