No relationship is perfect. Everyone has disagreements. In many cases, the arguments you have can actually end up strengthening your partnership when they’re done the right way.
But, there’s a big difference between disagreements and betrayal within a relationship.
Feeling betrayed by your partner, no matter what the situation may be, can take a long time to get over. When trust is broken in a relationship, it often feels like you’ll never fully get it back.
If you truly want your relationship to work out, there are things you can do to cope with that betrayal and keep moving forward.
Will it be easy? No. Will both of you need to play active roles? Yes. But, if you’re both committed to making things work, let’s talk about how you can cope when you feel betrayed in your relationship.
Don’t Avoid Things
One of the worst things you can do when you feel betrayed is keeping those feelings to yourself. Emotions demand to be acknowledged, and if you aren’t doing it now, they will continue to fester and become “louder” inside of your mind until you can’t ignore them anymore.
Unfortunately, that often causes outbursts of frustration, anger, and deep hurt. You might end up taking things out on your partner, or even a friend or family member caught in the crossfire.
If you feel betrayed in your relationship, talk to your partner about it right away. Discuss how their actions made you feel and don’t be afraid to uncover the reasons behind their betrayal. Yes, it will be a difficult conversation to have. But, it’s also the first step toward healing.
Learn to accept your difficult emotions, rather than ignore them.
Lean On Your Support System
Just because your partner betrayed you doesn’t mean you’re alone. It can feel that way when your partner is typically the one you lean on for things. Family members and friends can be a huge source of comfort when you’re feeling lost in your relationship.
It’s not always easy to lean on other people. If your partner has lost your sense of trust, you might find it harder to trust anyone in your life.
Chances are you know who you can open up to. While you don’t have to accept advice from anyone, being able to “vent” can help you organize your emotions and get a better handle on how you’re feeling.
Plus, you might end up getting better advice than you expected. If it’s from someone you truly trust and respect, it might be worth taking into consideration.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is more than just some marketing phrase or buzzword. It’s necessary for your mental well-being, and even more important when you’re struggling.
Self-care looks different for everyone. It doesn’t have to be something luxurious or extravagant. It can be an act as simple as going for a morning jog, writing in a journal, or taking a yoga class in the park. Commit to doing something each day that makes you feel good and promotes your overall mental and physical health.
Another thing you can do for yourself is to talk to a mental health professional. That’s different from reaching out to your support system. A therapist can help you peel back the layers of what you’re really feeling, and can offer better insight into why the betrayal in your relationship may have occurred.
If you feel betrayed by your partner and you’re not sure how to cope on your own, you don’t have to. Feel free to contact me to set up an appointment, and we’ll work on moving forward either in your relationship or on your own.