Infidelity

There can be many reasons for infidelity, most commonly referred to as cheating. For example revenge for some previous slight, lack of fulfilment, lack of love at home, the love of attention, to feel desired, to improve self-esteem and so on. Sometimes people just crave the excitement, want to make their partner jealous or want more sex.

Unfaithfulness and betrayal can cause a lot of distress and hurt in any relationship. Even one where there is a lack of intimacy, whether it be a drunken one night stand or a longer term relationship with another person. An uncomfortable question often asked in relationship counselling is if the betrayal is the problem or a symptom of the problem. There are times when someone has an affair with someone else as a way to communicate they’re very unhappy in the relationship but either lack the ability to just communicate it, fear the consequences of saying it or feel they’re just not heard when they do. For some it can be a deliberate attempt to hurt the other, to others it is a cry for help that something is wrong. One way or another it is a wake-up call that something needs to change.

Infidelity can have a serious long term impact on your relationship but that doesn’t mean it has to end.  In relationship counselling your relationship with each other can be discussed in a safe non-judgmental environment. The relationship can become stronger as you work through your problems together.

Sometimes it’s worth noting that some relationships have a life span. If ending the relationship is for the best then in counselling you can learn to work on ending it constructively and amicably.

#infidelity #relationships #betrayal

Tags: counselling, couples counselling, relationship counselling, relationships