The reasons for cheating could be innumerable. In almost all cases, the cheating partner does not pay attention to what can easily leave the relationship in mayhem. Certainly, the effects of extra-marital affairs are devastating and victims may take long to get over the misery. Infidelity can occur even in the strongest of marital relationships. An extra-marital challenges the sanctity and strength of a relationship, causing turmoil in personal and social world of people.
Extramarital affair seems like a very common phenomenon these days. However, even when an affair seems to be working, it will eventually cause severe damage.
The worst thing with extramarital affairs is that they usually ruin the life of a person who did nothing wrong. It is also the leading cause of divorce throughout the world.
Even when a partner is able to forgive the cheating partner nothing feels like good old times. It is very common for partners trying to forget the extramarital affair of their partner even after several years. A relationship outside marriage always has devastating consequences.
Adultery undermines a relationship’s foundation and is one of the main reasons of a relationship crisis around the world. An extramarital affair wreaks havoc bringing in several negative effects, causing unbearable emotional pain and mental trauma for the faithful partner who never even thought of going through such a phase.
The recent statistics on infidelity pose an alarming situation as the number of such cases is increasing at a significantly higher rate. According to a survey done by National Opinion Research Center, 17 % of women in marital relationship have committed adultery while 25 % of men have had extra-marital affairs. Also it is quite shocking that the number of married people cheating on their spouses is much higher than unmarried people cheating on their partner. An extramarital affairs being several negative consequences for both the partners
Emotional trauma
Emotional breakdown is bound to happen when your spouse breaches the trust. You may fall into a traumatized state. As a victim, you will be trying to discover the reasons and causes of cheating or will begin the self-blame-game. Infidelity in a relationship will take you through a roller coaster of emotions with you feeling surrounded by negativity.
Self-esteem and guilt
An extra-marital affair from your partner will deliver a severe blow to your self-esteem and cause guilt for them. The partner starts questioning himself and his deeds. Questions like ‘what was my mistake? ‘Why me?’. ‘Was he/she ever happy with me?’ starts bugging the partner in pain. Infidelity causes severe emotional and mental stress that leads to self-accusation by the victims and they start blaming themselves for their spouse’s affair.
Blown away with the shock of being cheated, victim may not even realize that his or her spouse broke the sacred vows of marriage to indulge in infidelity, but instead they blame themselves for the damage. The partner will even try to lend support to the cheating partner believing that it was their fault and that is what they deserved.
Loss of Trust
Trust lays the strong foundation of every relationship. A disloyal spouse kills the trust of the loyal partner making it difficult to trust the cheating partner once again. Getting over from the shock of an extra-marital affair is the toughest thing to do. Causes of extra-marital affair by ex-spouse become a baggage for the victim, who cannot forget the devastating experience of infidelity and enters into a self-victimization mode. Sometimes it takes decades for them to trust someone once again.
Breaks a family
It is not easy to work out things following an extramarital affair how hard you try. You may have decided to stick together but it is difficult to overcome feelings of distrust. Intimacy in relationship takes a back seat. Regaining trust remains a big challenge for couple trying to resolve.
Disorientation
On learning that your spouse is in an extra-marital affair, your world may turn upside down. After your relationship has been shattered, you will be disoriented. Feeling of parting ways with the person, who was once your support system and who gave you all worldly securities can cause an emotional breakdown.
Isolation
Even an extrovert and outgoing person can turn to complete isolation after suffering extramarital affairs of their spouse. The pain and emotional stress disconnects them from their social circle. It changes a victim’s perception of everything. They feel utter despair and loneliness in all the areas of their life.
