Ignorance is bliss as many believe, yet when this ignorance is wiped away what is the answer? Divorce. The ignorance of not knowing how exactly faithful or, rather unfaithful, your partner is may seem especially blissful considering the high divorce rates due to infidelity. However, finding out the news doesn’t have to always be such a harsh reality, but instead a turning point in a relationship. Cheating is not only not bad but can strengthen and revitalize relationships.

         Though cheating is not going to absolve a relationship of all its issues, it also does not always have to be a deal breaker. When discovering your partner’s infidelity, the initial response should not  be to run for the hills, but instead to get an understanding of why he/she cheated. While any reason may seem like some lame excuse, it is still best for the relationship to at least try to listen to the other, because a few bad moments of weakness do not define somebody. Allowing your partner to be able explain their infidelity can make the relationship more transparent and cause communication to be much more clear, thus strengthening the relationship.  

          Oftentimes people do not cheat because of a lack of interest in their partner but instead due to a lack of self-confidence. When in a long term relationship, people tend to “let loose” and care less about their appearance. However, at some point people may also feel as though they are  losing their attractiveness and because of this feel like they are stuck with their partner. Cheating helps soothe this fear for these people, and reassure the cheaters that they can find someone else if they truly want to. This in turn boosts the self-confidence the cheater may crave, enabling him or her to return to their previous partner feeling validated and attractive. After cheating, the cheater chooses to return to their previous partner simply because they want to, as opposed to feeling like they have no other options. Cheating can actually put more of a spark in the revived relationship as when one feels attractive and confident, they can be a better partner to their significant other.  

      Other times cheating isn’t as clear cut; confusion of feelings can occur. While not too common, sometimes people find themselves loving two people at once. This isn’t to say that either partner is worse than the other, it’s just that certain situations can add complexity to relationships. This isn’t the fault of the cheater nor the “victim’s.” Both parties should be understanding of the other’s feelings, which can better the relationship as a whole.

        Furthermore, cheating is a small mistake just like any other temptation. With life comes the temptation to do the wrong thing. Everyone has had a slip up, whether big or small, temptation does get to everyone. A moment of a loss in judgement should not reflect a person’s whole lifestyle, or a whole relationship. Although many argue that cheaters are prone to cheat more than once, so it isn’t feasible to forgive them, this still shouldn’t matter even if they’ve done it multiple times, because people must look at the bigger picture. Cheaters stay in these relationships not because they have to but because they want to, these few errors do not change this fact. Cheaters don’t enjoy or get a thrill out of what they are doing, but rather typically feel guilt and remorse after for making a mistake.

        While it may seem simple to just “not be in a relationship” if you may cheat, feelings are more complex than just that and progress in ways we aren’t always sure of. While not the best option, everyone needs an outlet to express desires and indulge and for some cheating provides this. This action doesn’t mean they don’t care about their partner but rather alludes to other issues. However with understanding and effort from both sides, these issues can usually be resolved thus creating a better relationship for both partners.