
According to experts, some form of infidelity may occur in one in five marriages. Apart from what is defined as cheating, as the years go by, a relationship goes through different stages and people ask themselves: If something like this happens, is it worth trying a new beginning?
This conversation has recently been revived in the public debate by the Beckham documentary and the difficult period that David and Victoria went through when she was left in England and he in Madrid and all the papers alluded to infidelity.
"I can't tell you how hard it was and how much it affected us. It was the most difficult period because we felt that the whole world was against us. We also turned against each other," says Victoria in the documentary. The Beckhams seem to have successfully managed this difficult period in their lives.
But what do relationship experts say about it? Can you get back into a relationship after cheating? Dr. Aileen Alegado, clinical psychologist and director of "Mindset Consulting", speaks openly about the various topics that arise around infidelity in couples.
Is it possible to overcome infidelity in marriage?
According to data from various researches, it does not matter how many times a couple will fight, but how effectively they will solve their problems. Dr. Alegado says that: No one is perfect and we can all make mistakes. How we treat them is what matters in any relationship. So yes, having an extramarital affair can destroy trust in your marriage and cause life-changing strife. But if a couple knows how to manage such conflicts, they have a better chance of solving their problems.
Both parties must be willing to address the issues that led to the infidelity and work on them.
"They have to rebuild trust with each other over time. Couples must also want to work, which means to communicate, to share feelings. It is not a simple solution and rebuilding trust can take years. It takes dedication to do something like this", says the expert.
Why do some couples have a hard time getting over a betrayal?
Of course it can be shocking for either party. In this case, the most difficult thing is to forgive another person's betrayal. However, according to the expert, couples who try with words and deeds to overcome such a situation, have chances to succeed.
How can you approach the other person sexually after a betrayal? Communication plays a very important role in moving into intimacy.
Is it worth trying again in a relationship after cheating?
The expert's answer is generally positive, but she points out that if the cheating incident is the result of some bigger problem hidden within the relationship, then it's not worth it. In short, it takes determination, work from both sides and honesty