No one is impervious to temptation. If they say they are, then they are lying or a saint. Temptation has a way of hitting you when you least expect it. Some are better at dealing with it than others, but everyone struggles with it.
When you are in a long-term relationship, it can get a bit mundane at times. Even the mildest of stimulus can illicit a passionate reaction. But that doesn’t mean that you should throw your relationship under the bus. Cheating will do irreparable harm to your relationship, and afterwards, you will be filled with self-loathing and guilt. So, here's how you can resist temptation and not screw up your relationship.
Realize that everyone gets bored
As you get older your days start melting into one. A new day doesn't feel like a new day but rather a continuation of the previous one. Your life might solely comprise of work then home, each day, every day. This is natural. Humans are funny creatures. Those with wildly exciting lives look forward to a day of monotony while to those with boring lives take note of even the tiniest change in their schedule. It helps to realize that life at the other end of the spectrum isn't much better.
Get out of town every once in a while
A trip out of town ought to break the monotony nicely. But then comes the question of whether to go at it alone or take your partner with you? Evaluate where you are at your relationship and decide accordingly. If you feel that a night out of town alone is what you need, then go ahead. Try not to make a habit of it. If you feel you and your bae deserve some time out, then pack your bags together.
Be careful what you fill your head with
Did your fantasies about having an affair manifest themselves after reading a book or watching a movie? Is a friend or colleague a bad influence? Take stock of everything you have been consuming. Maybe its time to drop that steamy television show -- or your wayward friend for that matter. If your fantasies involve someone you know, picture your partner instead -- or someone who isn't real.
Narrow down your problem
According to psychologists, most men cheat out of loneliness -- not because of their overactive libidos. Figure out what's going wrong in your relationship that you are looking elsewhere for fulfillment. Is your partner not giving you enough attention? Do you feel taken for granted? Figure out what's bothering you and discuss it.
Don't romanticize cheating on a partner
Some individuals romanticize the act of adultery. Today's media climate doesn't help. Everything from movies to romantic novels tell you the reasons for cheating are complex. There's no one particular reason for straying, and it might lead to better things.
Wrong. Cheating is never okay. It's the coward’s way out. If you are unhappy, let your partner know. The narrative that ultimately, through cheating, both parties will be on their way to true happiness needs to stop.
Never tempt fate
If you are one of those people who rides the subway in order to side eye the leggy brunette who is always there, then you need a bucket of ice water poured on top of you. Why are you deliberately putting yourself on the path of temptation? Soon those smiles will become something more. And if you somehow just built it all up in your head, you're setting yourself up and preparing for the time you do cheat. Can you see where this is headed? Nowhere good.
Spice up your love life
Sometimes routines can be comforting, and other times they can make you feel trapped. If the latter rings true for you, then it's time to spice things up a bit. Surprise your partner at work. Plan some impromptu date nights. Be creative in the bedroom. Don't be afraid to experiment. Find new ways to surprise and delight one another.
Openly communicate
It never hurts to talk things out. Open communication is the lifeblood of any relationship. It is even more true if you have been thinking about straying. Don't be afraid. Let your partner know that you have been on edge lately.
How do YOU deal with temptation? Let us know in the comments.