Can trust be rebuilt?
CRISES are always opportunities to repair - and that’s a key relationship skill. Every relationship hits occasional trouble. The key is to use it and not to break up because of it.
A lot of people see affairs as the end, when it’s really the canary in the coalmine. It’s too easy to blame the cheater. There are always two realities, and two people create, and break, a relationship. “Away days” are a good start. Go somewhere quiet to work it out. Get a coach or therapist involved if needed. Then work hard at sharing and listening – really listening – to build understanding and alignment.
It’s a process and a skill. It takes courage and a lot of heart.
Avivah is a relationship guru and author of Late Love: Mating in Maturity.