Discovering that your partner has cheated can be incredibly upsetting and disruptive. The emotional turmoil can lead to a desire for simple, black-and-white advice. However, relationships are complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s explore some factors: While past behavior can be a predictor of future behavior, it’s not an absolute determinant. Someone with a long history of infidelity across multiple relationships is more likely to repeat that behavior. However, if someone cheated once (especially long ago) and has since changed, they may not cheat again. Consider the circumstances. Was it an impulsive one-time mistake or an ongoing emotional affair? Did

the cheater feel remorse? Most people who cheat feel guilty and conflicted, even if their partner never finds out. Self-Beliefs and Impulse Control: For the person cheating, repeating the behavior might reinforce negative self-beliefs. Addiction or impulse issues can impact self-esteem and lead to repeated cheating. Long-Term Effects: Infidelity can have lasting impacts on partners and children. Grief, brain changes, anxiety, stress, and depression can result. Some couples move past infidelity with time and therapy. In summary, while the saying “once a cheater, always a cheater” is reassuringly definitive, reality is more nuanced. People can change, and relationships require thoughtful consideration.