When I first got married, I was immovable in my stance on cheating. I remember looking into my husband's eyes and saying, "If you ever cheat on me, I will divorce you." It felt like the highest standard I could set for myself because I didnt know any better. I used it as a non-negotiable dealbreaker that safeguarded my heart. Over time my perspective on infidelity started to change. I was maturing on a personal level and our relationship was maturing as well. The once rigid boundaries I had set for myself around cheating began to blur. I had to ask myself again if I was cheated on would I really divorce my husband? And in that question, I began to unravel the nuances and complexities that come with the conversation on cheating. In this episode, we will discuss what experts say about infidelity, my experiences and what I have learned from them, and how to communicate about cheating in your relationshipHow to Communicate about Cheating in Your RelationshipHere are some suggestions on how to preemptively discuss cheating with your partner:1. Choose the Right Time and Setting2. Approach with Compassion3. Share Your Views and Expectations4. Encourage Open Communication5. Discuss Relationship Needs6. Address Triggers and Boundaries7. Talk About Trust and Transparency8. Seek Professional Guidance if NeededRemember, discussing cheating preemptively is not about assuming the worst or accusing your partner. It's about building trust, fostering open communication, and aligning your expectations to ensure a strong foundation for your relationship.Podcast MentionsEsther Perel Book: The State of Affairs: Rethinking InfidelityEsther Perel Ted Talk:  Rethinking infidelity ... a talk for anyone who has ever lovedThe reason why People Cheat: Click here for the Article!Cheating in Relationships Statistics: Click here for the Article!Therapy for Black Men: Find a TherapistTherapy for Black Girls: Find a TherapistBetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/TalkSpace: https://www.talkspace.com/CBT Thought Diary: https://cbtthoughtdiary.com/Libby Audiobook Library: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/

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