Whether you’re asking yourself; “can extramarital affairs be true love?” or you’re a spouse who’s thinking about having an affair, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
How Can Extramarital Affairs Be True Love?
Relationships Between a Lover and a Victimized Spouse
Having a relationship with a victim is akin to walking on eggshells. But is it worth the hassle? The truth is, not all victimized partners are created equal. Luckily, there are steps you can take to get you and your partner on the right track.
Also read: “The Pisces Double Personality.”
The most important is to identify and address your partner’s true needs. The most effective way to do this is to be a discerning listener and take note of your partner’s behavior.
You may not agree with every decision your partner makes, but being a discerning listener will help you to spot the dreaded red flags. A relationship built on a foundation of respect will only serve you well in the long run.
The best way to do this is to be open to change and to accept your partner’s flaws. Having a healthy partner in your life isn’t easy, but it can be made a lot easier with a little patience and a lot of empathy.
Relationships Between a Lover and a Dissatisfied Spouse
Keeping a spouse around for too long is a bad idea in many cases. This is especially true if the marriage is not working out. For example, if one partner is too much of a dummy, the other partner may get bored and go find someone a little more compatible.
The best way to deal with this problem is to take the time to find out why this is happening and do something about it. One solution is to establish clear rules of engagement. This will help keep the peace and reduce the resulting horde of arguments.
The best way to do this is to establish a set of clear guidelines for both partners and ensure that both have the requisite grit and determination to stick with it through thick and thin. This should include an open communication channel for both partners.
Having a set of rules of engagement helps both parties stay on the same page and reduces the acrimony thereby allowing the couple to move on with their lives.
Effects of Infidelity on Your Mental Health
Whether you are having an affair or are the victim of an affair, the effects of infidelity can be profound. It’s not uncommon to experience:
- Anxiety,
- Depression, and
- Self-esteem issues after an affair.
It’s important to get professional help if you are dealing with these issues.
Infidelity is a very personal event, and you should take the time to work through your emotions. Counselors often use an integrative approach. It is important to ask your therapist about their experience with treating infidelity. You may also want to find out about your family history of mental illness.
An affair can cause you to feel:
- Helpless,
- Unsure, and
- Guilty.
You may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as disordered eating or substance abuse. In addition, you may worry about your relationship.
The effects of infidelity can last a long time. Often, the injured party doesn’t realize that his or her partner is involved in the affair. The affair can lead to emotional exhaustion, and the cheated partner can feel disoriented and disinterested in the relationship.
Rebuilding a Marriage after an Affair
Trying to rebuild a marriage after an affair can be tricky. Depending on how long the affair was, the process can take a long time. The process can also be complicated by the resentment that builds up after the affair. However, it is possible to make it through and heal.
To rebuild a marriage after an affair, the two partners need to work together. Each must take full responsibility for the affair and apologize to the other. The betrayed partner must also be given space to ask questions and understand what happened.
Once both partners have an honest look at the relationship, it’s time to move forward. This means making plans for the future. This doesn’t mean that the affair will happen again, but it does mean that both partners are on the same page.
It’s important to take time to heal after an affair. Healing involves mourning the loss of the relationship and embracing growth. You must ask yourself if you have the time and energy to invest in the process. If not, you may want to consider a counselor to help you heal.