Cheating shatters the foundation of trust in a relationship, leading to significant consequences. It can also lead to long-term damage to a relationship, as repairing trust can take a long time. The person who cheated can become emotionally distant and the person who was cheated on may struggle with feelings of insecurity and betrayal, which can lead to a lack of communication and a breakdown of trust. Additionally, it can be difficult to forgive and move past the incident, as it can be difficult to fully trust the partner again. Of the many betrayals that can occur within the context of romantic relationships, infidelity is considered the most severe and threatening to the stability of the relationship (Beltrán-Morillas) Therefore, it is important for both parties to talk openly and honestly about the incident and the feelings it has generated.

     Working together to rebuild trust and create a stronger connection can be essential to the success of the relationship. Cheating can be especially damaging because it can cause the person who has been cheated on to feel powerless in the relationship, as well as heartbroken. Additionally, it can be damaging to the partner's self-confidence, making them feel unworthy of love and respect. This can lead to difficulty trusting and connecting with a partner in the future. When couples do not communicate effectively, they can become stuck in unresolved conflicts. This lack of communication and resolution can lead to a sense of disconnection between the partners. This can open the door to cheating, as the partner may feel like they are not getting the emotional connection they need from the relationship. This can cause stress from issues such as finances, intimacy, children, and work (Kristin Davin). Stress is a leading factor that can create a toxic cycle of self-doubt, resentment, and even anger, where each partner's feelings are minimized, invalidated, and misunderstood. This can lead to a lack of connection, and feelings of being emotionally shut down, which can be extremely damaging to a relationship.

       It is important to be aware that cheating can have far-reaching effects on a relationship, so both partners must be willing to take responsibility and rebuild trust. Communication is key to resolving issues and creating a strong connection, which can help to prevent cheating from occurring in the future. The impact is so profound that an entire family and anyone directly involved with the couple are likely to dissolve, especially if no effort is made to rebuild trust and fix the damages infidelity has caused. Couples and individuals affected by the trauma and pain of a partner’s betrayal should consider reaching out to their support system and seek professional help as well. Undoubtably, being betrayed by an intimate partner can hurt and cause many problems if not addressed. It is important to note that no matter the situation, there is help and no one needs to battle these experiences alone.