If you want to know how to survive an affair, in this short blog I will introduce five things I have observed in people who heal. Each idea is something that I picked up while watching and researching thousands of betrayed partners over the past 28 years as a therapist. It is important to realize that there are many things that can help you heal, below I include five that I have found to be essential in the journey to healing and recovery.
Many people have asked me if a marriage can survive an affair. Infidelity can be one of the most painful experiences in a marriage. Your partner’s betrayal can leave you feeling hurt and confused, wondering if your marriage can ever recover from an affair. While the answer to this question isn’t simple or straightforward, it is possible for a marriage to survive infidelity. Let’s look at why infidelity hurts and what couples can do to heal and move forward.
It is natural to feel betrayed and hurt when you discover that your partner has been unfaithful. This is because trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship—and when that trust has been broken, it takes time to rebuild it. The hurt and confusion you are feeling is valid; when someone we love betrays us, we experience real pain. We also may have difficulty understanding how our spouse could do something that causes us so much pain.
When a couple decides to move forward after an affair, there are certain steps they need to take in order to rebuild their relationship and restore trust in each other again. For starters, both partners need to be open and honest about their feelings—even if those conversations are difficult or uncomfortable. It’s also important for couples to practice active listening during these conversations so that each person feels heard, respected, and understood by their spouse.
Another important step is creating new boundaries around communication with friends, family members, co-workers, etc., especially if one of those people was involved in the affair. This also applies to digital communication; if one or both of you feel uncomfortable with having access to each other's emails or social media accounts then it might be wise to set some boundaries around that as well. Finally, couples should consider seeking therapy together; talking with a trained professional can help couples develop better communication skills while providing guidance on how best to move forward after an affair has taken place.
Can a marriage survive an affair? No matter how long a marriage lasts or what challenges arise along the way, infidelity can be devastating for both partners involved—but it doesn't have to spell the end of a relationship either. If both people are committed to healing from the affair and rebuilding their relationship then it is possible for marriages affected by infidelity not only survive but thrive as well! By being open about your feelings and communicating honestly with each other while implementing new boundaries around communication outside of your relationship, you can start building back the trust necessary for a healthy marriage once again.
If you want to know how to survive an affair, you must begin by taking care of yourself. It is important to focus on your physical and emotional well-being. This can include engaging in self-care practices, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling. As a part of your self-care plan, it is important to remember that your healing is influenced by basic things like eating well and sleeping. Many betrayed partners report that healthy behaviors escape them after they discover their partners' affair. As a part of your healing plan, make sure to include activities that help your mind and body.