Coping with Infidelity: The Recovery Process

If you recently discovered that your spouse or significant other has had or is having an affair, you likely are learning how hard coping with infidelity can really be. The process of recovering from a partner’s infidelity is often surprisingly similar to the grieving process that follows the death of a loved one. The great emotional doctor is time, but you’ll find that waiting for the scars to heal is much easier said than done. Here are a few tips for getting through this tough period.

Distract Yourself

In some circumstances, avoiding a problematic situation is not wise. But when coping with infidelity, distraction is vital, especially during the early period just after finding out about your partner’s affair. Ruminating on the situation will not solve any problems and can only lead to additional stress.

There are many things you can do to distract yourself from the problem at hand.

The best ideas involve spending time with friends and family members. A girl’s night out can do wonders, as can a day at the amusement park with your children or a long talk on the phone with your mother. Bask in the company of people you love and trust, people who will listen to you, cry with you and stay by your side as you struggle to recover.

When you are unable to spend time with loved ones, find other ways to quiet the constant nervous chatter in your head. If you own a cat or dog, you will find your furry pet a great comfort whenever you’re lonely. It also helps to lose yourself in a good book or your favorite magazine. You may also want to rent a movie or take advantage of those cable channels you never watch.

Counseling

Once you’ve gotten over the initial shock, you will want to seek therapy. If you think your relationship stands a chance of surviving, get into a couple’s therapy program. Otherwise, personal counselors provide great opportunities for venting frustration as well as valuable advice for coping with infidelity.

.