How to Encourage a Friend to Leave a Cheating Husband

You know your friend's husand is cheating and that it is hurting her. You know that if he cheated once, he'll cheat again, and again. You know she can do much better. The problem is, she doesn't. She thinks she's better off with him. How can you convince her to listen to you?

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. First of all, you can't convince her to leave him. She may believe everything you know to be true, but until she's ready, she won't leave. It has to come from inside her. So what can you do?

2. The most important thing is to be there for her. Listen when she needs to talk, hug her when she needs to cry on your shoulder, and let her know how special she is. List her good qualities, tell her what she has to offer the world, convince her that she can make it without even mentioning him.

3. Don't list all the things wrong with him. After having initially discussed the infidelity, discussing all his bad characteristics will only cause her to defend him. Let her figure out on her own the reasons she should leave.

4. Show her opportunities available to her. Is there a group she could join that shares her interests? Tell her about it and offer to join with her. Is there a job she'd be perfect for? Encourage her to apply and offer to be a job reference. The more outside contacts she has, the more likely she is to see him as he really is--and to choose to go on without him.