Understanding the Different Kinds of Broken Trust in Marriage

Marital infidelity is not limited to physical betrayal; in fact, there are several forms of infidelity within marriage, which we will explore in this article.

Honesty and openness are among the strongest foundations that any marriage should be built upon, but in reality, this is not always easy.

Many people are surprised after marriage by significant differences—whether in behavior, thinking, or even habits.

Overcoming these differences and making the relationship work requires considerable effort, and in such cases, one or even both partners may fall into marital infidelity.

Types of Marital Infidelity:

Accidental Infidelity:

This type of infidelity occurs without prior planning or warning, and usually lasts for a short period—typically between two weeks and two months.

Infidelity Due to Seeking Help:

This form of infidelity results from ongoing problems between the couple, where neither partner can find a solution. Often, one partner wants to resolve the issue, while the other is unresponsive or unwilling to listen.

In such cases, one spouse may turn to someone else to regain their sense of self-worth. This type of infidelity often happens after a major life crisis, such as losing a job, postpartum depression, or when children grow up and become absorbed in their own lives.

Infidelity as Revenge:

This occurs when one partner is unfaithful, prompting the other to cheat as well, seeking revenge and a sense of balance—to make their spouse experience the same pain.

This only worsens the situation between the couple and can sever the marital bond completely.

Infidelity for Self-Healing:

This type of infidelity happens when the couple stops having intimate relations, leading one partner to seek a third party to fulfill their physical needs.

Don Juan-Type Marital Infidelity:

This involves engaging in short-term relationships with the opposite sex—lasting a day or two—simply to feel attractive. The Don Juan-type person sees infidelity as a lifestyle.

They also believe that the third party does not affect their marriage in any significant way, so they continue to be unfaithful throughout their life, even if they promise to change.

Long-Term Marital Infidelity:

This type of infidelity spans many years. In such cases, the third party feels entitled to certain rights, while the unfaithful partner wants to maintain both their marriage and their relationship with the third party, unwilling to give up either.

This is because they see their marriage as essential for stability, while the relationship with the third party offers excitement and adventure.

Infidelity Out of Curiosity:

This form of infidelity occurs when one partner has no prior experience or relationships with the opposite sex, leading them to cheat out of curiosity and a desire to explore.

Final Exit:

In this type of infidelity, the intention is to end the marriage altogether. This may be due to a long history of unresolved issues with the spouse, or a past filled with repeated betrayals.

In conclusion, perhaps one of the worst things a person can experience is betrayal—whether by a friend, a spouse, or any close person. Regardless of the type or frequency of infidelity, the presence of a third party cannot be ignored or dismissed as nonexistent.