Coping with Hysterical Bonding After Infidelity

Infidelity can be a devastating blow to any relationship, leaving those affected struggling with a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, and confusion.

One response to infidelity that some individuals may experience is known as hysterical bonding.

Hysterical bonding is when a person attempts to win back their partner after emotional or sexual infidelity.

It's often considered part of the bargaining stage in the grief process, where some people feel responsible for their partner's infidelity and believe that their sex life is the key to commitment.

Some people are willing to break their boundaries and give their partner whatever they want to stay in the relationship.

One of the most important things to consider when grieving is that you need to be your focus.

It can be helpful to consider what you need, not from your relationship, but for your self care. What do you need to process your emotions? What do you need to no longer feel it was your fault? How do you cope when those strong feelings surge? Are you eating, drinking enough water, and sleeping enough? Are you still doing activities that bring you joy and value?

Sometimes folks decide to remain in the relationship, and sometimes they don't. There is no right or wrong, black and white answer, but it is important to make a sound, wise decision for yourself. To do that, reach out to your support system, whether it's friends, family, a community group, or even a therapist, to help not just consider your options, but to love and support you as you grieve and heal.