When I first got married, I was immovable in my stance on cheating. I remember looking into my husband's eyes and saying, "If you ever cheat on me, I will divorce you." It felt like the highest standard I could set for myself because I didnt know any better. I used it as a non-negotiable dealbreaker that safeguarded my heart. Over time my perspective on infidelity started to change. I was maturing on a personal level and our relationship was maturing as well. The once rigid boundaries I had set for myself around cheating began to blur. I had to ask myself again if I was cheated on would I really divorce my husband? And in that question, I began to unravel the nuances and complexities that come with the conversation on cheating. In this episode, we will discuss what experts say about infidelity, my experiences and what I have learned from them, and how to communicate about cheating in your relationship How to Communicate about Cheating in Your Relationship Here are some suggestions on how to preemptively discuss cheating with your partner: 1. Choose the Right Time and Setting 2. Approach with Compassion 3. Share Your Views and Expectations 4. Encourage Open Communication 5. Discuss Relationship Needs 6. Address Triggers and Boundaries 7. Talk About Trust and Transparency 8. Seek Professional Guidance if Needed Remember, discussing cheating preemptively is not about assuming the worst or accusing your partner. It's about building trust, fostering open communication, and aligning your expectations to ensure a strong foundation for your relationship. Podcast Mentions Esther Perel Book: The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity Esther Perel Ted Talk:  Rethinking infidelity ... a talk for anyone who has ever loved The reason why People Cheat: Click here for the Article! Cheating in Relationships Statistics: Click here for the Article! Therapy for Black Men: Find a Therapist Therapy for Black Girls: Find a Therapist BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/ TalkSpace: https://www.talkspace.com/ CBT Thought Diary: https://cbtthoughtdiary.com/ Libby Audiobook Library: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackmarriagetherapy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackmarriagetherapy/support