Why Cheating in Relationships Should Never Be Condoned
In the context of a relationship, I’m one of those men who, if I’m with you, I’m with you. It might take me forever to commit, but once I’m there, you’ve got me. So if I should get to a point where I’m looking to cheat, it’s the end of the road for us.
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Cheating in relationships is something I’ll never do because I know what it’s like to date someone who cheats. That’s enough reason for me to avoid cheating on someone else. If someone cheats with you, they will cheat on you. This has always been my viewpoint, and I stick to it.
I’ve known George (not his real name) since he was a boy. He has a virtuous and steady wife and two beautiful daughters. Last November, George invited me to Sierra Leone over Christmas with two sisters, one of whom he was sleeping with. When I asked why, he said, “Oh, sometimes you just want Fish & Chips.”
I asked him what he would do if one of his daughters married a cheating man. He said he wouldn’t interfere but wouldn’t be pleased either. When I asked him what he would do if his wife cheated on him, he laughed it off, saying that men are supposed to have multiple wives. I told him that he was cheating on the mother of his children and the woman he shared a home with, and I wouldn’t collude in his deception. George fumbled for words.
He then told me how he dumped a former mistress who wouldn’t abort his child, knowing he was married. This made me feel disappointed in the man George had become. He is a serial adulterer who doesn’t care enough to take precautions against STDs. I wouldn’t want him to marry any daughter of mine.
My father regularly cheated on my mother and sometimes took me along for bragging rights. I have no idea what motivated his philandering. But my earliest memory is of being carried by my dad across our snow-covered backyard at night to enter our house through the kitchen. My mother had double-locked the front door. When I mentioned this to my mother once, she was astonished that I remembered it. My father’s cheating in relationships led to their separation and affected me deeply.
She held out her arms when my father entered through the kitchen door with me in his arms. She retrieved me from him and squeezed me to her bosom. The smell of cheap perfume assailed her senses, and she knew immediately she said that another woman had been handling her child. Within two months, my parents separated. My father took our housekeeper and me to Jamaica, leaving my mother and one-year-old sister behind. My scars remain.
My response to George’s philandering was so stark because of my experience with cheating in relationships. I’ve never had much time for cheaters of either sex. George and I haven’t kept in touch much since our talk. According to his father, he went to Sierra Leone with another fellow.
Cheating in relationships is a subject that has sparked various debates over the years. While some people view it as a natural aspect of life, others like me find it unacceptable. As an individual who has experienced the negative impact of infidelity, I firmly believe that cheating is a destructive act that should never be condoned.
The first reason I believe cheating in relationships is wrong is that it causes emotional pain and trauma. Infidelity can destroy the trust and intimacy that a couple has built over time. As a result, the betrayed partner may experience betrayal, hurt, and humiliation lasting many years. In some cases, the emotional damage caused by cheating can be so severe that the relationship never recovers. This has been the case for me in the past.
Secondly, I believe that cheating is unacceptable because it undermines the integrity of a relationship. When a partner cheats, they violate the trust between them and their significant other. This can lead to feelings of doubt, insecurity, and resentment, which can negatively impact the overall quality of the relationship.
We all know that cheating shows an utter lack of respect for one’s partner. When an individual cheats, they disregard the feelings and emotions of their significant other. They act selfishly, prioritising their desires over the well-being of their partner, the relationship, and the impact it can have on their children. In most instances, it might be better to walk away.
I genuinely believe cheating in relationships is a destructive act that has no place in a healthy, loving partnership. While it may be tempting to engage in infidelity, consider the emotional and psychological impact it can have on both parties involved. Instead of engaging in cheating, couples should focus on building trust, honesty, and respect in their relationships.
You’ve heard my two cents worth on the negative impact of cheating in relationships. However, if you’ve been affected by infidelity, please understand that you are not alone, and help is available.
Recovering from cheating can be a long and challenging process, but it is possible with effort and commitment from both partners. Couples therapy is helpful for those seeking to rebuild trust, communication, and intimacy after infidelity. In addition, talking with a professional can help both partners process the emotions and trauma associated with cheating and learn the skills necessary to move forward.
But recovery from cheating is not a linear process. It may take time to regain trust and intimacy, and setbacks may occur. However, healing and rebuilding a strong, healthy relationship with patience and dedication is possible.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of cheating in your relationship, know there is hope for healing and recovery. Reach out to a qualified therapist or counsellor who can guide you through the process.
Finally, here are a few insightful resources on why cheating is harmful and how to recover from infidelity:
- “Signs Your Spouse Is Cheating on You” by Psychology Today
- “How to Fix a Relationship After Cheating” by Verywell Mind
- “The Impact of Infidelity on Relationships and Families” by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
You may also like The Conflicted Cuckold.
