How To Deal With Infidelity

Infidelity can be shattering. Aishwarya Acharya tells you how to deal with it upfront

- Aishwarya Acharya

What is infidelity? “The action or state of being unfaithful to a spouse or other sexual partner,” says Oxford Languages. But is it only physical or sexual meandering that defines infidelity? Is it infidelity only if you are in a committed relationship? Is it cheating if you are single and in an uncommitted relationship, and yet look for other dalliances? Sadly, there’s no one-size-fits-all to this scenario. The answer to all these questions is subjective and depends on how the individual defines the relationship. Is there a right or wrong way to deal with infidelity? There is no right or wrong answer to that either.

Why does infidelity happen? “There are no specific factors that lead a person to cheat in a relationship,” says Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, New Delhi. “It can be related to both individual and relationship aspects that might contribute towards a person making such a choice.”

OWN UP

The first step in dealing with infidelity starts with the unfaithful partner. Often, individuals tend to understand what is happening but are afraid or rather don’t want to take the right course of action. While there is nothing wrong with falling in love with someone, there are the right ways to express and act on that feeling. Keeping your significant other in the dark, keeping secrets from them, not being open about your apprehensions, not giving a clear picture about what you feel and how you feel is unfair not only to yourself but a great injustice to your partner as well.