ONCE A CHEAT... - by Samuel Omoyele

Redemption or Regrets.Trust is the backbone of any relationship whether romantic or otherwise and once it’s broken, the damage can be deep and lasting. But what happens when someone strays from the path, crosses that line, and cheats? Is the label of "CHEAT" permanent, or can they redeem themselves?It’s easy to see cheating as a clear-cut act of betrayal, but real life isn’t always black and white. Sometimes, the circumstances that lead to such a decision are complex. In emotionally neglectful or toxic relationships, cheating may feel like a "necessary evil" (a misguided attempt to fill a void or escape pain). Does this justify the act? Absolutely not. But can it shed some light on why it happens? It’s worth considering.Yet, not all cheats should be branded for life. Human beings make mistakes, and while some actions are unforgivable, others might be the result of a momentary lapse in judgment rather than a recurring behavior. This doesn’t mean they should be excused very harshly but it does mean that redemption should be on the table, especially if they own up to their mistake, work to rebuild trust, and make genuine changes. Cheating isn’t just a betrayal it’s a breach of trust that sends ripples throughout the relationship. When trust is broken, it’s not just the one who cheated that suffers; the person who’s been betrayed faces emotional turmoil, confusion, and heartache. The hurt often lingers long after the affair ends, as doubts and insecurities cloud future interactions. Rebuilding trust is no easy feat. In many cases, it’s never fully restored. That scar, as the Yoruba adage goes "Oju apa o le jọ oju ara" (English: A Scar will never heal to look like the rest of the skin) is a lasting reminder of the betrayal.Even after healing, the relationship will never look the same again. Can full trust ever be regained? Maybe, but it requires immense effort, vulnerability, and time. The best way to heal the wounds caused by cheating is to avoid them altogether.Don't even think about such a grotesque act! Communication, respect, and mutual understanding should be the foundation of any relationship. When issues arise, addressing them head-on is always better than seeking solace elsewhere. Trust is fragile, and once it’s shattered, it takes more than just promises to put it back together. In the end, we must remember that cheating is not just an action IT’S A CHOICE and while forgiveness can be offered, the consequences of that choice should not be downplayed.It’s essential to build relationships based on honesty and loyalty to prevent the pain and regret that come with broken trust. Only then can we avoid the trap of becoming "forever branded" by our mistakes. Ever been Cheated on or perhaps you cheated on someone? I'd love to hear your story in the comments. 🫶🏼

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