My partner is cheating on me. What should I do?
However, a word to the wise, stop and take a deep breath!
Don’t make any accusations until you have concrete evidence to make your case and secure a confession.
Here’s why: when first confronted about the affair, your partner may clam up, deny, and deceive to protect themselves from the fallout. They fear being abandoned, punished or rejected if the truth is discovered. They fear losing control and being forced to change. They may also want to protect you from being hurt.
So what is the best way to proceed?
As a relationship therapist and author of a book called “Chatting or Cheating”, here’s my best advice: If your goal is to get to the truth, make sure you have the 4 P’s covered: Proof, Preparation, Purpose & Plan before talking to your partner.
Here’s what you need to know and do:
1. Have proof.
Before you even consider confronting your partner, it is essential that you have proof – not a hunch, an idea or a fear, but REAL, TANGIBLE proof of the infidelity, such as a text, email, or voicemail message, a private detective’s report, a piece of clothing you found that doesn’t belong to you, or even photographs, —something that you can produce as indisputable evidence.Without proof, you will look (or be treated) like a distrusting fool at best and, at worst, you will ensure that your cheating partner learns to cover their tracks better.
Proof will also help you plow through your own denial. When we love and want to trust someone, it can create huge blind spots in our ability to see the truth. Let’s face it, to hear your partner admit that he or she has cheated on you hurts to the core. However, the truth can also be the doorway to a better and healthier relationship on the other side.
The more proof you possess, the greater the chance you’ll have to get your partner to come clean.
PROOF is your ally.
Only when you have PROOF can you proceed.
2. Be prepared.
When you first confront your partner, don’t be surprised, be prepared that your partner may get defensive, adamantly deny any and all wrongdoing and dismiss everything (i.e. “We’re just good friends, that’s all.”, “We’re not having sex, so what’s the big deal?” “Lighten up. It was just a totally harmless text.”)
When it comes to emotional or cyber infidelity where no physical intimacy has occurred, the boundaries are blurrier. It is often easy for the betrayer to deceive themselves (and you) into thinking their behavior is meaningless and harmless. Their denial may be even more defensive or aggressive.
Cheaters often use distraction as a tactic to deflect the truth by claiming you’re overly jealous or too paranoid. They may even blame you for the time they were spending with someone else, claiming they needed a supportive friend because you were dropping the ball in the relationship by not providing something your partner needed or wanted.
The bottom line is, do your homework and be prepared. DON’T be surprised by your partner’s reaction, and DON’T lose your cool.
3. Know your purpose.
The purpose is to get the truth by getting your partner to confess. Once you have a confession and know what’s really going on, you can work at a solution.
To do this, you must approach your partner in a rational, non-threatening way that alleviates your partner’s fear instead of aggravating it. The intention is to get your partner to respond in a way that is forthright and honest.
Keep affirming to yourself… “I feel calm. I am safe. I can handle this. I want the secretiveness to stop. I’m in charge here and I’m going to get to the bottom of this.”
Your partner will probably be in shock and denial. But no matter what your partner says or does, your purpose is to persevere until you get to the truth.
4. Make a plan.
Make a plan to confront your partner and discuss the affair without interruptions. Choose the time and place carefully, then present the evidence one piece at a time.
It is very important to remain calm, no matter how much you may want to inflict physical harm on your cheating partner! Don’t get me wrong, wanting to vent is healthy and necessary. In fact, it is essential to your own healing, as well as, the healing of your relationship that you are able to express your emotions.
However, getting upset, accusing, attacking, or name-calling will put your partner on the defensive and not help you get to the truth.
Remaining calm, cool, and collected is key to getting to the truth. Have a plan for how you’ll deal with your anger and frustration when these emotions come up. The more calmly you deal with the truth, the more your partner will tell you the truth.
Do a personal check in and make sure that you are emotionally prepared for the outcome of the discussion.
When the answer is “Yes! I’m ready!” Here’s what to do next:
Think Conversation NOT Confrontation
Approach your partner in a rational, non-threatening way.
First, remember to do everything you can humanly do to stay calm so that you can approach your partner in a diplomatic, non-combative way.
A good way to start the conversation is to talk about yourself and start each sentence with “I” instead of “you.” This will help your partner be less reactive.
Second, do not hurl accusations. Ask. Be curious. Be open.
Inside, you might be feeling pretty pissed off and saying, “How could my partner do it to me?” ”I want to strangle them, not be kind and understanding right now!” HOWEVER, to get what you want…the ANSWERS and TRUTH, you have to make sure that when you ask, you’re coming from a place of openness and a desire to know. Phrase the problem in a non-judgmental way by stating, “Something I discovered is upsetting me. I’m concerned (sad, hurt, frustrated) and I’d like to talk with you about it.” This will maximize your chances of being heard and ultimately getting the truth.
Lastly, once your partner starts to open up, don’t bombard him or her with questions. Studies show that people shut down, become defensive and lie when asked too many pointed questions (i.e. Who were you with? Why did you lie? How could you do this to me?). Know that this is an ongoing, unfolding discussion and everyone needs to come out of the shock and denial first. Listen carefully to your partner’s responses so you can accurately assess the situation and keep the conversation going.
It helps to think of having this conversation as a way to come together to understand and discuss what went wrong and what you can do about it now. Keep insisting: “I love you. I want our relationship to work. This has got to stop. This is what I need.” If you can approach your partner with an expressed desire to use their confession for good–to ultimately improve your relationship–the conversation will be far more fruitful.
This article was written by Dr. Sheri Meyers, America’s leading love and intimacy expert, and was originally posted and featured on The Huffington Post
