Should an adulterous marriage be salvaged? For couples, what is more frustrating and heartbreaking than knowing that their partner is cheating? But while in pain, have you ever thought about how to retrieve this seemingly broken relationship? Let's explore together with emotional experts.
The ongoing extramarital affair makes you angry, depressed, lost, and even crazy. You will think about their details all day, thinking that everything is irreparable. But is this really the case?
Although extramarital affairs can be destructive, American female psychologist Dr. Harriet Lerner suggests not to immediately break up with the other person on impulse. If you two have loved each other before or have children now, you might as well try to repair your marriage.
Lerner reminds that infidelity is not a terrible psychological abnormality, and it does not only occur in unhappy marriages. It is also a misconception to believe that infidelity is entirely the fault of one's spouse. She pointed out that marriages with poor sexual and emotional life are naturally prone to extramarital affairs, but happy marriages can also have problems due to various reasons, such as the opportunity to have contact with the opposite sex in the work environment.
Although cheating can be frustrating and drive you crazy, it doesn't necessarily require a divorce. Some couples are honest with each other and can recover from extramarital affairs, even enhancing communication and intimacy with each other. To achieve such a good result, both parties must make efforts for each other, speak the truth, and avoid being tempted in the future. The path of restoration is rugged and long, but marriage is worth your efforts.
If you are unfaithful, you can consider the advice of American clinical psychologist Janice Abraham Spring: Never simply let your partner "forget it", but learn to listen to each other's pain and anger.
If you are the one who has been betrayed, you can consider seeking marriage counseling before proposing a divorce, striving to forgive the other party and give them a chance to repair the relationship, so that they can regain your trust in the future.