Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows.
Typically, it’s not any specific sexual or romantic act that causes the most pain for our significant others and damage to our relationships. The worst of the pain and damage is caused by our ongoing deception, emotional distancing, secrets, and the resulting loss of relationship trust. For our partners, the emotional pain and loss associated with broken trust are significantly more agonizing and longer-lasting than any actual physical or emotional straying we have done. The consequences of our betrayal begin with broken trust. And those consequences abate only when trust is restored. Only when we have re-earned our partner’s trust will we find our way out of the doghouse.
Task for Today
Don’t tell any new lies or keep any new secrets from your partner or anyone else. Pay attention to how good it feels to be honest.