Couples that choose to stay together after infidelity understand the value of relationship commitment and forgiveness, regardless of whether the affair was physical or emotional. Counseling is offered for couples who want to mend their relationship and move on. Many people are successful. Others decide that ending the marriage is the best option for them. Here are some other factors that may influence how a couple decides to deal with the issue of infidelity: If the affair was very serious, then it's not uncommon for the heartbroken partner to want nothing to do with the person that they believe to be responsible for inflicting pain that they cannot yet begin to heal from. This decision can be difficult for both parties to bear, but it does give each person space to process their feelings. People who have affairs usually feel like they lack something in their relationships. They may seek attention and affection through sexual relations with others and believe that what they're feeling isn't being returned by their spouses. For these reasons, an affair often leads people to question whether or not their lives will ever be the same again. However, if the affair is out in the open and there is no hope of it being kept secret, then people can become angry and hurt that their privacy has been invaded without permission.