How To Deal with A Cheater? Suggests Expert

Falling in love feels magical. You share dreams, plan romantic dates, and soak in every little moment. Everything seems perfect—until one day, things start to feel… off. Your partner, who once couldn’t start their day without a good morning text, suddenly forgets. Weekend plans that once excited them now seem like a burden. They’re spending extra hours at work, their phone is always buzzing, and sometimes, you catch them smiling at their screen.

At first, you brush it off. Maybe they’re just busy. But when the distance grows and the excuses pile up, doubt creeps in. Is your relationship fading? Or is there someone else? The thought alone is enough to make your heart race. And if you do find out that your partner has been unfaithful, what next? How do you deal with betrayal? Should you forgive, confront, or walk away? Let’s see the answer to this from a leading couples therapist in India Shivani Misri Sadhoo.

What would be the ideal way to deal with a cheater?

1. Think Before You Blame

First of all, make sure you are absolutely certain that your partner is cheating on you. Before jumping to conclusions or placing blame, you need to gather solid facts. While spending more time at work, a lack of emotional intimacy, or unexplained absences are common red flags, they do not necessarily confirm infidelity.

Instead of letting suspicion consume you, take a step back and objectively assess the situation. Look for patterns rather than isolated incidents, and consider having an open and honest conversation with your partner. Approaching the matter calmly and rationally will help you cope with the emotional turmoil and decide the best course of action.

2. Candid Conversation

Once you have learned about this infidelity, it is important to confront your partner in a calm and composed manner. Have a candid conversation where both of you can openly express your thoughts and feelings. While it may be difficult, try to put your emotions aside and focus on the facts.

Choose a private, neutral space where you can talk without distractions or external pressure. Your goal should be to gain clarity, seek honest answers, and determine the best way forward—whether that means working through the betrayal together or choosing to part ways. Understanding each other’s perspective is essential, as any relationship requires mutual respect, honesty, and open communication to survive.

3. Chat With Your Loved Ones

Sometimes, talking to your close friends and family members can be the best way to cope with the pain of being cheated on. All you need now are a few good ears to listen to you without judgment. Spend time with people who have always had your back, who will hear your full story, and support you as you decide what to do next.

Good friends help you get through heartbreak and remind you of your worth. When you open up to your loved ones, you release bottled-up emotions, gain clarity, and find the strength to move forward. They offer reassurance, advice, and sometimes the tough love you need to see the situation clearly.

4. Look After Yourself First

Getting cheated on is painful, but your healing starts with self-care. Acknowledge your emotions—hurt, anger, betrayal—without judgment. Suppressing them only delays recovery. Take a walk, meditate, or write your thoughts down—whatever brings you peace.

Keep yourself engaged, so negativity doesn’t consume you. Once you regain your strength, you’ll think clearly and make firm decisions. Prioritize yourself first; everything else follows.

5. Approach a Qualified Counsellor

Last but not least, if you have tried everything and nothing seems to work, do not hesitate to seek professional help—especially when dealing with a cheater. A qualified counselor can offer valuable guidance, as they understand the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

They can equip you with practical strategies, coping mechanisms, and a fresh perspective on your situation. Sometimes, an unbiased third-party intervention can be crucial in resolving conflicts and gaining clarity. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward healing and self-growth.

Final Thoughts

There is no need to rush your decision after discovering infidelity. Gather facts before reacting, have an honest conversation, and seek support from loved ones. Prioritize self-care and consider professional help if needed. Healing takes time, but with clarity and strength, you’ll choose the best path forward—whether that means rebuilding trust or moving on.