Infidelity: The Marriage Killing Drug

Alright, everybody! Today, we're going to be talking about drugs!

Now, don't worry, I know exactly what you're thinking; "Drugs? Why the heck are we talking about that on a family blog?" Trust me, it'll make sense in a second! With that out of the way, I think it's safe to say that everybody understands the fact that drugs are terrible for you! With overwhelming evidence and statistics that show how harmful they are, as a society, we pretty much accepted it as common knowledge that we should stay away from them!

When you think of drugs, however, the first thing that pops in your mind is probably some type of harmful substance. This is completely normal, as that is the most obvious type of drug that shows very visible and immediate effects. That isn't the only type of drug that exists, though. What about the types of drugs that aren't substances, but are actions and concepts? What about the types of drugs that aren't as noticeable nor immediate in their harmful effects? Arguably, these types of drugs are even more dangerous than the obvious ones due to the simple fact that people are oblivious to them. Today, I'm going to talk about one of those drugs: infidelity.

Let's start this topic by defining what infidelity is. According to the glorious internet, infidelity is the action or state of being unfaithful to a spouse; on the other hand, fidelity is the quality or state of being faithful, instead (Merriam-Webster). Again, I know what you're thinking: "That is not subtle at all! Cheating on your wife/husband is very clearly wrong and everyone knows that!" I want to make it clear that this is absolutely correct! However, this is what infidelity can lead to; it does not properly explain how it begins to take root. This is a huge problem, especially in early marriages where a couple is more susceptible to challenges in adjusting.

This is something that took me by surprise when I learned about it, but infidelity often starts in the relationship a married couple has with their perspective friends. Let me explain by telling a scenario: a woman has been married to her husband for a couple of years now. Recently, they have been disagreeing on a lot of things that make her upset. One evening, when she's alone at home while her husband is at work, she feels the need to vent to someone. She pulls out her phone, calls her best friend since kindergarten, and begins to tell her all the ways her husband makes her upset. She emotionally connects with her best friend, and begins to confide in her as she validates her feelings through the phone.

You've heard the concept that you're able to tell your best friend anything, so you read this scenario and believe that everything is fine. Sadly, my friends, this is a prime example of infidelity. This act that looks innocent enough is emotional infidelity, the number one cause that leads to hundreds of marriages ending in cheating or worse. When you are in a serious relationship, let alone married, the only person that you should be fully confided in and emotionally open toward is your spouse. It is especially inappropriate to talk negatively about your spouse to other people that you trust. If there is a problem that you have with your partner, it is critical that you speak about it to them.

Listen, I'm not saying that this is easy, nor am I saying that you aren't allowed to have close friends and relationships with other people. What I am saying is that there needs to be clear and concrete boundaries with said friends. Marriage comes with responsibilities and a type of loyalty that you might find unnatural. Here's the beautiful truth: marriage isn't supposed to be natural. In fact, it's the most supernatural thing that exists in this world, today.

Thanks so much for reading, and as always, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!