Should I Tell My Partner I Cheated?
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Cheating on your partneris certainly a breach of trust in a relationship.
However, if you feel bad about it, you might wonder what to do next.
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You might want to tell your partner or end the relationship.
How can you decide whether or not to tell your partner?
This article looks at the reasons people cheat and offersways to dealwith this situation.
Should You Tell Your Partner That You Cheated?
After you’ve cheated, you might be tempted to hide the truth.
You might be afraid of hurting them or worry that it will end the relationship.
There are many reasons to disclose that you’ve cheated.
It Won’t Ever Happen Again
It was a one-time thing that won’t ever happen again.
You made a terrible mistake, feel awful, and know it will never happen again.
In such cases, discuss your options with a therapist or other confidant to decide your next steps.
There Is a Risk of Violence
You feel physically at risk by revealing the infidelity.
If you’ve experienced intimate partner violence in your relationship, focus on maintaining your safety.
Reach out to a domestic violence support hotline and focus on leaving the relationship as soon as possible.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
However, this is a selfish decision to make.
The problem is cheating does nothing to solve any relationship issues you have.
If this is the situation, you might want to consider ending the relationship.
If you feel like things can be worked on, you should communicate this with your partner.
What to Do Next
Theres no one way todeal with cheatingin a relationship.
People are different, and every relationship is unique.
Hiding that you cheated on your partner after it happens is highly discouraged.
Apologize Sincerely
Give your apology without any ‘buts’ and ‘ifs’.
How you apologize deeply affects the next steps you and your boyfriend will take.
Wait for them to accept your apology and listen to what they have to say.
Create Boundaries for Yourself
Stop speaking to the person or people you cheated with.
Create limits to prevent yourself from making the mistakes youve made in the past.
Whatever your partners reaction, allow them to express it healthily.
If they do so, this is a sign that it’s crucial that you end the relationship.
Your partner will be harboring feelings of hurt and betrayal, as is to be expected.
Accept their decision and attempt to ask for theirforgiveness.
Understand, that they might not be ready or might be unwilling to forgive you.
Consider Counseling
This could be personal counseling sessions orcouples therapyfor you and your boyfriend.
Therapy equips you with the tools to healthily repair your relationship and move past your mistake.
A therapist is crucial if you and your boyfriend have decided to remain together.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV and STD criminalization laws.
