How to deal with betrayal

Wobbly legs, pounding heart, flip flopping stomach. Feelings of anger, shock, hurt, disappointment, and disbelief. What has caused this range of both physical and emotional responses? Betrayal. Betrayal happens in a marriage when there is infidelity, abuse, lies, lack of support, broken promises, secrets told, snooping or stealing. Here are some suggestions for beginning the healing process.

Face your feelings

Don't ignore your feelings. What you are feeling is normal. Write down your thoughts and feelings in a private journal. If you find they are impacting your life in negative ways, seek professional counseling.

Take care of yourself

Eat healthy meals. Drink water throughout the day. Get regular sleep. Do somehting that will make you laugh or smile each day. You can't make life-giving decisions when you let your body suffer.

Communicate

Communicate. Let your spouse know exactly how you feel and the consequences of the betrayal. If you don't think you can verbally express all that you need to say, write a letter expressing your thoughts and feelings. Don't hold anything back. Get it all out.

Don't be mistrustful of everyone

It is natural to be wary and cautious, but try not to push others away from you because your spouse has betrayed you. Just because one person violated your trust, doesn't mean others will. Otherwise, you could become an angry, bitter, suspicious individual.

Trust yourself

It is important that you not lose confidence in yourself or in your decisions.