Everyone Thought I was Crazy for Staying: Amanda and Kenneth’s Story Recently, a client shared with me this text she received from a friend: "Saw your post today and had to respond. A woman who decided to choose family over female pride, I admire you. You have more strength than most. It's easy to bail to try to prove strength to others...I didn't want to say before, but it IS for each woman to decide herself which path she chooses to take. Just because you choose to stay, doesn't mean you're weak. As a matter of fact, it takes a stronger woman to stay! Most take the path of least resistance, it takes a mountain of a woman to stay and fight!" I understand the pain men and women experience who choose to work on their relationships after betrayal. In days gone by it was divorce that branded one with shame, but today, the shame of "staying" trumps the shame of divorce. Was it the same back in 1984 when I blew Stephanie's life up with my infidelity? I think not. For her, back in 1984, buying a book on infidelity was mortifying. Surely the woman at the checkout could see the truth - her husband had cheated and what followed was a long list of other stereotypical judgments. For Stephanie, the shame was related to what I had done and what that said about her and about our marriage. In today's world shame has an added dimension as now she might well feel scorned by society for actually considering staying. Certainly, every situation is different and each person has to make a choice, but it's sad when someone who's already suffering the trauma inflicted by infidelity is made to feel the fool if they choose to explore the possibility of restoring the relationship. Not only have they been betrayed, but now they are labeled as weak for not leaving. This week I want to share one woman's story of how she found the support and encouragement in her decision to explore whether her relationship could be salvaged. I hope it not only encourages you but validates the pain and hurt you're probably feeling paralyzed from. There is a way out my friends. You’re not crazy for staying and after you listen to Amanda and Kenneth’s story, I’m confident you’ll also want to take the next step and get the help you need. Harboring Hope is a safe place to help with your personal healing. Sections: NewsletterFounder's LaptopFree ResourcesHot Off the PressRL_Category: For The Hurt SpouseRecovery FundamentalsRL_Media Type: Video
