{"id":30863,"date":"2018-12-10T11:03:26","date_gmt":"2018-12-10T11:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=30863"},"modified":"2024-11-15T14:45:48","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T14:45:48","slug":"staying-with-a-cheater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/infidelity\/staying-with-a-cheater\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Handle Staying with a Cheater"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30865 size-full\" title=\"Staying with a Cheater How to Solve Your Dilemma\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Staying-with-a-Cheater-How-to-Solve-Your-Dilemma.jpg\" alt=\"Staying with a Cheater How to Solve Your Dilemma\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the greatest feelings in the world is the feeling of being loved. Knowing that the person next to you loves and cares for you with all their heart will always be there for you. A stark contrast to this feeling is the feeling of betrayal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Betrayal is the emotion you experience when you love and trust someone and they let you down. They break your trust and, at times, exploit the amount of faith you have in them. Staying with a cheater is difficult because of this.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a romantic relationship, betrayal can be defined as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markmanson.net\/why-people-cheat\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cheating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on your significant other. And it is difficult on the relationship and the partner that has been cheated on.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we look at the various aspects of cheating and the things you can do if you decide that staying with a cheater is what you want to try to do.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-is-cheating\"><\/span><b>What is cheating?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we get to the crux of the matter, let us shed some light on what it means to cheat on your partner. This is where things get a little complicated, as each person can have a different definition of &ldquo;cheating.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some, it may mean flirting with someone else while in a relationship, giving gifts to a third party that you would otherwise give someone you date or are married to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For others, cheating is harboring romantic emotions for someone while you are already in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If we look at the more intense forms of cheating, then that would include having a sexual relationship with a third party while dating or married. Having a secret affair and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All such behaviors make your significant other uncomfortable for justifiable reasons. The moment you find yourself trying to hide or having to cover your relationship with a third party that can count as cheating.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should-you-stay-with-a-cheating-partner\"><\/span><b>Should you stay with a cheating partner?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should you stay with a cheater? Truth be told, there is no black and white in this situation. No one can universally answer that question with a &ldquo;Yes&rdquo; or a &ldquo;No.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>There are too many factors that need to be taken into consideration before you can make the final decision.<\/b><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What kind of person are you dating?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try to access your relationship and your partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does your partner treat you well? Do they care for you? Was what they did just a bad decision on their part? Or Do they not treat you well? Do they ignore you? Are they there when you need them? Have they cheated on you before or in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/should-you-tell-your-partner-everything-about-your-past\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">past relationships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These questions can make you come to realize where your relationship stands. We often do not realize but continue to be part of toxic relationships. Knowing the nature of your relationship is important before deciding between staying with a cheater or not.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>The severity of the act<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is another factor that matters greatly. What was the severity of the act? Did your partner have a sexual relationship with someone else? For how long have they been cheating on you?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acts like having secret affairs and sexual relationships are most definitely hard to forgive. Many times it is because of these behaviors that marriages end and families are torn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, this may not apply to everyone. For some, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/forgiveness\/how-to-forgive-emotional-cheating\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emotional cheating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is just as severe as physical cheating. It is important to define your parameters.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is there room for forgiveness?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you willing to forgive and work towards fixing the relationship? It is important to clear up your feelings. Do you want to continue? Do you think you can rebuild your trust in your partner? Will they betray you again?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People are often unwilling to let go of what they have and prefer staying with a cheater. This is especially observed in marriages, especially if children are involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you believe you can truly forgive your partner and work towards a better relationship, that is okay too. As mentioned before, there is no black or white to this topic.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/infidelity\/forgive-yourself-after-cheating\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Forgive Yourself After Cheating: 10 Tips<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>The answer<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amazing thing about relationships is that no matter how much you ask around, you will find the answer within yourself. Always remember that no one knows your situation better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, cheating is inexcusable, but it does not always mean that you leave your partner behind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they are truly ashamed and take responsibility for what they have done, then they may never do such a thing again. However, at times it&rsquo;s better to move on than staying with a cheater.