Member Login
Forgot password? >>     
Infidelity
Infidelity - Tips on How to Overcome the Hurt!
8 thumbs up   good

By: XSTILLA.COM

Infidelity - Tips on How to Overcome the Hurt!Although infidelity can take its toll on even the most solid of relationships, it is possible to overcome the hurt and anger that ensues after the sanctity of marriage is compromised.

The following tips involve a three-step process that focuses on first healing yourself, then working together as a couple to come to terms with what's happened, and finally, tackling the often lengthy process of restoring the relationship.

Heal Yourself

Many times, emotions such as jealousy, uncertainty, or even shame inhibit the healing process, lingering on long after someone has been unfaithful. However, this cycle of grief can be broken with effective communication skills, and the willingness of both partners to search within themselves regarding their contribution toward the problems within the marriage.

The first step toward overcoming the hurt and anger that follow an affair is to allow ample time for the grieving process. If your spouse expresses frustration or impatience during this time, perhaps they aren't serious enough about their commitment to staying faithful and regaining your trust.

After the initial shock has worn off, fully acknowledge what has happened, and give yourself the right to ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Your spouse should also be more than willing to answer, as well as account for their whereabouts until you're able to start fully trusting them again.

To truly overcome the raw emotions following an affair, it's important to accept that you have been wronged, being open and honest about what you really think of the situation instead of suppressing your feelings. Holding in anger and frustration merely builds resentment, never fully allowing one to get beyond the past wrongs, and move ahead toward happiness and a stable future together.

Healing Together

Once you've successfully dealt with your own feelings, actively find ways of working to save your relationship together. While it's true the unfaithful partner has the more important task of proving themselves worthy, the other person must also still put forth an effort in order to truly recover.

Instead of immediately externalizing and looking toward the other person, or to the third, outside party for all of the answers, each spouse must search within themselves for the reason they may have drifted apart. Sometimes, even a simple, but symbolic act such as writing out a contract or agreement, reaffirming your commitment to one another, are helpful when trying to heal after infidelity.

Couple's counseling may be the best route to take if you find that you're having difficulties discussing important issues without getting into an argument or a shouting match. A third, uninterested party such as a trained therapist or counselor can offer the unbiased opinion necessary to stay focused on the matters at hand.

Renew the Relationship

After you've learned how to communicate more effectively, it's time to work on renewing the spark you shared back when the relationship was fresh, new, and untainted by the ravages of infidelity. Go on dates, remember what it was that attracted you to each other in the first place, and make a conscious effort to find ways of living life with your partner's best interests in mind.

There is definite truth to the old adage that actions really do speak louder than words, especially when it comes to overcoming the hurt caused by infidelity.



I like it  I Like It

Comments Post a comment 
Report Abuse marieSC August 15, 2008 at 10:27PM
what a crock of crap. 28 years and he runs off with his nurse. 15 years his junior. give me a break. returns to me 4 times saying it's over with her. Lies, lies, lies. I'm done wasting my energy on the guy. Good thing she's a nurse-he's going to need one to change his diaper sooooooon! :-P
Report Abuse ncm October 21, 2008 at 01:24AM
Atleast he still loves you and he is back. My husband does not love me anymore and i feel like shit.
Report Abuse LeftBehind October 23, 2008 at 03:13AM
I'm in the same stage!
Search Articles
Join up, move on!
No matter stage of divorce you're in, we can help.
 
 
Refer a Friend
Refer Friends
Joke of the Day
Joke Title:  Housekeeping
Joke:  He taught me housekeeping; when I divorce I keep the house - Zsa Zsa Gabor
Resource Directory
Get Help! Find Professionals in Your Area.
Compelling Journals
The Beginning
June 24, 2009 at 11:21 AM
 I've stared at this blank page for a while now wondering where to begin, sometimes wondering why I should begin. I suppose I've joined this site and started this journal because maybe through some sort of cosmic fortune my seemingly inevitable divorce...
2 Comments
read more  
Some People Have No Morals
July 01, 2009 at 03:44 PM
I thought I had this beat. I thought I was getting past the hurt and after 4 months of separation I could see the end of the tunnel that would come after divorce. She told me she wanted out because she was not happy and did not feel the same anymore. I...
3 Comments
read more  
Ugh:
June 03, 2009 at 12:31 PM
My husband walked out on me and my two kids saying he has to find himself. I am devastated the kids are a wreck. I really do not know how to handle all of...
7 Comments
read more  
just starting to get real
June 02, 2009 at 09:26 AM
I am coming up on my 30th anniversary, but this time without my husband here. He has found a woman ( she is married ) on facebook and hooked up with her. I know my marriage has been pretty rocky and I am not sure it was going to survive. The problem is I...
4 Comments
read more  
Week 1
June 28, 2009 at 12:29 PM
We have been married for 20 years in August. Its been a good marriage and we have 3 children. There has always been a distance there but on the whole got on very well. Then a year ago he had an emotional affair with an old girlfriend and when I found out...
0 Comments
read more