how to heal after being cheated on

How Do You Heal After Being Cheated On?

How to heal after being cheated on is complicated, but having been there, I can offer some advice that might be helpful. Though it was several years ago, I still vividly remember when my boyfriend told me he had cheated on me. I was utterly shocked. You know the feeling, the one where your jaw … Read more

confronting a cheater

Confronting A Cheater: 4 Different Reactions You Could Get

 Can you imagine how difficult it would be confronting a cheater? “Um, honey…(in that walking on eggshell tone), can I talk to you?” I’ve done it and let me tell you, it’s brutal. It makes me angry to think that the person confronting the cheater has to stress and worry about it, when it’s the … Read more

I was cheated on

I Was Cheated On: ‘He Looked In My Eyes And Lied”

Here are excerpts from an email I received from a single mom who writes, “I was cheated on.” The woman dated this guy for 8 years. Seven months ago, she found out he cheated on her for the last year of their relationship, basically living two lives. He ended up choosing to be with the … Read more

is my husband cheating

Is My Husband Cheating? New Cologne And Underwear Indicate Yes

From a reader: I’m wondering, ‘Is my husband cheating?’ In the last year, my husband has taken an interest in colognes and new underwear. And, his data on his cell phone shows crazy high usage. I have asked if he has a girlfriend and he has denied it. Our sex life has diminished through the … Read more

recovering from an emotional affair

Is Recovering from an Emotional Affair Possible?

When someone finds out their spouse is cheating or cheated, it’s awful. I’ve personally been there—not in my marriage but in another relationship. It’s like you just got punched in the stomach, and you keep feeling like you are repeatedly getting punched in the stomach for days, even weeks. But what happens when the physical … Read more

forgiving a cheater

The Two Biggest Obstacles In Forgiving A Cheater

Readers email me frequently, asking for advice on what to do in coping with a cheating husband (or wife). Some of them want to try to work it out, while others are vehemently headed for divorce  court. But a lot of spouses are unsure, and their indecision on whether they should stay or leave can … Read more

Should I Leave My Husband For Cheating?

From a reader: Last year, my husband cheated. We have been together for 8 years. It was a one time thing with someone he met in a bar and he has moved mountains to make it up to me. I think I still want a divorce, though. I just don’t know. Should I leave my … Read more

why do people cheat

Why Do People Cheat? Here’s One Significant Reason

Why do people cheat? Here are a few possible reasons before I get to a significant reason:   1. A person gets drunk and makes a bad decision. 2. A spouse isn’t interested in sex and the person feels rejected over and over again. 3. A person feels unloved, unappreciated or disrespected. 4. When someone … Read more

having an emotional affair

Does Guy Having An Emotional Affair With His Boss Deserve Another Chance?

Any kind of cheating is awful. Feeling betrayed is painful, heart wrenching and terribly disappointing. But I personally think it might be harder for a couple to come back from having an emotional affair. Here is one reader’s story: My husband and I have been together for 13 years and married for a little over … Read more

In Wake of Ashley Madison Hack, Jackie Joins Cheating Site

Maybe its because I’m a reporter, but hearing about the Ashley Madison hack made me want to learn more about the cheating website. So, I set up a profile to get the experience. In this week’s Love Essentially, published in Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press, I write about joining Ashley Madison, as well as alternatives to … Read more

thinking about separating

Woman Thinking About Separating Joins Online Dating Site

Wait till you read this email from a woman thinking about separating. Together for 11 years, married for 10, 6 year old child. My husband’s excuse for not being a good husband or partner is that his father didn’t treat his mom nice. And nobody told him he treats me like shit. It wasn’t all … Read more

cheating spouse

Cheating Spouse: Cold-hearted or Nice Guy who Just Wants Love?

This is a comment that Divorced Girl Smiling received from a cheating spouse, along with my comments and advice. I have been married 17 years to my wife and we have 3 great kids. I’ve been unhappy for a long time. It’s one of those situations where it was just the way it was, and … Read more