Once a partner has been betrayed, it can trigger symptoms similar to PTSD for long after the betrayal. The partner who committed the affair can have similar symptoms related to guilt. Emotional affairs are sometimes just as troubling, if not more troubling, than physical affairs. Complex trauma can create connection problems.
Hypervigilence can develop in the betrayed partner as they look through items like phone records, internet history, or GPS location trackers. The partner who committed the affair is often not upfront about what happened, leading to more distrust. The betrayed partner is often more interested in knowing the truth (whatever that may be), than continuing to feel suspicious.
Rebuilding trust can take time and be extremely difficult. The good news is that there is hope for recovery and forgiveness. Given the highly emotionally charged nature of an affair, discussing and moving forward works best in couples or marriage therapy.
Infidelity is a deep betrayal that can leave you feeling shattered. The road to healing won’t be easy, but it is possible. Here are some steps to help you move forward:
Acknowledge Your Emotions: Infidelity can trigger a rollercoaster of emotions – hurt, anger, sadness, confusion. Allow yourself to feel them all. Bottling emotions can hinder healing.
Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being. Eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep, and engage in activities you enjoy. Strong self-care is essential for emotional healing.
Decide if the Relationship Can Be Salvaged: This decision is deeply personal. Rebuilding the relationship requires complete honesty and commitment from both partners.
Rebuild Trust (if applicable): This takes time and consistent effort. Your partner needs to demonstrate remorse and take action to rebuild trust, such as complete transparency.
Don’t Blame Yourself: The blame for infidelity lies solely with the partner who cheated.
Seek Additional Support: Talking to trusted friends and family can be a source of comfort. Consider joining a support group for people who have been cheated on.
