Many of us probably are not aware of the psychological consequences of infidelity. Being deceived causes a whirlwind of unspeakable emotions. But beyond that, cheating also has several psychological implications—decreased self-esteem, post-traumatic stress, questioning one’s individuality, etc.
Some of us have, indeed, witnessed cheating, extramarital affairs. And we have all dealt with infidelity from more or less far and more or less intensely. Yet deception has real psychological consequences that can destroy the betrayed person. The damage of betrayal is too high. However, keep in mind. There are signs of a cheating partner.
Before Understanding The Psychological Consequences Of Infidelity, Let’s Find Out When Infidelity Begins
Not everyone experiences infidelity in their relationship the same way. Extramarital affairs and cheating often lead a person to feel betrayed. After all, we do not have the exact representations of loyalty.
You know what? For some, deception concerns the appearance of feeling for a third person. For others, infidelity takes place when their partner kisses or sleeps with someone else. The definition of deception differs from person to person.
On the other hand, sexual exclusivity, for example, is often part of the classical values of infidelity among heterosexual couples. There is no judge of cheating or extramarital affairs. Some give importance to the fact that it is not very serious that their partner sleeps with someone else. On the contrary, some are very serious (feel betrayed) and cannot even imagine that their partners sleep with others! And with such a principle, we quickly understand that we should never try to minimize the deception suffered by a friend.
Self-Esteem: The First Psychological Victim Of Infidelity
The psychological consequences of infidelity are real. It is a shock that shakes the couple and their foundations. The victim feels betrayed. However, the cheating partner may feel something unique. The first collateral victim is the self-esteem of the deceived person. He or she feels completely helpless and questions everything that has been said or done within their relationship. Being deceived by a loved one sometimes pushes the deceived individual to question their individuality.
Women, in particular, tend to persuade themselves that they are not desirable enough by telling themselves that they are not able to keep their partners. The self-esteem of deceived men also takes a hit. You know they tend to compare themselves to sexual abilities rather than to desirability. Note, moreover, that male infidelity (in heterosexual couples) is always superior to female deception. Infidelity causes negative and demeaning thoughts. They can spoil your daily life in all areas—moreover, extramarital affairs damage lives.
Infidelity Awakens The Wound Of Betrayal
Being deceived can rekindle wounds hitherto hidden, denied, or underestimated. People with a betrayal wound will have a terrible time of infidelity and/or a breakup. The latter then develops a feeling of betrayal, which becomes an injury. This injury concerns any child who needed a parent who was not there at some point in their childhood. A betrayed person again awakens a dormant feeling.
Infidelity can cause trauma. The ultimate cataclysm it causes can lead to the onset of depression. In addition to this, the deceived person can develop an actual process of generalization. “My father betrayed me, my boyfriend betrayed me so that any guy can betray me, ” says the psychologist.
Daily Basis Psychological Consequences Of Infidelity
Lock-In Loneliness
The deceived person can also wall up in loneliness and develop an actual blockage after infidelity. For fear of the judgment of those around her and for fear that she will take in pity. It can last for weeks or more and lead to depression. Ultimately destructive behavior can add to this isolation. Like heavy alcohol consumption, long days without swallowing anything, or endless workouts that are too intense for the body.
The Feeling Of Guilt
This feeling can overwhelm people who have been cheated when they already have little self-confidence. It is the direct consequence of the reduction in self-esteem. People who experience it often lack self-confidence, and infidelity adds a layer to it.
Develop Post-Traumatic Stress
Obsessive thoughts or images, sleep disturbances, or even a feeling of impulsivity can manifest themselves after infidelity. All of these symptoms are part of post-traumatic stress disorder which occurs after a traumatic event. In short, cheating has long-term consequences. And it’s undeniable.
The Inability To Meet New People
At the same time, dating potential crushes can become difficult, if not impossible. The generalization process eventually convinces us that they are all the same.
How To Recover Psychologically From Infidelity?
Rebuilding yourself after infidelity can seem complicated. Yes, it is challenging to restore life after being betrayed by the cheating partner involved in extramarital affairs. Especially when the being who ridiculed us was supposed to be our other half. It may take a while. However, no worries. You will get there. Surviving Infidelity and betrayal is possible. And if some decide to forgive, others prefer to end the story to rebuild themselves better. Here are some steps you can take to try to figure out what’s best for you.
- Take your time, and try to sort out why your partner or you left him/her.
- Put the situation into words. After all, infidelity is often a choice, not a mistake.
- The world doesn’t stop turning every time someone is cheated on. So intellectualize what is happening to you, but try to look around you. Other people love you. Your family, your friends, and maybe even your office colleagues. Try as much as possible to see all the people who matter to you. It will do you the greatest good.
- Denial has never saved anyone. You risk harming two people: the one you are using and yourself. Live your life, and don’t think that your whole existence revolves around a couple. You deserve someone who is up to the task. So leave time for time.
Do You Want To Avoid The Psychological Consequences Of Infidelity?
If you do not want to fall victim to the psychological consequences of infidelity, cheating, you can follow our tips:
- Select a partner after judging well.
- It would be best if you always gave time to your partner. We remain busy. It’s true. However, you need to bring out quality time for your couple. Keep in mind. Out of sight means out of mind. Extramarital affairs often take place when a partner does not give quality time to the couple.
- Keep an eye on your couple. Use Spouseware, the best Spyware to track everything: Phone Calls, SMS, Photo gallery, Social Media, Location, etc.