How Long Does A Marriage Last After Infidelity?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A study conducted by the American Psychological Association showed that among married couples who experienced infidelity but then underwent couples therapy, 53% were divorced

after 5 years

. By comparison, only 23% of couples who did not experience an were divorced after 5 years, which is a huge disparity.

What percentage of marriages survive infidelity?

Nearly 50% of involved (unfaithful) partners are still married to their “hurt” partners.

76% of faithful spouses successfully remain

married. Husbands who cheated are more likely than female cheaters to remain married. Of those husbands who have previously been unfaithful to their spouses, 61% are still married.

Can a marriage go back to normal after cheating?

Experts say

it's possible for couples to go on to have a happy relationship after infidelity

, provided they're willing to put in the work. … But couples who do decide to separate after an affair can still benefit from therapy, especially if they have children.

Does infidelity pain ever go away?

Research shows it takes

about eighteen months to two years to heal from

the pain of your partner's infidelity. Knowing that the pain isn't going away overnight can be helpful, and knowing that it will eventually end is also valuable in the healing process.

How do I know my marriage is over after infidelity?

1.

Your Partner Doesn't Apologize

.

If your spouse betrays you in this way but then refuses to express any remorse

, they're basically telling you that the marriage is over. Even if they don't think cheating is such a grave relationship sin, they should still be concerned enough for your feelings to apologize.

Do cheaters cheat again?

Experts say no. Relationship counselors have seen many couples persevere through cheating and

the cheater never cheat again

. On the other hand, the opposite happens just as often. According to some studies, someone who has cheated before is 3x more likely to cheat again in their next relationship.

Do you really love someone if you cheat on them?

The short answer is yes,

you can be in love with someone and still cheat on them

, and here's why… … Are you feeling the destruction of being cheated on, and asking yourself how this could have happened when you believe that your partner loves you?

Why do people cheat on people they love?

Some people cheat when they want something different in their relationship or feel like things have become a bit too comfortable. They may

desire variety in their sex lives

or maybe some kind of adventure to offset their routine life.

What are the stages of recovery from infidelity?

It takes tremendous energy and vulnerability on both sides. Drs. John and Julie Gottman have developed the Trust Revival Method, with three defined stages of treatment:

Atonement, Attunement, and Attachment

.

What percentage of relationships work after cheating?

In practice, it tends to be uncommon for a relationship to survive instances of cheating. One study found that only about

16 percent of

couples who'd experienced unfaithfulness were able to work it out.

Do cheaters feel guilty?

Despite the initial thrill of an affair,

cheating can negatively affect the cheater emotionally

. It's common for them to feel anxiety, guilt, shame, worry, regret, confusion, embarrassment, and self-loathing when they contemplate how their actions impact those they love and why they cheated in the first place.

Do affairs start up again?

An affair is commonly referred to as an intense emotional and romantic relationship with someone other than your partner or spouse. On a general note, most

affairs do not last for a long period

(though there are exceptions to this) and usually happen between two people who are not maritally committed to each other.

Should I stay with wife after infidelity?

Experts like Nelson agree the only reason to stay with a cheating spouse is

if he or she is deeply and genuinely sorry for the betrayal and willing to work for your forgiveness

. This means they show they understand the pain you went through after learning about the affair, Dr.

Is it true once a cheater always?

We've all heard the phrase “Once a cheater, always a cheater.” We hear it so often many people take it as truth. And while cheating is never an excusable offense, this old adage

is not necessarily true

. Serial cheaters are often narcissists or people that are turned on by dishonesty. …

How often does a cheater cheat again?

One reference suggests that only

about 22% of those who cheat do

so again, while another finds that 55% repeat. According to an online survey of nearly 21,000 men and women who claimed to have had affairs, 60% of the men and half of the women were unfaithful more than once.

Should you stay with someone who cheated on you?

So it's 100% understandable to dump someone who cheats. In some situations, it might be the best thing to do. But in many situations, it's also

perfectly reasonable to stay

. … They understand that cheating is not always a reflection of a bad person.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.