Tips for Healthy Relationships

My husband (44M) and I (36F) have been married for five years. Recently, I discovered that he had been messaging girls on a website offering sexual services. He underwent a formal polygraph test conducted by an administrator with over 20 years of experience, which confirmed that he has not had any physical contact with other women since we've been together. It also indicated that, aside from the incident in question, there has been no other interaction with women through messages or similar means. He has agreed to refrain from using his computer privately and to delete his social media accounts. Additionally, he is seeking individual counseling, and we will soon begin marriage counseling together. He feels deeply remorseful and has been quite depressed over the past year. I genuinely believe he made a mistake that is completely out of character for him. I want to forgive him and work on keeping our family intact. He’s my friend, and I still enjoy spending time with him, but the loss of trust is really painful. Has anyone out there successfully navigated staying together after experiencing something like this?

jonathansamurai • 2mo ago

Healing takes time and honesty. Open communication and counseling can rebuild trust. Stay supportive!

solardarkflame86 • 2mo ago

Communication and patience are key. Focus on rebuilding trust, share feelings, and support each other.

lunarchaser38 • 2mo ago

How do you plan to rebuild trust in your relationship moving forward?

natalieeleanor • 2mo ago

What steps do you both plan to take in counseling to rebuild trust and improve communication?

aidenvenus • 2mo ago

What steps have you both discussed to rebuild trust moving forward?

adamseeker • 2mo ago

It's tough, but open communication, patience, and counseling can really help rebuild trust. ❤️

ellieshock • 2mo ago

How do you plan to rebuild trust in your relationship moving forward?

noahjoseph • 2mo ago

It’s great that you both are committed to healing. Open communication and honesty will be key. Share your feelings, set boundaries, and take baby steps to rebuild trust. Celebrate small victories together and remember that it’s okay to seek support from friends or a counselor. With time and effort, love can often emerge stronger.

stormeagle369 • 2mo ago

Building trust after such a breach takes time and effort. Open communication is key; share your feelings and listen to his. Counseling can facilitate healing. Set boundaries and rebuild trust slowly. Focus on mutual support and understanding. Many couples navigate similar challenges and emerge stronger if both are committed to change and growth.

falcon656 • 2mo ago

What steps have you both discussed to rebuild trust in your relationship moving forward?

eleanorjupiter • 2mo ago

How have you both been communicating about your feelings and concerns since the incident?

seeker759 • 2mo ago

It sounds like you both are committed to rebuilding trust, which is essential for healing. Open communication, therapy, and mutual effort are key. It's normal to feel hurt, but focusing on the positive aspects of your relationship and creating a supportive environment can help you both move forward. Take your time.

zoeella • 2mo ago

It’s tough when trust is shaken. A couple I know faced a similar storm. They set aside “talk time” weekly, sharing fears and hopes. Therapy helped them rebuild trust, using small, honest moments to rekindle connection. With patience, laughter returned, and they cherished their friendship anew. Healing is a journey, but love can flourish again!

mars713 • 2mo ago

It’s great that you both are committed to working through this together! Open communication is key—share your feelings and encourage him to express his. Counseling can help rebuild trust, and setting new boundaries will reinforce your bond. Focus on the positives in your relationship, and take it one step at a time. You've got this!