How to Let Go of Jealousy After an Affair

It is possible for a marriage to survive an extramarital affair.

An affair can be a devastating blow to a relationship. The partner who is cheated on can wonder why it happened and be overcome with feelings of jealousy and mistrust. According to a Time Magazine story in July, 2008, a majority of relationships will be affected by one partner cheating on the other. By through communication and outside help a couple can heal after an affair.

Instructions

1. Engage in open and honest conversations with your spouse. Both of you should discuss why you think the affair happened, and identify current problems in the relationship.

2. Try not to imagine the details of the affair. As soon as you begin to think about it, divert your attention to something else. The longer you are consumed with those thoughts, the longer it will take to heal.

3. Seek out the advice of a licensed marriage counselor. She will help you navigate the new turn your relationship has taken and offer tips on how you can let go of jealousy.

4. Make a plan of action with your spouse on how to re-establish mutual trust. List things your spouse can do to help you with this goal. For example, if having your spouse come home every night at a certain time would make you feel better, let him know.

References

• Counseling Resource: How to Let Go of Wife's Past Infidelity?
• Relationship Gold: Overcome Jealousy
• Time Magazine: Why We Have Affairs --- And Why Not to Tell Read more: http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1820942,00.html#ixzz0ht9KXmJl