Whether a cheater can completely change and become faithful is a complex and individual matter. People are capable of change, but it's essential to recognize that change requires sincere effort, self-awareness, and a willingness to address the root causes of the behavior. Not everyone who has cheated will change, and the level of change can vary from person to person.
To know if someone who has cheated has truly changed, consider the following factors:
Remorse and Accountability: A genuine change begins with the cheater acknowledging their actions, taking responsibility, and expressing sincere remorse for the pain they caused.
Communication and Transparency: The person must be open and willing to communicate openly about their feelings, emotions, and any concerns that may arise. Transparency in their actions and communication is crucial to rebuilding trust.
Ending the Affair: If the infidelity involved an ongoing affair, the person must end the relationship with the third party and commit to no longer engaging in such behavior.
Seeking Professional Help: Changing ingrained behaviors may require professional help, such as therapy or counseling. If the person is committed to growth, they may seek support to address any underlying issues that contributed to the cheating.
Consistency Over Time: True change is not a one-time event but a consistent effort over an extended period. Observe if the person's behavior aligns with their commitment to faithfulness and if they demonstrate growth and improvement over time.
Respect and Empathy: A changed person will show genuine respect and empathy for the hurt they caused and work to make amends.
Rebuilding Trust: Rebuilding trust is a challenging process. Look for actions that indicate the person is actively working to rebuild trust and demonstrating trustworthiness.
Personal Growth: A person who has truly changed may show personal growth in various areas of their life, such as communication skills, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.
It's important to note that trust is earned, and rebuilding it takes time and patience. While some individuals can change and become faithful partners, others may struggle to do so. Consider your own well-being and emotional health when making decisions about the future of the relationship. If you are unsure or have concerns, seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor can be beneficial to help you navigate this complex situation.