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your partner disregards you, or even if they do not, you do not have to forgive them if you cannot find it in your heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is your right to be with someone that does not make you feel like the first or second choice. Instead, they make you feel as if you are the only choice.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the end, it is all up to you. If you feel like the person is worth it then, by all means, stay; if not, then it is better to opt for your happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30866 size-full\" title=\"It is important to know the nature of your relationship before you can make a decision\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/It-is-important-to-know-the-nature-of-your-relationship-before-you-can-make-a-decision.jpg\" alt=\"It is important to know the nature of your relationship before you can make a decision\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-ways-to-deal-with-staying-with-a-cheater\"><\/span><b>10 ways to deal with staying with a cheater<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to stay with a cheater?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have recently discovered that your partner is cheating on you, it can be difficult to deal with. Accepting infidelity in a marriage or a relationship is difficult. Here are some ways to deal with a cheating partner.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have considered staying with a cheater and asked yourself, &ldquo;should I stay with a cheater?&rdquo; Remember these tips before you make a decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Remember that it is not your fault<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the first ways a cheater tries to defend themselves is by saying that you made them do it. However, it is extremely important to remember that cheating is on the cheater; it is their fault, not yours.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there can be several <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/solutions-for-8-common-relationship-issues\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">problems in the relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it in no way makes cheating okay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/experts\/maggie-martinez\">Maggie Martinez<\/a>, LCSW, says<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Do not let a cheater manipulate you by trying to place the blame on you for their own actions.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><b>2. Accept<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying together after cheating is challenging. Another important step when it comes to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/infidelity\/how-to-deal-with-a-cheater\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dealing with cheating<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to accept it. When you discover cheating, your first line of defense is to try to deny it. However, it would help if you accepted the truth of the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you choose to stay with a cheater, you must also accept that things will not be okay for a while and will take time to sink in and be accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Prioritize yourself<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your relationship has been suffering for a long time, chances are that you have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/prioritize-your-relationship-partner-and-sexual-connection\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prioritized your relationship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or even your partner for too long. However, with what you are going through right now, it is important to prioritize yourself and take better care of yourself to deal with your emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Do not lose your temper<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understandably, you are feeling hurt at this time. However, when such emotions go unprocessed, they are likely to appear angry. But anger doesn&rsquo;t solve anything. One of the important ways to deal with cheating is to not lose your temper. It will only make things worse and cause you to suffer more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Maggie Martinez further adds,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Be sure to talk with a professional to get your feelings of sadness and anger out in a healthy way.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/managing-anger-in-relationship\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 Most Effective Ways On How to Control Anger in a Relationship<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>5. Do not make decisions out of fear<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might want to leave the marriage when you find out you have been cheated on. However, the fear of being on your own, the fear of loneliness, or other things can make you want to stay in an unhappy marriage. It is important that if you do decide to stay, it is not because of fear.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Seek your support system<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to get over cheating? Take help from people who love you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another important way to deal with cheating is to seek your support system. Being around friends and family who love and support you unconditionally can help you deal with this situation much better.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/steps-to-becoming-a-supportive-partner\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20 Steps to Becoming a Supportive Partner<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>7. Take a break from social media<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to do if someone cheats on you? Take a break from things such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/internet\/2015\/10\/01\/social-media-and-romantic-relationships\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">social media.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media can cause you to set unrealistic expectations for your relationship. It can also make you feel that others are very happy in their lives and you are the only one suffering. Taking a break from social media can help.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch this video to learn more about the impact of social media on the youth:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/soHn6t_jjIw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><b>8. Do not try to find a way out<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When someone cheats on you, you often try to find answers prematurely. When you have discovered cheating, you might want to think about what to do immediately. Should you leave the marriage? Should you forgive your partner? These questions may cloud your mind. However, it would help if you did not try to find a way out too soon but processed every bit of information before you tried to conclude.