Can a Relationship Survive an Affair?

Infidelity profoundly disrupts the foundation of a relationship. It’s that moment when everything you thought was solid crumbles, leaving behind raw hurt, confusion, and a sense of betrayal that’s difficult to shake. For the person who’s been cheated on, the pain can feel like all-consuming waves of anger, sadness, and doubt about whether things can ever feel right again. You might discover yourself replaying scenarios in your head, questioning every memory, or even feeling like you’ve lost a part of yourself. For the one who strayed, there’s often a heavy mix of guilt, shame, and regret, wondering how you let it get to this point and if you’ll ever forgive yourself, let alone earn back your partner’s trust. 

But here’s the thing: even in the midst of that chaos, recovery is possible. I’ve seen couples walk through this fire and come out not just intact, but closer and more resilient. It’s not easy; it takes real work, patience, and a willingness to face the tough stuff, but with the right steps, you can rebuild trust and create a bond that’s deeper than before. Drawing from decades of research on relationships, like the work from Dr. John and Dr. Julie Gottman, we know that healing follows a structured path. Their Trust Revival Method outlines three key phases: Atonement, Attunement, and Attachment. These phases provide a roadmap, helping couples move from pain to possibility, one step at a time. 

Seeing Infidelity for What It Really Is: A Sign of Deeper Issues 

Usually, affairs do not occur spontaneously. They’re often a red flag for problems that have been simmering beneath the surface, like emotional distance, unmet needs, or communication breakdowns that leave both people feeling isolated and unheard. Maybe the daily grind has taken over, and those small moments of connection, a quick hug or a shared laugh, have faded away. Or perhaps resentment has built up from unresolved arguments, creating a wall between you. 

Studies indicate that when partners start pulling away emotionally, maybe avoiding tough talks or not responding to each other’s small bids for connection, the risk of infidelity goes up. Think about it: if conflicts pile up without resolution, or if that spark of intimacy fades, someone might look elsewhere for what they’re missing. This doesn’t make the affair acceptable; it’s still a choice that breaks trust, but understanding these roots helps shift the focus from just blame to fixing what’s broken together.

For instance, a couple I worked with acknowledged that their affair was a result of years of feeling emotionally distant from each other, and addressing this led to genuine transformation.  It’s important to remember that while the relationship’s issues create vulnerability, the responsibility for the affair lies with the person who chose it. Blaming the marriage entirely can stall healing, so approach the incident with compassion for both sides. 

Phase 1: Atonement—Starting with Honesty and Openness 

If you’re the one who had the affair, healing starts with being completely upfront. Your actions show your partner that you’re committed to rebuilding trust. This phase, called Atonement in the Gottman framework, is about taking full responsibility without excuses or defensiveness.

Cut all contact with the affair partner immediately, and be transparent: share passwords, locations, and details as needed. It’s like laying everything out on the table to prove you’re committed. Early on, that might mean sharing the details of what happened, even when it’s uncomfortable. Your partner needs that clarity to process their feelings and start letting go. However, it’s important to avoid obsessing over every detail; the goal is to resolve the issue and move forward. Establish ground rules, such as discussing the matter in a safe space, such as during therapy sessions, to prevent further hurt. For example, schedule specific times to talk about it, and avoid mentioning it in the heat of unrelated arguments. This prevents what feels like “trickle truth,” where details come out slowly and erode trust further. 

I’ve worked with clients who initially resisted full disclosure due to fear or shame, but once they made the commitment, it marked a significant shift. Remember, atonement isn’t a one-time apology; it’s ongoing actions that show reliability, like keeping promises and being where you say you’ll be. 

Phase 1 Continued: For the Hurt Partner—Riding the Emotional Waves and Finding Your Footing 

Being betrayed is like navigating a storm: anger, grief, and confusion crash over you, and it’s okay to feel all of it. In fact, it’s normal to experience symptoms similar to PTSD, like hypervigilance, flashbacks, or trouble sleeping. Give yourself grace; this situation isn’t something you “get over” quickly. It’s normal to have days where old memories resurface, pulling you back. Remind yourself: such an event is part of the process, and it’s okay to take time. The real work is done with your partner, though journaling or speaking with a trusted friend can be helpful. 

Along the way, work on rebuilding your sense of self. Betrayal can make you doubt your value, but it’s not about you; it’s about the other person’s choices. Ask yourself questions like:

“What do I need right now to feel safe?”  or

“Can I imagine a future where this pain fades?”

