How To End An Affair
ADVICE FOR THE "OTHER" MAN OR WOMAN
What to do if you are seeing a married
(or otherwise committed) person
HOW TO END AN AFFAIR
HEALING THE SHAME
If you are looking for information on how to end an affair, you probably have had several people say to you... or those behind your back...
How could you? It’s the silent judgment you get from those around you.
Without much pause to understand your situation, most people usually rush to blame and shame you. They slip into stereotypes about infidelity and offer pat advice: Leave the no-good two-timer. Or focus they use labels: Home wrecker! Jezebel!
Ultimately, you know you should walk away. You can’t play the victim. You can’t truly blame them. As a matter of fact - you may even feel compelled to blame yourself.
Shame and blame never serves.
Everything can be used for our improvement if we are open to learning. There is no part of life that does not contain lessons. As long as you are alive, there are lessons to be learned.
Rather than resort to feelings of blame, guilt and shame, treat this like another of life’s lessons. Know that once you learn the appropriate lesson, you will never need to repeat this chapter of your life again.
FACING THE HEARTBREAK
"I've allowed myself to get put in a really messed up situation with a
married woman.
I feel like an idiot for letting myself get so involved.
My life would be simpler
if I had never met her".
- Scott R.
What can I do to help myself?
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the most bitter." - Confucius
This is the scariest part for most people – the letting go of someone they still value and love. The fear of loneliness. Withdrawals. The pain of saying goodbye.
Yes, it hurts.
Yes, you are going to go through withdrawal.
Yes, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Yes, it will be difficult for a long time.
Yet, there will be a dawn at the end of the dark night.
HOW TO END AN AFFAIR
WITH SOMEONE YOU STILL VALUE
Step 1: Admit The Problem.
Admit you want what you cannot have.
Admit you made an unwise decision.
Admit whatever role you played did not serve your best interests.
Admit you may have been manipulated by fantasies.
Admit you are ready to return to a place of freedom and innocence.
Admit that a mistake only calls for correction, NOT punishment.
Admit you are ready to have ALL that is rightfully yours and put away what is not yours.
Step 2: Forgive Yourself.
Growth is a process of trial, error and experimenting. Failed experiments are as important to the process as those that ultimately work. Forgiving yourself is part of the growth process.
Step 3: Own Your Power.
The answers to life’s questions lie inside you. All you have to do is look, listen and trust. It is so much healthier to access your own strength and joy then to have a "poor me" attitude. Let your decisions support you as the loving, beautiful person you are.
Step 4: Be Your Own Advocate.
A poor relationship with yourself allows you to be controlled, manipulated, disrespected and emotionally abused. The time to stand up for yourself is now.
Step 5: Get High on Change.
The worst part is the decision. Many of us struggle with this. We put so much thought and emotional energy into things because we don’t do anything. Once you allow yourself to make a decision, everything is so much easier. The key is to change your mind and KEEP it changed.
What ELSE can I do to help myself?
NO CONTACT.
Sever ALL ties. This is a vital part of the healing process.
Discover your hidden motives.
This is like opening Pandora's Box.Why are you doing this? What purpose does this behavior serve for you? Be willing to look at the underlying issues that made you believe you didn’t deserve more for yourself. (For example: People often accept less because they feel guilt about something they did in the past and feel they must be punished.)
Use alternative coping skills.
People don't break bad habits; they replace them with new ones. Now that you have let go, you must find new ways to entertain yourself. You might want to consider joining a gym, taking a trip, starting an exciting new hobby, visiting your friends more, or even making new friends.
Make lifestyle changes.
You’ve gotten used to this person being part of your inner world. Now with them out of the picture, something seems to be missing. To help fill the void, make meaningful lifestyle changes. Be willing to even relocate if that’s what it takes.
Be accountable to someone.
Being accountable to someone means that person will not only support you, but will give you the “kick in the rear” you need to get out of the funk or that horrible feeling of “neediness”. When you feel yourself getting weak, admit it and call your support person.
If you have a supportive family, a caring minister or good friends, get them involved. Right now you need honesty. You need people who are willing to “call you on your stuff” and not indulge you.
Get a good life coach, a gentle therapist or make an appointment to talk with me. The secret is to have an effective accountability system that will help you get through the tough times.
Date someone who is truly available.
You have proven you are a person with strong feelings who can become very attached to another human being. Now redirect that energy to someone who is legitimately open and available to you.
Be gentle with yourself.
Every guilty thought is just another wasted moment. Don’t waste your life. Overcoming infidelity can be very difficult, but people do it all the time. Do not pressure yourself or rush through the process. Take baby steps at first and allow yourself to feel more and more motivated to move in the right direction. Give yourself credit. Reward yourself for every step you make.
Create a support system.
There is something so liberating about being honest about something you are ashamed of. Talk to people who will listen without. There are several bulletin boards and forums on the web. I invite you to join one of our many support groups and/or talk to one of our coaches. We are here for you and want to help you get through this difficult time.
I know that by allowing yourself to use this article as your wake up call, you are on the path to healing and recovery. Even if only one thing struck a chord inside you, that one thing can lead you to future “aha” moments which will become your best opportunities for positive change.
Until we speak again,
 Book Your Appointment Here to Speak with Suzie
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INFIDELITY
