It’s a question as old as time or at least as old as relationships: Can a serial cheater ever change their ways?
Some people believe that cheaters are simply wired differently, and that change is unlikely. Others believe that given the right circumstances, anyone is capable of change. There is no easy answer, but it’s important to remember that people are complex creatures with the ability to grow over time.
To answer this question properly, we first need to understand what drives someone to cheat multiple times in the first place. So read on!
What motivates a serial cheater?
For some people, cheating is simply a matter of opportunity; whether they’re getting or not what they want from their current relationship, they will still be tempted to look elsewhere, if they can.
For others, cheating is about validation; they feel like they need to constantly be desired by others, in order to feel good about themselves. And still, others may cheat out of feelings of resentment or revenge, seeking to even the score after feeling wronged by their partner.
The good news is that, regardless of the reasons behind someone’s cheating, it is possible for them to change their behavior. The key is to first identify the underlying issues that are driving the cheating and then address those issues head-on.
With a sincere desire to change, a good dose of self-control, and the right support system in place, it is possible for even the most prolific cheater to turn over a new leaf. Just because someone has cheated in the past doesn’t mean they’re doomed to a life of infidelity. With effort and commitment, it may be possible for a serial cheater to turn their life around. Only time will tell.
How can a serial cheater change?
Serial cheaters are a dime a dozen. in today’s world, most people have probably cheated at least once in their lifetime; which is sad and unfortunate. Some people even did it once, didn’t get caught, and will never admit to it. But what about those who seem to make a habit out of cheating? Is there any hope for them to change?
The answer, unfortunately, is not always clear. Some people are able to change their ways and be faithful to their partner from that day forward. Others may cheat again and again, despite their best intentions. So what’s the difference?
For some people, cheating is simply a matter of opportunity, as stated earlier in this article. If they’re in a committed relationship, and they see an opportunity, they still pounce on it. This is obviously the worst type of cheater and the most difficult one to dissuade from such a betrayal.
Keep in mind though, that others cheat because they have different standards for what constitutes “cheating.” They may believe that kissing or flirting isn’t really cheating, so they don’t think twice about doing it. So make sure you and your partner are always on the same page about what is and what isn’t considered cheating in your relationship.
In the end, some people are able to change their ways and be faithful to their partners, but it’s not easy. It requires a lot of effort and commitment. They need to be willing to work on themselves and their relationships.
They also need to be honest with themselves and their partners about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. If a serial cheater is willing to do all of these things, then there’s a chance that they can learn to be faithful. However, it’s important to remember that change is never easy, so don’t get your hopes up too high.
Should you stay with a serial cheater?
If someone has cheated on you once, should you forgive them and give them a second chance? That’s a tough question to answer, there are too many factors involved and there is no right or wrong answer. For most people, cheating cannot be forgiven and is a major dealbreaker in relationships, but many tend to forgive a “one-time accident”.
However, if you’re considering forgiving a serial cheater, you might want to think twice. First of all, they’ve already shown that they’re not loyal to you. They could deceive you again and again, no matter how many chances you give them. So break the cycle today rather than tomorrow. Put an end to this cycle while you still can rather than when you’re older, more frustrated, and more drained.
Secondly, by forgiving them, you’re essentially enabling their bad behavior. You’re essentially saying that it’s okay for them to cheat on you repetitively. It’s like giving them the green light to do it again and again, especially if you didn’t hold them accountable the right way for it before you took them back the first time.
Let’s say they cheated on you, on a whim, the first time. Do you genuinely think if they find someone extremely appealing and willing this time around and have more reasons to do it, they’ll decline? Of course not, it took less to make them do it the first time already. So why would they deter themselves from it when they have better reasons and motives.
And lastly, you’re setting yourself up for more heartache down the road. If you forgive a serial cheater now, you’ll just be inviting them to break your heart again in the future. It’s better to cut your losses and move on.