5 Tips for Overcoming Your Fear of Infidelity
Infidelity is one of the most common reasons for divorce. A lot of people feel fear of being cheated on because of various reasons. Maybe they watched their parents deal with a divorce that resulted from infidelity or have negative experiences from their past. However, you shouldn't let your fear of infidelity ruin your life and your relationship. How to overcome this fear and stop doubting your spouse?1. Find the reason for your fear. The first step towards solving any problem is acknowledging its existence and finding the reason. Fear of being cheated on can come from a variety of sources that include, but are not limited to, past experiences (either your own or your partner's), low self-esteem, general trust issues, etc. Once you've found the reason(s), it will be easier to deal with your fear because you will know where it comes from.
2. Don't generalize. Even if your spouse cheated on one of their previous partners, that doesn't mean they are going to cheat on you. Every relationship is different, and the history doesn't have to repeat itself. Although fear based on past experiences is not uncommon, you shouldn't succumb to it. So stop being paranoid.
3. Tell your partner. You are probably afraid to tell your partner about your fear of infidelity because you don't want to hurt them, seem vulnerable, make them aware of your insecurities, etc. But a healthy relationship requires open communication. So choose the right moment and confess to your partner about your fears. Then you should decide together what each of you can do to create an atmosphere of trust and strengthen your relationship.
4. Work on your relationship. A healthy and fulfilling relationship needs work. Many people cheat because their current relationship cannot satisfy their needs (not necessarily sexual ones, by the way; an emotional affair is still an affair). If you take care of your relationship, your partner will have to reason to cheat. So go on dates even if you've been married for years, talk about anything and everything, be there for your partner, express your love for each other.
5. Remember that your relationship doesn't define you. People who have fear of infidelity often have self-esteem issues and are too dependent on their partner. Your relationship with your spouse is important, but it is not the most important thing in the world. You need to have things outside of your relationship that make you happy. So hang out with your friends, find a hobby, dedicate some time to volunteering. As soon as your world stops revolving around your relationship, your fear of infidelity and other relationship problems will subside.