How to Reduce the Chance of an Extramarital Affair

 Posted on June 12, 2015 in Illinois divorce lawyer

While affairs are becoming less cited as the number one cause of divorce, one partner’s infidelity in a marriage is still very much a factor that can lead to the dissolution of a marriage. Because of the high emotional stakes involved with an extramarital relationship, affairs tend to create more excitement or stress during a divorce than other reasons for separation, according to Psychology Today. Yet, the vast majority of relationships in which one partner was unfaithful do not end solely because of the affair—the relationship was not healthy or stable to begin with. There are plenty of examples in which an affair was the catalyst to end a struggling marriage; but in nearly all healthy marriages in which one partner makes a serious mistake and has an affair, the couple is able to work through the issue.

So why do people have affairs? And what can one partner do in an effort to avoid being put in that situation?

A spouse typically has an affair because he or she is feeling isolated or lonely in the relationship. Affairs are even more common if one or both partners have given up on the possibility that the marriage can be saved, indicated by an unwillingness to work on problems or a refusal to try to change a problematic behavior. They are especially common in sexless marriages, or when one partner does not do a good enough job of making the other feel wanted or desired.

There are several things a person can do to help mitigate the possibility of his or her partner having an affair. The most important thing a person can do is to stay involved in the spouse’s life—if your spouse is frequently having dinner with a “friend” of the opposite sex, it may be worth inviting yourself along. This includes making sure that your partner feels attractive and appreciated at home.

If you suspect that your spouse is having an affair, the most important first step is to seek legal counsel to learn your options. Do not go through it alone. Contact an experienced Batavia, IL, family law attorney today.