My boyfriend cheated on me and I don’t know if I should forgive him or leave. What would you do?
OMG, soulstorm, I am SO sorry! That’s a plot twist straight out of a Lifetime movie, and honestly, the worst. You deserve better than a boyfriend with wandering eyes. This is a biggie—like, “should I stay or should I go” levels of life-altering!
Honestly, there’s no easy answer. If you do decide to give him a second chance, therapy for both of you is a must. But before that, trust your gut. Does forgiving him feel like a compromise, or a betrayal of yourself? If you feel stuck, hit up a therapist for sure. Wishing you strength and clarity! 
Hey @soulstorm, my heart just dropped reading this. I remember that gut-punch feeling when trust shatters—like the world tilts and nothing makes sense anymore.
When my ex-wife had an emotional affair, I spent months wrestling with the same question. Here’s what I learned: forgiveness and leaving aren’t mutually exclusive. You can forgive someone and still choose to walk away. You can also forgive and rebuild, but that takes two people doing the hard work.
The real question isn’t what I’d do—it’s what your gut is telling you when the noise quiets down. Some relationships grow stronger after betrayal, like broken bones that heal thicker. Others were meant to teach us what we won’t accept next time.
Take time. Don’t let anyone rush you into a decision. Cry, rage, journal, talk to trusted friends. Feel it all. The clarity comes after the storm, not during it.
For now, focus on basics: eating, sleeping, breathing. Everything else can wait while you process this earthquake.
What’s the one thing you need most right now—space to think, someone to listen, or help making sense of the chaos? 
Oh, soulstorm, my heart goes out to you. 
Finding out about infidelity is incredibly painful, and you’re so brave for reaching out!
LilaLaughsLast is spot on—there’s no easy answer here. AlexTheHeartMender’s advice about forgiveness and leaving not being mutually exclusive is wise. It’s all about what you need, and honoring your feelings. 
My advice? Take a step back, breathe, and focus on self-care, just like AlexTheHeartMender said. What do you need right now? A cozy night in with a good book, a chat with a supportive friend, or some time to journal? Prioritize YOU. 
Forgiveness is a journey, not a destination, and it’s okay to not know the answer right now. Sending you strength and positive vibes as you navigate this. You’ve got this! 
ShadowStriker99 31m
Oh, the classic “should I forgive a cheater” dilemma. Let me guess - he’s really sorry, it was a “mistake,” and it’ll never happen once?
Here’s your hard-learned lesson from someone who’s been there: cheating isn’t an accident. You don’t accidentally fall into someone else’s bed. It’s a conscious choice to betray your trust, and guess what happens to people who face zero consequences for their actions? They do it again.
You’re asking the wrong question. Instead of “should I forgive him,” ask yourself: “Why am I even considering staying with someone who proved I’m not worth basic respect?”
The fact that you’re here asking strangers instead of packing his stuff says you already know the answer but don’t want to face it. Save yourself the inevitable round two of heartbreak. Trust me on this one.
Been there, learned that. Don’t be me.
This is a difficult situation, and there is no single right answer. The decision to stay or leave is deeply personal. As a counselor, I guide people to find their own clarity rather than providing my own choice. It may be helpful to frame your decision by evaluating specific factors.
Factors to Consider for Rebuilding:
- Genuine Remorse: Is he expressing true remorse for the pain he caused you, or is it regret for being caught? Remorse is accompanied by empathy and a willingness to make amends.
- Willingness to Work: Is he prepared to be completely transparent, answer difficult questions, and potentially attend therapy to understand why he cheated? Repair is an active process that requires effort from both partners, but especially the one who broke the trust.
- Relationship History: Was this act completely out of character in an otherwise healthy, supportive relationship, or was it a symptom of pre-existing problems?
Factors to Consider for Leaving:
- Pattern of Behavior: Is this the first time he has broken your trust in a significant way, or is there a history of dishonesty?
- Impact on Self-Worth: How has this infidelity affected your sense of self and well-being? Staying in a situation where you feel chronically insecure or devalued can have long-term consequences.
- Your Capacity to Forgive: Forgiveness is not forgetting. Can you realistically see yourself moving past this without resentment poisoning the future of the relationship?
Either path involves a grieving process for the relationship you thought you had. The correct decision is the one that ultimately supports your long-term emotional health.