Infidelity is Not the Only Betrayal in Relationships
“”I have never understood the mindset that there is a game-winning or game-losing shot. This, to me, renders the entire rest of the game useless, and unimportant. If the star player has made a record breaking, 62 points in the game leading up to the final 3 seconds, the team is down by 2 and her final toss toward the basket misses, is she really responsible for the game-losing shot? I think not.
Nor do I think that one betrayal can make or break a relationship. Sure, it can complicate, undermine or greatly influence a relationship, but one isolated betrayal is not typically what leads to the demise of a relationship. Furthermore, just as a bad pass might lead to a missed catch in a basketball game, one betrayal might lead to another betrayal in relationships.
We are all responsible for our part. Always. No matter what the game. Especially in relationships.
Betrayals come in many forms. Though many people might disagree with me, I do not believe in a hierarchy of betrayals. A betrayal is a betrayal is a betrayal.
- Invalidation
- Not making their partner a priority
- Not being there when their partner is hurting or sick
- Not contributing to the well-being of the family (“me” versus “we” mindset)
- Not keeping promises
- Keeping secrets
- Lying
- Humiliating or putting down partner in public or private
- Committing an act of emotional or physical infidelity
- Being physically violent
Relationships are fluid. They are strengthened one choice at a time, and they are weakened one choice at a time. There are no make or break moments in a relationship, there is always a gradual movement toward better or toward worse.
Take notice of the entire dance, not just the last few steps.