Infidelity, lies, or broken promises can severely damage the trust between partners, even leading totrust issues.
However, when trust is broken, this does not necessarily mean that the relationship can’t be salvaged.
Learn how to regain trust in your relationship and feel safe once again.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Know the Details
Even in seemingly clear-cutcases of betrayal, there are always two sides.
This will give the betrayed party a broader understanding of the situation.
What happened, when, and where?
What feelings or problems may have contributed to this situation?
What were the mitigating circumstances?
Partners may have trouble sleeping or diminished appetite.
They may become irritable over small things or be quick to trigger.
Consider the impact of your partner’s betrayal on you and others.
Make your partner aware of all these feelings.
Show Commitment
Both parties, especially the betrayed, may be questioning their commitment to the relationship.
They may be wondering if the relationship is still right for them or even salvageable.
Acts of empathycan be healing to both parties.
Both parties must work to define what is required to stay committed to making the relationship work.
Instead, choose words that facilitate open conversation anduse non-blaming “I” statements.
Also, continue to check in regularly to double-check you are on track.
Remember, though, that the above steps are essential to the process ofrelationship repair and recovery.
Remind one another that you each deserve open and honest answers to your questions about the betrayal.
Do not withhold trust in this new relationship, even though it is with the same person.
Withholding trust out of fear or anger will prevent you fromemotionally reconnecting with your partner.
This keeps your relationship from moving forward in a healthy way.
Instead, work towardrebuilding the relationshipby doing the work required to build trust and rebuild a mutually supportive connection.
Come to an agreement about what a healthy relationship looks like to you both.
Remember that all relationships require work.
But you may want or need to seek individual therapy in addition to couples' therapy.
Winek JL, Craven PA.Healing rituals for couples recovering from adultery.Contemp Fam Ther.
