I daresay that few of us would ever think that we would be tempted to cheat on a partner. Personally, it’s a subject that I feel so strongly about that I can’t ever imagine being in that position. Still, for many reasons people can find themselves looking for something that they feel is missing in their relationship. So, if you ever feel temptation calling, here are some tips to help you resist …
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Lot to Lose
Ask yourself if your life with your partner is really that bad. In fact, the chances are that by cheating you would actually lose a lot. The emotional, practical and financial repercussions could be enormous, both for the two of you and for those around you.
Reflect on the depth of the bond you share. Is a fleeting moment of excitement worth the trust that could be shattered forever? Remember, it's not just about romance; it's about mutual respect, shared history, and the commitment you have built together. A breach of this trust could lead to pain that echoes through friendships, family ties, and even your sense of self. Infidelity doesn't just damage a partnership; it can unravel the fabric of your entire social network, sometimes with irreparable consequences.
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Grass is Not Greener
People may cheat because they think that the third party can offer them something that their partner can’t, be it excitement or physical fulfilment. The problem is that they then discover that they don’t feel better. Yes, the grass is not greener on the other side, and it can be a terrible mistake to look to someone else for what you feel is missing.
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Fix First
Try to sort out what is ‘wrong’ in your relationship first before giving up on it, which is effectively what cheating is. You’ve chosen to be with this person, so you owe it to them to try to make it work. Look at what you can both do to give your relationship a boost.
Begin with honest communication—voice your needs and listen to your partner's concerns. Strengthening a relationship takes joint effort, so consider couples therapy or a relationship coach if you're struggling to connect on your own. Remember, by working on issues together, you're building a deeper level of trust and commitment, which often leads to a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. It's about tackling the root causes, not just the symptoms of your discontent. If your relationship does improve, the temptation to cheat may naturally subside as your connection with your partner deepens.
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Realistic
Let’s face it, relationships can seem stale after a while. Look at it this way, though – if we stayed in that heady mindset of the early days, we’d probably implode! Relationships have to mature and develop, so don’t go chasing that elusive high with someone else.
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Back to Square One
So you find someone who feels exciting and brings that sense of exhiliration to your life. But what happens when that feeling wears off? It can’t last forever, so are you then going to look for another illicit affair? If anything, you may end up feeling worse than ever.
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Happiness depends upon ourselves.
Dishonest
Now, let’s be blunt. Cheating on someone is a horrible thing to do. Whether they find out or not, it’s just plain wrong, and nobody deserves it. If you’re really that unhappy, either get yourself some counselling or get out of the relationship. It’s no way to treat anyone.
Cheating breaks the very foundation of trust that relationships are built on. It's not just about the act itself, but about the betrayal and emotional harm caused. You might think it's a solution to your current unhappiness, but in reality, it only leads to more pain and complication. Be honest with yourself and your partner. Talk about what you're feeling and going through. Temptation can be a sign of deeper issues, which, unless addressed, can follow you even beyond the current relationship.
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Expiry Date?
Finally, feeling tempted by another person may mean that your existing relationship has simply run its course. So ask yourself some hard questions about it. Do you see any future for the two of you? Sometimes it’s not meant to last, and it may be better to move on.
Cheating can really mess up people’s lives, especially the innocent parties, and many of us have been on the receiving end of someone else’s infidelity. Did you find yourself cheating, even though you never thought you would, and how did it turn out – or were you cheated on?
Top Photo Credit: Spencer Finnley
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