Whether you saw it on TV or with people you know, you’ve probably seen relationships destroyed by cheating. Are you worried this might happen to you? There are things that you and your partner can do to avoid infidelity and strengthen the bonds of your relationship.
1. Increase Your Communication
Perhaps the most basic thing that you and your partner can do to prevent cheating is to increase your communication. Sure, you know how to talk to each other when things are going well, but do you know how to handle situations when one or both of you is angry? Do each of you know how to avoid saying something that could be used to hurt the other? Work on your communication skills when things are good so that when a bad situation arises you both know what to do.
2. Spend Quality Time Together
Another thing both of you can do to avoid infidelity and prevent cheating is to spend quality time with each other and have fun. This means more than having sex. Think of little things that you can do each day together, such as:
Eating a meal together
Taking a walk or a bike ride
Listening to music
Whatever you do, try to devote at least 30 minutes together every day to enjoy each others’ company.
3. Spend Time with Others
One of the fun things about being in a partnership is spending time with friends and family. You get to have shared experiences that help solidify bonds not just between yourselves, but also with your support network. This allows both of you to feel connected to each other as well as with a larger community. Remember, one of the reasons why cheating happens is because at least one partner doesn’t feel connected to the other.
4. Do the Things You Love and Have New Experiences
Remember when you were first seeing each other and how you were looking forward to each new date? What were the things that you both enjoyed doing together? For example, did you:
Go to the movies or attend the theater?
Get outside to hike or just spend time in the natural world?
Create art together?
Be physically active through sports or working out?
Go on a road trip to someplace new?
To avoid infidelity you can keep that spirit alive by continuing to do the things that you enjoy doing together. When you do fun things with your partner that create positive memories, it reinforces how great it is to be together. Expand your horizons by trying new things and having new adventures together. Don’t miss out on opportunities for the two of you to practice being on the same team!
5. Think of the Consequences
In today’s world of instant access to everything, even the most solid relationship can be challenged by infidelity. Unfortunately, there are many opportunities for it to occur both online and off and temptation can arise. If that does happen, take a moment to think of the consequences of your actions and how it would affect not just your life, but also your partner’s. Perhaps if more people took a moment to really think through their actions before going forward they could avoid irreparable and permanent damage later on.
What Happens if We’re Still Struggling?
If there are signs that your relationship isn't infidelity-proof, don’t hesitate to seek help. Individual and marriage counseling can help you both understand what’s going on, process your feelings, and learn better communication skills.
Cheating does happen in our society, but couples can take positive steps to avoid infidelity and even strengthen the bonds of their relationship. A counselor can help you with this process so that your relationship can stand the test of time and temptation.
Click to learn more about Infidelity Counseling and Treatment with Naomi Casement, LMSW.
