Cheating can inflict lasting damage on your relationship and cause immense pain for your partner.
Temptations can naturally surface in any relationship, even when you and your partner are at your happiest.
This demands hard work, dedication, and commitment to your partner.
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Why Do I Feel Tempted to Cheat?
Temptations in a relationship can occur for various reasons.
Sometimes, as unfair as it may seem,you might just feel bored.
When these emotions surface, you might be inclined to avoid or suppress them out of guilt.
Instead, sit with your feelings and examine their origins.
Be honest with yourself and reflect on whatcould be fueling your desire to cheat.
Identifying your temptation triggers is the first step towards addressing and resolving them successfully.
It’s also helpful to remember that you’re not alone.
Experiencing temptation in a relationship is not unusual.
Being in a relationship doesn’t magically suppress your ability to be attracted to other people.
How Do I Resist the Temptation to Cheat?
it’s possible for you to use several strategies to help you resist the urge to cheat.
Some include:
Work on Strengthening Your Relationship
Start by re-examining and prioritizing your relationship.
Ask yourself if you genuinely want to stay with your partner.
If the answer is yes, refocus oninvesting time and energy into your relationship.
Engage in activities that enhance your emotional intimacy and openly communicate to keep trust strong.
This creates a buffer that discourages acting on temptation or putting yourself into amicro-cheatingor cheating situation may occur.
Strike a balance between both types of relationships.
Practice mindfulness, be present in the moment, and focus on the positive aspects of your relationship.
Techniques likedeep breathingor meditation can help you stay grounded and resistimpulsivedecisions.
This will not only help you cultivate a stronger relationship with yourself but with your partner too.
Engage inactivities you enjoy that boost your self-confidence and happiness.
Improving your self-confidence and addressing your insecurities makes you less likely to seek validation from others.
Speak to a Loved One or a Professional
Lean on your support systemwhen needed.
Talk to trusted friends and loved ones who can provide a judgment-free space.
Share your struggles with them and ask for their advice and support.
They can provide guidance and help you develop strategies to strengthen your relationship and resist temptation.
How Can I Stay Faithful Despite Being Tempted?
When faced with the temptation to cheat, remind yourself that actions have consequences.
Consider the potential hurt you’ll inflict on your relationship and your partner.
Cheating breaks the trust you share and could lead to the end of your relationship.
Think about the life you want to build with your partner and remember that infidelity could jeopardize those dreams.
Reminding yourself of the long-term effects of cheating can help you stay grounded and committed to your relationship.
Should I Talk to My Partner About My Feelings of Temptation?
Talking with your partner about the feelings you’ve been struggling with can be helpful.
When you decide to talk, choose the right time and place.
Be sensitive to your partner’s feelings and reassure them of yourcommitmentto them and the relationship throughout the conversation.
Remember that overcoming temptation is a journey that demands consistent effort, patience, and understanding from both partners.
Selterman D, Garcia JR, Tsapelas I.Motivations for extradyadic infidelity revisited.The Journal of Sex Research.
2020;17(16):5721.
