Anyone recognize the following cycle? Cheat. Cheater says, “It was a ‘cry for help.’ [Insert favorite blame directed at faithful spouse].” Cheat, again. Cheater says, “Our marriage problems have nothing to do with [affair partner]. You know that you [insert favorite blame directed at faithful spouse].” Continues cheating. This cycle is nothing new. Cheaters do … Continue reading “That Cheater Cycle”
Category: Trauma of adultery
“Stuff happens” minimization
Me: “I got divorced. Then I had to go through a trial with my denomination to keep my license.” Friend: “Don’t they realize that stuff happens.” I do not recommend the “stuff happens” response to someone whose marriage has been blown up by adultery. While I appreciate this friend’s effort to be understanding, the stance … Continue reading ““Stuff happens” minimization”
PSA: Get STD Tested!
One of the most humiliating aspects of dealing with a cheater is this need to know. If a cheater is unwilling to submit to STD tests, then you have your answer as to how repentant they are–i.e. not at all. It is rather low hanging fruit–so to speak–for a cheater to provide scientifically verified assurance … Continue reading “PSA: Get STD Tested!”
Chuztpah of cheaters complaining about “communication”
“He never talks to me!” whines Cheater. I find it really rich that a cheater would complain about lack of communication from the faithful spouse. It takes a lot of prideful blindness to make such a complaint. Pure chutzpah! Remember: The cheater is perfectly fine not communicating with the faithful spouse how they are stealing … Continue reading “Chuztpah of cheaters complaining about “communication””
What if pastors and Christian counselors had “skin” in the game?
What if pastors and Christian counselors had to pay a faithful spouse $10,000 or more if they were wrong about the cheating being over?! In my opinion, faithful spouses who stay in marriages for subsequent infidelity discoveries are loosing more than just $10,000. They are loosing precious time, emotional well-being, and physical well-being (e.g. risk … Continue reading “What if pastors and Christian counselors had “skin” in the game?”
That dismembered feeling.
I work in hospice and have the opportunity to watch the poignant beauty of marriages that have lasted well past fifty years.* I say, “poignant” because I feel both awed by the sheer beauty of a couple still caring for each other after many decades together as well as sad by my own loss. Recently, … Continue reading “That dismembered feeling.”
A shot
Peace. One of the things that gave me peace–after some time of healing–about my first marriage ending was that I gave it a shot. Once I knew about the adultery, I kicked the ball back into her court. I gave her the option of repenting from her cheating or continuing with divorce. She chose divorce. … Continue reading “A shot”
Dear DM, I want to reconcile, but…
Dear Divorce Minister, I married my husband after 1.5 years of dating, in church. Both of us were Christian or so I thought. After 9 months of marriage, when I was 36 weeks pregnant, my husband came back from an overseas trip and told me he cheated on me. He asked for a divorce. He … Continue reading “Dear DM, I want to reconcile, but…”
Be best friends with your ex? No, Christian, you don’t.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.” -Matthew 23:15, NIV Public Service Announcement: Faithful spouses, you don’t have to become BFFs with … Continue reading “Be best friends with your ex? No, Christian, you don’t.”
Dumb stuff “Christians” say
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. -Proverbs 17:28 More Christians could learn from that fool from Proverbs 17:28 who held his tongue when it comes to marriages ravaged by adultery. Sadly, the advice and condemnation come all too freely for faithful spouses. Here a few … Continue reading “Dumb stuff “Christians” say”