Ten Tasks for Rebuilding Marital Trust

Perhaps the most devastating thing that can take place in a marriage is when trust becomes significantly damaged between husband and wife.  Restoring this trust is generally a difficult thing to do.  It is an undertaking that does not come naturally or instinctively, so it is something we must learn.  Below, ten tasks for rebuilding trust in marriage are briefly described.  These tasks or steps are not necessarily listed in a specific order.  Nor are the explanations exhaustive as much more could be said about each one.  But, all of these ten tasks are certainly essential components to reestablish marital trust.

How To Affair-Proof Your Marriage

A tragic reality of our society is that more marriages experience infidelity than those that do not. It’s sad, but true. Some of the research on the subject has estimated that at least one spouse in up to 75% of all marriages in the U.S. will be unfaithful to their partner at some point during the union. No one believes this could ever happen to them. Yet it does – all the time. You can bury your head and the sand and believe that there is no need for reasonable precautions. Or, you can exercise due diligence to protect yourself and your marriage from potentially harmful or compromising circumstances.

Reasons for Sexual Infidelity

With experts estimating that up to 75% of all marriages encounter infidelity in the U.S., it is safe to say that the problem has reached epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, it is also an experience that leaves disaster in its wake. [See related article.] Because it has become such a prevalent issue in our culture that has produced countless victims, social researchers have sought to discover reasons why sexual infidelity occurs.

Early Warning Signs of Infidelity

Marital unfaithfulness is a problem of catastrophic proportions in our culture.  Experts have estimated that infidelity occurs in up to 75% of all marriages in the U.S.  While some try to justify this phenomenon by labeling it as human nature, the devastating consequences to individuals and families are a clear testimony that there is nothing normal about adultery.  It only leads to tragedy.  [See related article.]  While there are some with deep-seated problems who intentionally seek opportunities to cheat, most do not deliberately set out to do so.  Indeed, many who become unfaithful to their spouse never believe that it will happen to them.  Often they are left thinking "how did this happen?"

The Devastating Consequences of Infidelity

Infidelity exacts a devastating toll on marriages.  Indeed, the vast majority of marriages do not survive the experience.  About 65% of marriages in which infidelity is discovered eventually end in divorce.  Even among couples who seek counseling after an adulterous affair in an attempt to keep the union intact, about 35% still end in divorce.  For those marriages that manage to avoid divorce after infidelity, about 50% are reported to be destitute or under considerable distress.  Unfortunately, these statistics barely begin to illustrate pain and suffering resulting from the aftermath of marital unfaithfulness.

Infidelity and Cultural Hypocrisy

It is no secret that infidelity is a major problem in American society.  Despite the severity and extent of the issue most rational people will state that they believe being unfaithful to one's spouse is wrong.  In fact, studies show that about 85% of Americans disapprove of marital infidelity.  Unfortunately, while an overwhelming majority of people voice condemnation for those who cheat on their spouse a sizable portion of these same people are cheaters themselves. 

Old Flames on Facebook

It is a bad idea to connect with anyone on Facebook (or other social media sites) whom your spouse distrusts or is otherwise uncomfortable.  There are numerous potential problems to your relationship that can occur in cyberspace.  [See related articles.] This is particularly true if one is naive or unsuspecting and doesn't take any measures to protect his/her marriage.  There is one type of Facebook connection that has an especially elevated risk of marital peril - connecting with an "old flame".

Betrayal Begins in the Mind

Not long ago when the womanizing escapades of a famous professional athlete hit the media, a well-known sports talk-radio personality made the statement: "A man is only as faithful as his opportunities dictate."  He went on to explain that, in his view, rich and famous men have infinitely more attractive alternatives than the average man and that the temptation from these opportunities eventually overcomes marital allegiance.  While this talk-radio host was simply trying to be clever and humorous, he was actually more correct than he probably realized.  He was wrong about two things, however.  This pattern is not limited only to rich and famous people.  And, it is not limited only to men.

Facebook Infidelity

Most people who first begin to use Facebook or other social networks find it fun and exciting to reconnect with people from their past. Long-lost friends and acquaintances such as former classmates, co-workers, neighbors, and others are amazingly easy to find literally just a few clicks away. Indeed, the popularity of Facebook is a tribute to the ease with which these types of social connections can be made – and the inexplicable satisfaction that they can bring.