A lot of women have experienced being cheated on. And, I’m sure we can all agree that it’s a very difficult thing to go through.
While it’s completely understandable to be upset and distraught after learning about your boyfriend’s cheating, what isn’t understandable is women’s misplaced anger in these situations.
Why is it that so many women get upset with the “other woman” their boyfriend is having an affair with instead of directing all their anger and hurt towards the man who actually made the commitment to them?
Who’s In The Relationship?
When you enter a relationship or marriage, it’s you and your man that makes that commitment or takes those vows.
The woman who slept with your boyfriend or husband never made any commitment to you. She didn’t take any vows, she didn’t agree to exclusivity.
But, for some reason, the other woman is often held to a higher standard of accountability than the man that cheated.
The sad truth is, majority of the time, the man was never honest about the fact that he was in a relationship in the first place.
So, why would you ever want to fight, hurt, or harass the other woman that your man was telling lies to?
Who’s Really To Blame?
Misplaced anger and aggression in cheating is a serious problem.
And, it takes away a lot of the man’s accountability and responsibility in the situation.
The man you decided to be in a relationship with cheats on you and you decide to stay in that relationship and punish the other woman? That sounds like a pretty sweet deal for your boyfriend!
But, why let your man avoid the full consequences of his actions when he’s the person who made the commitment to you?
The reality is, women who don’t know you, owe you nothing.
Was The “Other Woman” Your Friend?
The only person you should be addressing when you’ve been cheated on is your boyfriend or husband. The other woman is not to blame!
Now, if you were friends with the other woman you certainly have a right to be upset with her.
I definitely don’t agree with any woman knowingly going after a taken man and if you find yourself in this kind of situation, then you do need to address the “other woman” in terms of your friendship with her.
But, this still doesn’t give you a pass to fight or harass your friend.
Obviously, this friend isn’t the type of woman you should continue being friends with, but having a civilized conversation about her own betrayal to you is necessary!
For more great dating advice, get my book: Picking up the Pieces: Rebuilding Yourself for the Love and Relationship You Deserve.
Till Next Time,
Dee