7 Steps to Protecting Your Relationship From Infidelity

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Infidelity is such a hot topic in today’s society. The most important thing to know about infidelity is that what constitutes this type of betrayal is in the eye of the beholder. While a form of physical betrayal is most commonly thought of when the word infidelity is used, emotional betrayals can be just as damaging and in many cases even more detrimental to the relationship. Emotional betrayal can include sharing your partner’s secrets or your deeper thoughts and emotions with another. For many the pain of an emotional betrayal cuts far deeper than a physical betrayal.

When experiencing a deep betrayal a person can feel like they are going insane. Obsessive thoughts, intense pain and our deepest fears creep to the surface causing us to respond irrationally. Often our reaction to a betrayal can be completely out of character and a shock to everyone around us, including ourselves! When walking through this process you may feel completely alone which is only exacerbated by the guilt and shame society inflicts on the victim. This often causes the victim to retreat into isolation even further at a time when they most need support and comfort from others.

With the current divorce rate in the US hovering somewhere between 40 to 50 percent, taking steps to strengthen your relationship and proactively protect it from infidelity are important steps to take in a proactive effort to make your relationship last.

Communication.

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Open honest communication is key. Talk about everything. Assume nothing. Make sure you are both on the same page about what constitutes infidelity and what would be considered a betrayal. Do not assume it is obvious to your partner, as what is obvious to you may not be to someone else. Communicate your hopes, desires, fantasies and expectations with each other. Tell your partner what makes you feel most loved and find out the same from them. Touch base frequently throughout the day to maintain your connection. Share your days recap with each other at the end of the day. The more you share with each other on a regular basis the easier it will be to discuss difficult issues when they come up.

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While nothing can guarantee your relationship will not be impacted by infidelity, taking these steps will build a strong and deeply bonded relationship. Relationships with a strong bond between partners are less likely to fall prey to infidelity. By communicating with each other openly and honestly, setting clear boundaries with others, and taking conscious actions that strengthen your relationship you lessen the chance that either of you will betray the other, because your needs are already being met. Every relationship will suffer trials and challenges, rough spots. It is the strong ones that will make it through the storm with both partners emerging out on the other side together stronger, wiser and more in love than ever.

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