Moving On After Infidelity Is Possible, Here’s How
Reminders are everywhere.
You glance down at your finger, and the tan line of where your ring used to sit is displaying prominently on your ring finger.
Picture frames in your house are now empty. You can remember when they used to display smiling, happy faces of yourself and your loved ones.
Your house feels a little more empty. There’s one less car in the garage. The kitchen appliances and cutlery have been cut in half.
In your bedroom, one side of the bed is messy while the other has been completely untouched. Half of the dresser drawers and closet space are empty. One toothbrush fills the toothbrush holder on your vanity in your bathroom.
You want to move on, but reminders are everywhere. Each day, in the comfort of your own home, you’re constantly reminded of what used to be and what could have been.
Moving on after infidelity is possible. Here’s how to start the process.
Give Yourself A Little Grace
Infidelity can come with a lot of life changes. No matter, if you’re dating, engaged, or married, finding out about infidelity in your relationship, isn’t easy. Take the time to pause and reflect on your own wants and needs. You are the only one who can decide how to move forward. You need to make sure that you’re dedicating enough time to making the right decision for yourself and yourself only. Take the time to clear your head so you can better decide on your future, either with your partner or moving on without them.
Practice Self-Care
It may be hard to consider yourself and your own needs, especially at a time like life, but there’s no time like the present. A lot of people will dismiss their own wants and needs when they’re in a relationship. It’s time to get back to yourself and love you again. Self-care can be a great way to take care of your overall mental health and wellness, especially when you’re not feeling the best. Self-care looks different for each and every person, but here are a few different ways you can practice self-care:
Cook healthy and well-balanced meals
Drink enough water
Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night
Exercise for at least thirty minutes each day
Start journaling
Hang out with friends
Don’t Isolate Yourself
You want to be there for your friends and family through the good times and bad times, and they want to do the same for you. Let them be there for you. Lean on them during those hard times. No matter how much the infidelity makes you feel like you’re alone, your loved ones are and always will be there for you. Reach out to a friend to talk, go for a walk, or to grab dinner. Hanging out with loved ones will help you feel a little less alone. Plus, it may be a great opportunity to vent your thoughts and feelings and gain some outside perspective if you’re looking for it.
Seek Additional Support
Going through such a big life change like infidelity can be a lot to manage, especially all on your own. Luckily, help is available to you, all you have to do is ask for it.
There’s no shame in asking for help. A licensed and trained mental health professional can help you get through all of those negative thoughts and emotions that you’ve been carrying.
A therapist’s office can be a safe and secure place for you to work through everything. If you’re interested in learning more about speaking with a therapist to help you cope with infidelity or to seek couples counseling, or marriage counseling, reach out to us today to set up a consultation. We have in person availability in our Gaithersburg, Maryland office. We also have virtual sessions available in Maryland, Florida, New York, West Virginia, and Vermont.