Affairs grab our attention. Whether it’s someone in the news or a friend of a friend, we tune in, pass judgement, or quietly reflect on our own relationships. But what is it that makes cheating stories so captivating?In this episode, I talk about why we care so much about other people’s affairs. I explore how unmet needs, identity, and longing can show up in relationships. I unpack what betrayal can do to a person’s sense of self, why fantasy can feel easier than reality, and why some couples do try to rebuild after infidelity.This is not about sensationalism or blame. It’s a real conversation about what I see in the therapy room and what can help people make sense of something painful and complicated.What I cover in this episodeWhy cheating stories hook us, even when they’re not oursHow social referencing plays into our opinions on infidelityWhat betrayal can do to trust, identity, and mental healthThe messiness of defining cheating in relationshipsHow unmet needs and longing can fuel emotional or physical affairsWhat it can look like to recover as an individualWhat’s involved in repairing a relationship after an affairWhy not all couples stay togetherWhat happens when a relationship starts as an affairThe impact of perpetual problems in relationships (Gottman research: 69 percent of issues are ongoing)Why switching partners doesn’t always solve core differencesWhat couples need to rebuild trust and connectionReferenced in this episode 📚 The State of Affairs by Esther PerelGottman Method couples therapy modelAtonement, Attunement, and Attachment framework69 percent of relationship problems are perpetual and unsolvableTherapy helps manage rather than eliminate these recurring issuesConnected Teens https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/Connect with Marie https://thetherapyhub.com.au/ https://marievakakis.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/marievakakis/Submit a question to the Podcasthttps://forms.gle/nvNQyw9gJXMNnveY6

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