7 Things to do instead of cheating on your partner
People cheat in relationships. It happens. It happens in bad relationships and it happens in good relationships and it happens in just kinda OK relationships.
Advertisement
If it happens in bad relationships or even in just kinda OK relationships, maybe the best course of action is to just break up. But if you're in a relationship that you like being in and you want to keep being in it, here's some stuff you can do instead of cheating.
1. Real talk with your partner. Maybe it's time to get super honest with your significant other about the things that are making you think about cheating. Maybe it's those issues that need to be dealt with so you can get back on track. (Or sometimes you're in a perfectly happy relationship and you just want to be with another person sexually; and maybe that's something your partner would be open to. You never know unless you ask and you might just get what you're looking for. And if they're not into it, maybe it's time to rethink your priorities or rethink the relationship.)
2. Couple's counseling. If you need a mediator to get to the real talk place with your partner, couples counseling can help. If you're both ready and willing to commit to your relationship and also you're not sure how to tackle some serious issues (or even just basic communication issues!), counseling might be just the ticket. It must be noted, though, that how well counseling works is directly connected to how motivated you and your partner are — so don't wait too long, deal with stuff before it gets out of hand.
3. Double down on romance. Maybe what's missing is a fresh sense of romance between you two? If that's the case, investing in reinvigorating your sex life can help. You and your partner need to talk honestly about what you're both looking for, and be open and willing to try some new and ~sexy~ stuff together. The mystery, intrigue, and just general newness you're seeking from cheating might be right there in your own relationship.
4. Surround yourself with support. Hang out with people who love and support you two as a couple. Spend lots of quality time with all the folks in your life who adore you both and remind you how great your life is together. Sometimes seeing each other shine in social settings and feeling like a team is the most helpful thing in the world.
5. Journal about your partner. Spend a little time writing about all the reasons you love your significant other. Remembering all the things that makes them the shiny, special, wonderful person you chose can refocus your attention on them and your relationship.
6. Know when to keep fighting. If you're still in love with your partner and you want to make it work, then you gotta give it all you got. That means temporarily prioritizing your relationship above all else and diving in deep with a combo of all of the above. If cheating is a deal breaker for one or both of you and you still want a future together, you need to buckle down and work through it today.
7. Know when to quit. Hey, sometimes issues go deeper than just finding someone else sexually attractive and then acting on it. Sometimes it's time to break-up and that's OK. You can only move on to something new and exciting when you let go of what's old and dunzo. Ending a relationship isn't necessarily "giving up," and sometimes you have to close one door so you can open another.
