We don’t often hear infidelity in a marriage described as an “entanglement” but lately, we are all talking about how to avoid infidelity, emotional infidelity and wondering how we can prevent a similar situation from happening to us. We likely don’t want to think about how to deal with infidelity, but the reality is that we are stressed and feel pressures that we have never felt before. Some of us are nearing our breaking points and our spouse seems to always be in the direct line of fire. If you feel like you need a break, that’s okay. However, before you decide to risk it all and completely check out of your marriage, learn how to avoid infidelity or an entanglement situation when you and your spouse need a break.
How to Avoid Infidelity | What to Do When You Need A Break in Your Relationship
In this article:
- Pray for Your Marriage and Yourself
- Set Clear Goals for What Happens During a Break
- Commit to Being Faithful
- Seek Resources That Provide Guidance on Avoiding Infidelity
- Establish a Routine for Checking In With Your Spouse
- Start Over and Reintroduce Yourself to Your Spouse
What does taking a break mean in a relationship? It means you and your partner are pressing the pause button in order to reset. What happens during that reset is what matters most. It does not mean it’s time to get “entangled” with someone else. You may be wondering, is taking a break in a relationship healthy and the answer is yes, it can be. It is each partner’s responsibility to learn how to avoid infidelity and determine how they spend their time during a break. It can be a difficult time and there are significant things that couples experience when they reach a point in the relationship where they need to figure out what will happen next. If you are currently at that point, we are here to guide you through. If you and your partner need a break, do it the right way. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your spouse focused on the marriage and how to avoid infidelity.
Pray for Your Marriage and Yourself and Expect God to Change Things
Connect to scriptures like Matthew 19:6, Hebrews 13:4 and 1 Corinthians 13:4. Prayer is so powerful. Be honest and sincere in your prayers by asking for temptations to be removed so that you can better focus on your marriage. It’s hard to be strong when you are feeling weak and vulnerable. Pray for your strength during this time and invite those that support your marriage to also pray with you. There is no shame in asking for prayers for a marriage and wanting it to work.
Set Clear Goals for What Happens During a Break
Write your goals down, together. A break should not be used as an opportunity to explore other relationships or sleep with other people; it isn’t a hall pass. Couples must be intentional and deliberate when establishing their guidelines and they should include being faithful. The ultimate goal is to create a marriage built on a solid foundation. Create a strategy for success even in the midst of the discomfort you both may be experiencing.
Commit to Being Faithful and Learn How to Avoid Infidelity
It is so easy to be tempted by the shiny and new of someone else, but those relationships haven’t yet experienced the realness of life. The bills, fussy children, family, and stress that come with marriage aren’t there when you think you’re interested in someone else. So, of course, that relationship might look more appealing on the surface and that person will say all the right things. They may even seem to represent all that you feel you may be missing. But trust, eventually that realness will show up in that space too. It is important to remain loyal to your spouse by recommitting to your love, your vows, and your commitment to your marriage. Remember why and how you fell in love in the first place. Reflect on the positives and what you have built together. An outsider won’t ever have that same level of connection or rich history that you share with your spouse. Don’t take those precious memories and moments for granted.
Seek Resources That Provide Guidance on How to Avoid Infidelity
Relationship coaches, counselors, webinars, and books that focus on marriage and staying faithful are extremely valuable resources that you and your partner should utilize. Know that you’re not the first couple to go through what you are currently going through. Because of that, the available resources provide real life solutions that are usually easy to apply to your relationship. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help to learn how to avoid infidelity and protect your marriage.
Establish a Routine for Checking In With Your Spouse
Temptation is real and becomes even more real when you and your partner don’t remain connected. Even though the relationship might feel a bit strained, continue to check in with your spouse. Carve out time for quick and productive conversations that aren’t used to blame one another for what isn’t working. The primary goal of these conversations should be getting you both back on track for a healthy marriage.
Start Over and Reintroduce Yourself to Your Spouse
Over the years you have changed and your needs have likely changed also, but your spouse may not be familiar with this new you. Create a safe space for both you and your spouse to share what’s new and different. You may have to relearn one another. Instead of using time to get “entangled” with someone else, use the time to get reacquainted with your spouse. Think about a new vision for your marriage and don’t let your marriage be defined by its past.
Your marriage is stronger than you know and so are you. It is possible to heal the hurt, refocus, and avoid infidelity in your relationship. You and your spouse must lean into better and do all that is necessary to keep your marriage alive and well.
BMWK, how are you and your spouse avoiding infidelity?