When you’re ready, forgiveness can be a powerful step, not to excuse what happened, but to free yourself from carrying that weight. It means acknowledging the pain and choosing to build something new, if that’s what you want. One exercise is to list out your feelings and share them calmly, helping your partner understand the impact without escalating into blame. In this phase, it’s crucial to express your emotions fully but constructively. Avoid using the affair as a weapon in every disagreement; instead, focus on getting the answers you need to close that chapter. 

Phase 2: Attunement—Breaking Bad Habits and Tuning Into Each Other 

Once the initial storm of emotions settles a bit, it’s time to attune to really listen and understand each other’s worlds. Negative patterns in how you talk can make everything worse after an affair. Things like harsh criticism, getting defensive, shutting down, or showing contempt—these are like poison to recovery, often called the Four Horsemen in relationship research. 

In my work with couples, we often find these habits were already there before the infidelity, and they ramp up afterward. For instance, a hurt partner may lash out with criticism (“You always ruin everything!”), prompting the other partner to defend (“It wasn’t that bad!”) or retreat by withdrawing. The good news? You can substitute these reactions with more constructive responses: 

• Start conversations gently, sharing how you feel without attacking: “I feel scared when I think about what happened, and I need reassurance.” 
• Rather than assigning blame, take responsibility for your own actions. Admit if you’ve contributed to distance in the past. 
• Make a habit of noticing and appreciating the good in each other: A simple “I appreciate you being honest today” can shift the tone. 
• Take a breather when things heat up to calm down before continuing: Try deep breathing or a short walk. 

Swapping out these old patterns for positive ones helps rebuild that emotional bridge, making space for real understanding. In attunement, talk about what made your relationship vulnerable, but don’t blame it for the affair. Ask open-ended questions like, “What were you feeling in the months before?” This phase is about creating “Marriage 2.0,” a fresh start with new skills. One couple I observed practiced daily check-ins, spending 10 minutes each evening sharing their highs and lows, which gradually restored their emotional connection. 

Phase 3: Attachment—Rekindling the Spark with Emotional and Physical Closeness 

As trust starts to grow back, turn your attention to reconnecting on a deeper level; that’s the Attachment phase. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s the little things that add up, like checking in with each other every day or sharing a quiet moment without phones buzzing. These “rituals of connection” create a sense of safety, like holding hands during a walk or leaving a loving note. Physical touch can be tricky; the idea might bring up painful associations for the hurt partner, making them feel like intimacy is tainted. Take your time, communicate honestly about what feels good and what doesn’t, and establish clear boundaries.

Use questions like:“What turns you on?” or “What makes you feel close?” to explore desires without pressure. This honesty can help ease back into intimacy, turning it into something based on mutual care and respect. Remember, rebuilding sexual connection might involve starting small, like non-sexual touch, and gradually building up. If triggers arise, acknowledge them together: “I’m feeling anxious right now; can we pause and talk?” 

In this phase, both partners reassure each other. The partner who has been hurt might say, “I see your efforts, and I’m starting to trust again,” while the other partner continues to show commitment. It’s bidirectional; everyone needs to feel secure. 

The Power of Letting Go and Moving Ahead 

True healing comes when both of you open up fully, being vulnerable, consistent, and there for each other. For the person who strayed, it’s about proving your commitment every day through transparency and empathy. For the hurt one, it’s finding a way to forgive, even if forgetting isn’t fully possible. Forgiveness isn’t about pretending it didn’t happen; it’s about releasing the hold it has on your future. 

Studies from the Gottman Institute highlight that couples who invest in better communication, truly listening to each other’s needs, and making time for connection don’t just survive—they thrive. Often, the relationship ends up stronger, with a level of honesty and closeness that wasn’t there before. But watch for common pitfalls: lingering resentment, avoiding tough talks, or rushing the process. If kids are involved, model healthy recovery by protecting them from details while showing unity. 

Healing isn’t linear; triggers might pop up years later, like on an anniversary, but with tools in place, you can handle them together. 

Wrapping Up: There’s Light Ahead 

While infidelity may seem like the end of the path, for many, it represents a pivotal moment towards a better future. With commitment from both sides, healing happens through small, steady steps: facing the truth, improving how you talk, and nurturing your bond. The journey might include setbacks, but each one is a chance to grow closer. 

If you’re in this spot, know that you’re not alone. Rebuilding takes time, effort, and occasionally a guide to help navigate. As a Certified Gottman Therapist, I’m here to support couples through this, so reach out if you need help turning pain into possibility. Remember, a stronger relationship is within reach; you’ve got this.