Dr. Rob and Lora continue their discussion about self-awareness and honoring self while also thriving in a connected partnership. Leaving your partner doesn’t make the pain entirely go away, so you have to work to honor yourself whether you choose to stay or leave. Surround yourself with people who can support you and remind you of who you really are beyond what happened to you. There are great motivating factors behind an affair and an addiction, and understanding both will make all the difference in what you can expect as you heal after betrayal.

TAKEAWAYS:

[1:25] How can you hold onto yourself and also thrive in a connected partnership?

[5:00] You may have been hurt, but you deserve to remember who you really are.

[6:43] Your life isn’t over, it’s evolving.

[8:00] When you were hurt, you were crushed. Now is the time to flaunt yourself!

[10:14] It’s hard to be a beginner, but lean into the laughter of trying new things.

[14:00] Trusting yourself can get you exactly where you want to be.

[15:05] What is an affair vs. an addictive problem?

[18:00] It is not your fault. When people cheat they are doing it for their reasons.

[20:22] Is it naive for a woman to think she won’t be cheated on by a man?

RESOURCES:

Sex and Relationship Healing

@RobWeissMSW

Sex Addiction 101

Seeking Integrity

Dr. Geoff Goodman

Free Sexual Addiction Screening Assessment

Partner Sexuality Survey

Lora Cheadle

QUOTES:

• “You may have been victimized, but you have to start remembering who you are.”
• “Trust yourself, and seek out outside support and wisdom.”
• “Addiction is a tool that the other person is using to make themselves feel better, and the tool is never going to solve it.”
• “Trust is the backbone of our relationships.”