Cheating is a common problem in relationships, and unfortunately, it's something that many couples may experience at some point. So, why does it happen? There are many factors at play, but we want to help you understand what leads to cheating and how you can prevent it from happening in your relationship. Before we get into the details, let's take a look at some statistics.
In the United States, almost half of first marriages end in divorce, and the rate is even higher for second and third marriages. Although not all divorces involve cheating, it's often a contributing factor. In fact, it's estimated that around half of married partners cheat on their spouse. This number increases when you include other types of committed relationships.
It's worth noting that not all affairs are bad. In some cases, an affair can actually strengthen a relationship. For example, it can bring to light issues in a relationship that were previously overlooked, and encourage couples to work on their emotional bond and communication. However, cheating is still a painful experience for many committed partners.
While we don't want to suggest that monogamous relationships are inherently superior, many people still choose to be in committed partnerships. As such, it's important to explore ways to prevent cheating and protect your relationship. This is especially crucial when children are involved, as the stability of adult relationships can impact them emotionally and physically. In the following article, we'll provide you with 6 effective strategies to prevent cheating and keep your relationship healthy and strong.
1. Establish clear agreements
In order to prevent cheating in relationships, it's important to establish clear agreements with your partner. As Dr. Stan Tatkin, author of “Wired for Love”, explains, "Everything that is assumed does not really exist." Agreements should be explicit and cover topics such as how to handle advances from others, what information is shared about attraction to others, and how quickly you tell each other about romantic or flirtatious experiences. It's also important to have a conversation about what constitutes cheating because partners may not always be on the same page. For instance, one partner may consider it acceptable to go out dancing with friends, flirt with others, and share some innocent kisses on the dance floor, while the other partner may view this behavior as crossing a line. Different partners may also have different definitions of what constitutes an emotional affair and whether or not it qualifies as cheating.
2. Grow Together
We evolve and change over time, so it's important to actively tend to our relationship in order to keep it strong. One way to do this is by engaging in activities that challenge us and help us grow together. We can't just coast and expect our relationship to stay the same. Instead, we need to keep up with each other's changing thoughts, preferences, ideas, and desires. A great way to do this is by reading books together, attending seminars, or exploring online relationship education programs. By constantly learning and discovering new things together, we can keep our partnership moving forward and stay connected.
3. Get to Know Your Partner
Understanding your partner is crucial for building a strong relationship. But it's not always easy to uncover your partner's deepest thoughts and feelings. To create a safe space for sharing, it's important to be compassionate and non-judgmental. Encourage open and honest communication, and try to discover things about your partner that nobody else knows. This will help you gain a unique perspective on their experiences in the relationship, at work, and in their personal life. By knowing your partner on a deeper level, you'll be able to strengthen your connection and create a bond that can't be replicated by anyone else.
4. Be Better, Not Jealous
Instead of letting jealousy consume you, focus on improving yourself and the relationship. Show your partner why they chose you in the first place and give them even more reasons to love and value you. Rather than being critical or angry with your partner, use your talents and capabilities to woo them back. While threatening your partner may temporarily frighten them into being more careful, it's not an effective long-term strategy and may not even work in the short term. Positive reasons for being together hold more value and act as the glue that will keep you together, protecting you from others getting in the way.
5. See a Couples Counselor
To strengthen your relationship, consider seeing a couples counselor for proactive and positive support. Don't wait until major issues arise. The old stigma of seeking counseling is gone, and it can help you gain insight into your blind spots and develop a healthier map for a secure and happy relationship. Our family history and experiences shape our understanding of relationships, and counseling can help us overcome any limitations and tend to our partnerships more effectively. Even a few sessions can make a significant difference in how we share our lives with our partners.
6. Expand Your Horizons
Engage in open and frequent discussions about sex, fantasies, and desires with your partner. Explore new hobbies together to add a sense of fun, humor, and excitement to your relationship. Share laughter and play together. Try out a new class or activity that you've never experienced before. Watch TV shows or movies that you've never seen before. Ask other couples for recommendations on trips and local experiences they have enjoyed. Push the boundaries in the bedroom and try things that are slightly uncomfortable but still within your comfort zone. Novel and exhilarating experiences, particularly in terms of emotional and physical intimacy, can help sustain your interest in one another and strengthen your bond.
At iFindCheaters, we know how important it is to keep a relationship on the right track. Our products, like the Tinder Blaster, can help you deal with any signs of cheating in your relationship. However, it is always preferable to avoid problems in the first place, so we recommend that you take steps to protect your relationship before infidelity becomes an issue. If you and your partner use the tips we've given, you'll be able to make your relationship stronger and last longer. So, put the health of your relationship first and act on these suggestions right away.
