Marriage Can Survive Infidelity
Marriage can survive infidelity. It's not easy. It hurts.There will be anger, tears, and depression. It takes time. It takes a decision to love. It takes a decision to trust again.
It means no garbage dumping. It takes courage. It takes commitment.
We say this because our marriage did survive unfaithfulness. Our crisis happened in our eighth year of marriage and the result was a really nasty divorce. Two years later, we re-married each other. We've now been married over 40 years. So, yes, we believe a marriage can survive an extra-marital affair. But ONLY if both partners are willing to work at making the marriage successful.
Feelings Surrounding Marital Infidelity
Some feelings that are prominent when a couple experiences the accusation of infidelity in their relationship include:- Shame
- Guilt
- Blame
- Anger
- Hurt
- Disappointment
- Rage
- Embarrassment
- Forgiveness
- Jealousy
- Lust
- Resentment
- Denial
- Mis-trust
Some Marriages Should Not Be Saved
Your marriage can survive this onslaught of feelings. However, some marriages are not meant to be saved.If the infidelity is one of many symptoms of abuse in your relationship, or if your spouse is a serial cheater, it may be time to throw in the towel.
Hillary Rodman Clinton, in an interview with Matt Lauer said, "We've been married for 22 years and I have learned a long time ago that the only people who count in any marriage are the two that are in it."
