Getting Over An Affair - How To Build Trust After Infidelity
Written by Carrie Bradford   
Saturday, 31 October 2009 07:03
You've cheated and been caught, and now you're wondering if your relationship can be saved. In my experience, the answer is yes...as long as you know how to build trust after infidelity. You can both start getting over an affair and getting on with your lives together, and I hope this article helps.
by CarrieBradford


You've cheated and been caught, and now you're wondering if your relationship can be saved. In my experience, the answer is yes...as long as you know how to build trust after infidelity. You can both start getting over an affair and getting on with your lives together, and I hope this article helps.

This isn't just talk -- it's from experience. I cheated on my husband and he forgave me...and we've been stronger ever since.

You didn't stray for no reason. Something about your relationship was causing you to feel uneasy, unfulfilled. Once you know what that was, you can start to fix things.

Why did you cheat with this specific person? Did they seem mysterious or more adventurous than your partner? Maybe they showered you with attention, or said certain things you've been wanting to hear from your current mate. Whatever it was, it's a red flag that your relationship is lacking in these things.

You had an affair because you were looking for something that's missing, either in you or in the relationship, or both.

If you want to restore trust, you need to correct the issues in your relationship. Sometimes, counselling can help.

But knowing the problem is just the first step. The next step is to actually do something about it.

When restoring trust, actions speak louder than words. Talking is good...but doing the right things is better.

Make (and keep) small promises. This goes a long way to positioning you as trustworthy, Even if it's just promising to walk the dog every morning. If you show that you can be trusted with little things, it eventually builds confidence with your partner that you can be trusted overall.

You'll need to be patient and humble with your partner. Right now, they're dealing with a huge sense of betrayal and they will work through it eventually...if you allow them to express it to you. If they need reassurance, give it to them. If they need to yell, take it. They need to see that you are truly sorry about what happened.

However, this doesn't mean you have to be the bad guy forever. If you let your partner guilt trip you, the relationship you're rebuilding will remain on shaky ground. If you need to defend yourself, do so gently and with compassion.

Finally, you need to find the silver lining. Discuss the affair as a chance for the both of you to improve your relationship and grow together as a couple. In my case, my husband and I both realized that we had some destructive attitudes toward relationships in general, and me cheating brought them to light. We learned from the experience and are the better for it.

Getting over an affair and rebuilding trust takes some time. You'll need to be honest with yourself and with your partner, and take action to fix things. But if you do it right, you'll end up a stronger couple for it.

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