As humans, we have been conditioned to believe that monogamy is the best way to go when it comes to love and romance. We often hear about how committed partnerships are ideal because they promote trust, loyalty, and accountability.
There is another side to this story that many people don't talk about. Extramarital affairs can play a significant role in one's identity, self-esteem, and long-term relational trust. This article will explore these three aspects and their connection to extramarital sexual encounters.
Identity
When you engage in an affair outside your marriage, you may feel like a new person. You might feel empowered, liberated, or even more confident than before. The excitement of having someone else express interest in you and want to be with you can boost your ego and make you feel desired. This sense of freedom can help you discover new sides of yourself and lead to personal growth.
You could try out new hobbies, explore new places, and push boundaries within yourself that were previously unexplored.
Self-Esteem
The euphoric feelings from having sex outside your relationship can also lead to low self-esteem. If you're not careful, you can start comparing your partner's abilities to those of other men or women, which can be detrimental to your mental health. You may begin to doubt your worthiness as a partner if you think others find them more attractive than you do.
You may become obsessed with the affair and ignore your spouse's needs, leading to resentment and further damage to your self-image.
Relational Trust
Extramarital affairs can strengthen your relationship by making it more honest. When couples talk about their desires, they learn to trust each other and communicate better. It's essential to address issues head-on rather than bottling them up inside until they explode into something destructive. Affairs can force this conversation and make both parties work through their insecurities and fears together.
If one partner discovers the affair, it can cause irreparable harm to the relationship. Trust is broken, and infidelity can lead to anger, betrayal, and even divorce.
How do extramarital sexual encounters affect identity, self-esteem, and long-term relational trust?
There are several ways extramarital sexual encounters can impact one's identity, self-esteem, and long-term relational trust. Firstly, engaging in infidelity may lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy, which can negatively influence one's sense of self-worth and identity. Additionally, it can strain relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues, as well as damage trust within the primary relationship.