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>9. Do things that you like<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying with someone who cheated on you can be challenging. However, when you prioritize yourself, it helps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, dealing with something traumatic is as easy as doing things you like. This can help you find yourself and feel much more at ease. It can help you see things in a better light when you are more comfortable in your skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<pre><b><i>Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-make-someone-fall-in-love-with-you\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 Tips on How to Make Someone Fall in Love With You<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n<h3><b>10. Talk to a professional<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dealing with cheating is difficult. If you find yourself struggling, there is no problem in seeking help from a professional. If you decide to work things out, you can also seek help from a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/therapy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">relationship therapist.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-forgive-a-cheater-and-heal-a-relationship\"><\/span><b>How to forgive a cheater and heal a relationship&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheating can be a difficult thing for some people to get over. It can also become the cause of breakups or divorces. However, if you have decided to forgive your partner for cheating and want to heal the relationship, it is not impossible to make it happen.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Maggie Martinez points out,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>The idea of forgiveness should come from you, not the cheating partner.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many marriages are known to survive cheating as well. To understand more about forgiving a cheater or healing a relationship, read more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/forgiveness\/how-to-forgive-a-cheater\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-30867 size-full\" title=\"If you truly believe forgiving your partner can help build a better relationship, then that's ok\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/If-you-truly-believe-forgiving-your-partner-can-help-build-a-better-relationship-then-thats-ok.jpg\" alt=\"If you truly believe forgiving your partner can help build a better relationship, then that's ok\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some-frequently-asked-questions\"><\/span><b>Some frequently asked questions&nbsp;<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some frequently asked questions about staying with a cheater.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is cheating a dilemma?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheating can be a dilemma when it happens, even when there are no existing problems in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dilemma is when you have two options, and one seems more desirable than the other. Cheating can be a dilemma when the marriage may become boring or seem mundane.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>What percentage of cheaters stay together?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to recent <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ifstudies.org\/blog\/predicting-infidelity-an-updated-look-at-who-is-most-likely-to-cheat-in-america\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">statistics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, around 30 percent of couples decide to stay together after an episode of cheating. However, only 15 percent of couples can make it through the problems and solve them to a point where they can stay together.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>How long do cheaters stay together?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheaters may try to prolong their current relationship with their partner because they are unsure of what the other affair means to them. An affair usually only lasts till the time it serves its purpose, and not forever.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They usually end when the spouse or family of the individual discovers them.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Is it okay to stay with someone who cheated on you?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Forgiving your partner after cheating is not unusual. Many couples decide to stay together and work on their issues.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is okay to stay with someone who has cheated on you. However, this can only work when you both decide to work things out together and take responsibility for what needs to be fixed in your relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are asking yourself, &ldquo;How to leave a cheater?&rdquo; Then maybe you should not consider staying with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>Can a relationship go back to normal after cheating?<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is challenging for a relationship to return to normal after cheating, but it is not impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A relationship can go back to normal after cheating, depending on why the cheating happened, how long it lasted, and what the two partners eventually decide to do about it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-takeaway\"><\/span><b>The takeaway<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheating and infidelity in marriages are not uncommon, but it is still unfortunate. Cheating can change a relationship and the people involved in it. It is not easy to decide to stay with a cheating partner to forgive them and heal the relationship.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, when you decide to stay with a cheater and work things out, it is important to ensure that you prioritize yourself and take the right way forward in the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the greatest feelings in the world is the feeling of being loved. Knowing that the person next to you loves and cares for you with all their heart will always be there for you. A stark contrast to this feeling is the feeling of betrayal. Betrayal is the emotion you experience when you love and trust someone and they let you down. They break your trust and, at times, exploit the amount of faith you have in them. Staying with a cheater is difficult because of this. In a romantic relationship, betrayal can be defined as cheating on <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":675,"featured_media":30865,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[2691],"class_list":["post-30863","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-infidelity","tag-choose-whats-next","has_thumb"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/675"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30863"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30863\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":105749,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30863\/revisions\/105749"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}