Can we forgive infidelity? An expert’s answer
When someone discovers infidelity, the pain is often heartbreaking. Should we forgive or turn the page? An expert in couples therapy gives us the keys to managing this complex situation.
Understand before deciding: hidden reasons for infidelity
Infidelity does not always mean a lack of love or desire for your partner. As highlighted in the interview by Gabrielle Adrien, sexologist and therapist BibaThis condition often arises from unfulfilled emotional needs, a search for personal identity, or accumulated frustrations. Understanding these motivations is an essential first step to deescalating anger and starting a constructive conversation.
Taking the time to talk with your partner can help you identify what may be causing this difference. This process, although painful, can provide valuable answers about the state of the relationship and pave the way to shared awareness.
Forgive: A Personal and Liberating Choice
According to Gabriel Adrian, forgiveness is neither an obligation nor a weakness. This is a hard task, but it can be a lifesaver for the relationship and for you. Forgiveness does not mean minimizing pain or forgiving infidelity, but rather freeing yourself from the burden of resentment.
Giving your relationship a chance again requires real work on trust. This step requires a commitment from both partners to redefine the foundation of your relationship, express your needs, and establish a new, healthy dynamic.
Don’t act emotionally
When faced with shock, it is tempting to make hasty, sometimes irreversible, decisions. Gabriel Adrian recommends taking a step back to think about your deepest expectations and the direction you want the relationship to take. This pause period allows us to assess whether love, complicity, and the desire to rebuild are still present.
It is also essential to allow yourself to feel your emotions without suppressing them. Grief, anger, and confusion are part of the healing process, whether it leads to forgiveness or separation.
Rebuilding Your Relationship: A New Inspiration
If the couple chooses to overcome infidelity, this may be an opportunity for renewal. As experts explain, it’s about “putting our cards on the table” to redefine everyone’s needs and expectations together. This honest practice promotes better mutual understanding and lays the foundation for a stronger relationship.
Through communication, trust, and working on past hurts, some couples manage to turn this ordeal into an opportunity for growth. However, this rebuilding requires time, patience, and honest commitment from both partners.