- It's never a pretty or fair situation if you or someone you know is being cheated on.
- While it can be tempting to step in and play the hero for someone you care about, you may not want to get involved, depending on the situation.
- You'll have to do what you feel is right in your heart in the end, as there is no clear-cut right or wrong when it comes to sharing this information.
Cheating is always a touchy subject. It's an unpleasant topic of conversation no matter how it's broached, and no one should have to go through the frustration and hurt that comes along with being cheated on.
But what happens when you find yourself privy to important information, such as the fact that someone you know who's in a relationship is being cheated on?
If, for some reason, you end up in the uncomfortable situation where you've become privy to the fact that one or both members of a relationship are cheating, what should you do? Should you keep silent about the situation, or should you be open and honest with the people involved? Here are some things to consider when turning over the situation in your head.
Consider your relationship with the individuals involved and act accordingly.
It can be tempting to act on your own with the newfound information you've discovered, but you should first stop and think about how well you know these people and the situation. You may not have all the facts.
First, consider whether or not you know for a fact you've witnessed cheating, and if it's something that could potentially tear the relationship asunder. The Independent points out, it could potentially be part of an open relationship. The fact is, you don't know the boundaries of their relationship or if they practice non-monogamy. There are many ways these things could go, and you don't want to find yourself in an awkward situation where you're completely incorrect.
Or you may make things even worse because you decided to speak up, which could put all parties at risk in various different ways. Psychiatrist Scott Haltzman suggests simply keeping it to yourself if you don't know enough. "For instance, if the spouse of the person having an affair engages in domestic violence, you could be setting up that other person to be at risk," he told HuffPost.
Of course, if you already believe your friend or loved one is already in a dangerous relationship and you feel this information could help set them free, or at least empower them to get help, you might consider speaking up. Body and Soul suggests that you should absolutely look out for your neighbors, especially if you're "privy to more than their friends."
If you do decide you want to go through with it after turning it over in your mind, StyleCaster suggests doing it face to face. Opt out of sending a text, email, or calling him or her up. This is news that needs to be shared in person. Then, once you've done the deed, make sure you give them the space they need and deserve while also making it clear you're here for them if they need it.
Do what you feel is right in the end.
There is no clear-cut right or wrong answer to this question, unfortunately. Psychology Today suggests that perhaps you should simply "do the right thing," even if it means telling your friend or loved one the truth, and seeing them get hurt. The hurt they'll experience from your interference would likely be minimal compared to having to find out for themselves or living blissfully unaware of the secrecy going on behind their back.
Above all, consider how your friend would want you to react in this situation. Lifehacker suggests considering their typical reactions to bad news, and how they like to receive it. Keep their best interests in mind and you should have no trouble arriving at a conclusion, even though the general consensus seems to be that you may want to stay out of these affairs, and let nature take its course, painful as that may be.
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