I've never met a sociopath I didn't like.

Opinions on monogamy following divorce after infidelity?

Some may find this subject TRIGGERY so to start with here's a health warning to those starting out on their new relationship journeys. I do not wish to cause anyone any more pain!!

Maybe this thread would be better in General (Mods please feel free to move or even delete) but I'm interested in how those who have been through the trauma of infidelity and have eventually come out the other side now feel about the concept of monogamy and whether their beliefs have changed at all as a result of being cheated on as they start new relationships, particularly those who were in long term marriages and are of a certain age!

I'm much more interested in opinions from BS's but remorseful and reconciling WS's thoughts are welcome also as are those who have found a path going forward that doesn't embrace the concept of monogamy in their relationship(s).

From my own perspective the deep betrayal 6 years ago following a 25 year relationship, certainly made me think deeply about this subject and how I can (maybe?) protect myself from ever experiencing this kind of pain ever again. (I have been and still am monogamous in all my relationships).

This is all very subjective so I hope we will respect other's opinions that might differ from our own on this personal and sensitive issue.

20 comments posted: Friday, October 1st, 2021

Struggling with cynicism. Any suggestions?

Not a 'new beginning' as such as I'm engaged to be married, having met my lovely partner over 3 years ago.

However, I'm really struggling with relationship/marriage cynicism. I think I've always had a cynical outlook on life and people generally having spent 30 years in law enforcement!

Being a BS I am painfully aware that whilst things may be fantastic 'in the moment', individuals change and relationships change and no BS wants to be made a fool of...again! I guess cynicism stems from a lack of trust which comes from one's experience of life and people over time.

I'm also having an internal battle between my acceptance of empowered, independent, strong, modern women (who I love!) and yet at the same time those same women having conveniently 'old fashioned' ideas about men's roles in society and in relationships.

I'm not sure I'm making much sense but if anyone has any thoughts or reading suggestions on how to try to overcome cynicism please post away.

3 comments posted: Tuesday, October 13th, 2020

'Attached' by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller

Having just finished this book I've started to read it again from start to finish.

Many books on 'Attachment theory' can be quite dry and scholarly whereas this book deals with the issues on a practical everyday level. It helps you to determine your own attachment style as well as identifying attachment styles of others and how to connect better with partners with potentially very different comfort levels of intimacy.

For those on here (most likely all of us?) with either anxious or avoidant attachment styles (or both!) this book is worth it's weight in gold, particularly to those either in reconciliation or starting their 'new beginnings'.

It would be interesting to read feedback on this book from others on here.

6 comments posted: Friday, March 6th, 2015