The Beginning of the End

• For some couples, the discovery of an affair becomes the final straw before a split. Some couples simply cannot recover from the emotional pain associated with an affair, and the relationship therefore ends. In some cases, the affair comes after years of relationship difficulties; in other cases, it seemingly occurs out of the blue and without warning. Unless both members of the couple are able to recover from this marital betrayal, the relationship can end in a bitter split propelled by the cheating. More often than not, however, the affair occurs when problems already exist within the relationship, and the cheating is simply more of a justification for ending it.
  
  

An Abrupt Awakening

• Couples who have seemingly pleasant and loving relationships can find their image of the partnership suddenly shattered when one spouse cheats. In some instances, one person within the relationship is completely surprised by the betrayal, and sees it as an abrupt awakening to the fact that things aren't as harmonious as they may seem. Trust issues can become a huge factor in a relationship when one spouse cheats. Even if the cheating spouse repents from the behavior and begs for forgiveness, it is likely that the affair will have a lasting effect on the other partner's ability to trust. Oddly enough, a cheating spouse may also have future issues with trust, because he now knows how easy it is to fall into a situation in which an affair can happen.
  
  

Fuel for the Fire

• Whether or not an affair ends a relationship depends on the couple's ability to forgive each other and move on. Couples who stay together may experience residual issues from the cheating, making the relationship evolve into something very different from what it once was. The spouse who cheated might wind up spending a lot of time repenting and catering to the other spouse; this can occur both consciously and subconsciously. The other spouse can also experience some real resentment. Also, if the couple does not deal with the issues that initially led to the affair, there is always a chance that another affair can occur. It is possible for a relationship to recover from an affair, and for the couple to come out of it even stronger. For this to happen, though, both partners must be committed to solving issues and making things work.