The Fantasyland of an Affair In one succinct phrase, L. Frank Baum perfectly describes the feeling of suddenly finding yourself physically and emotionally lost. "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore," Dorothy quipped to her dog Toto. When it comes to infidelity, regardless of the type, this statement couldn't be truer. In Dorothy's mind, mediocrity defined her life. Consider joining Hope for Healing where you'll find community for isolation and healing for shame —and that's just the beginning. Learn More | Hope For Healing! Maybe you've felt like Dorothy. There was allegedly no color in her life. There was no excitement to be found in her prosaic little town in the middle of Kansas. The drudgery of farm life left her feeling hopelessly chained to a life of misery and unfulfilled expectations. Didn't she deserve to be happy? Didn't she deserve to feel alive with passion and the fulfillment of her every desire? Dorothy spent all her time longing for a better, more exciting life, and eventually found herself swept away by an ominous tornado that sent her helplessly spinning into a strange new land of fantasy. Unlike her old life, this new life was painted with vibrant colors and was full of song. She also found she was no longer alone. A strange troop of friends entered her life: a scarecrow that lacked brains, a tin man missing his heart, and a lion with no courage. This motley crew committed to assisting young Dorothy and her dog, Toto, in her search for the Wizard of Oz. Oddly enough though, flying monkeys, wicked witches, and deception left Dorothy longing for the very thing she desperately wanted to escape. She just wanted to be home again where she felt safe and cared for. It's as if the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was writing about those trapped in affairs or addictions! How often do indiscretions begin with feelings of mediocrity or a desire to feel alive, passionate, and understood, seeking freedom from the constraints of a life we no longer want and pursuing the happiness we believe we deserve? And, like Dorothy, the dissatisfaction prompting the search for better life sparks a tornado, devastating everything in its path. Catapulted into a strange new fantasyland, the individual is left to wrestle with what to do. Only now, they have to operate with the handicaps of Dorothy's team. They have no brain, no heart, and no courage. How do you decide what to do when somebody has lost his or her brain? If you've ever observed someone in an affair, it certainly seems they've lost their mind. I have seen successful men and women in extremely influential positions transformed into inept and incompetent individuals who seem incapable of making a rational decision. They become willing to jeopardize their career, family, and future for the momentary pleasure. If the behavior of being "in love" were not socially acceptable, they would be certifiably insane. Everyone else can see that they have no brain--their reasoning and common sense are gone, but they refuse to hear the voice of any differing opinion about their actions, mindset or choices. The loss of heart is also apparent. There is an illusion that if one is in love, they are finally in touch with their heart, but with infidelity, they've actually just given away what little heart they had. The selfish pursuits of personal gratification and self-glorification have nothing to do with heart; rather, they are based on self-centeredness. Like the tin man, the person involved in an affair lacks the ability to truly love. People with heart are actually able to feel what impact their actions have on those who are connected to them. They care about the pain they are inflicting upon those they love, and that compels them to act in the best interest of another person. The total lack of love for those injured by their betrayal is one of the most astounding aspects of an affair. It is often revealed by their response to the collateral damage they've created through their own choices. The path out of this dark morass definitely requires that they acquire a heart, not only to grieve for those they've wounded, but also to learn how to love in a way that is deeply satisfying. Finally, courage isn't a term used to describe those indulging in affairs. In fact, the act of betrayal highlights the lack of courage. Instead of exercising the courage necessary to admit what they've done and take responsibility for their choices, they hide behind a veil of secrecy, playing the victim and blaming others for their choices. Rather than having the courage to confront the deficits in their marriage while honoring their commitment, even in hard times, they avoid difficulties of change, are afraid to face the consequences of their actions, and fear releasing control because things might not turn out the way they want them to. Ironically, it is this lack of courage that keeps them hopelessly trapped in the life that they believe they need to escape. The only way to end the chaos is to let go. When they lack the courage to let go and see what might happen, they remain immobilized, unable to face life's realities. So, why can't they just embrace honesty and take responsibility for what they've done? The answer is simple: to do so would create immediate change, as well as a loss of control. It requires courage to actually take personal responsibility for their life and actions. Frequently, those lacking the courage to take responsibility will hide behind the justification and rationalization that they don't want to hurt their mate, claiming they are acting in their mate's best interest by keeping quiet. In reality, they are controlling their mate by robbing them of the information necessary to make informed decisions and to address the issues in the marriage. It takes courage to be authentic in a marriage, but like the lion of Oz, courage is a trait that is sadly missing in those who are in the act of betraying their spouse. Interestingly, this trip to the fantasyland of an affair often culminates in a longing for home. Like Dorothy, betrayers often realize that "there's no place like home." But how do they possibly save face and return? It would be nice if they could simply click their ruby-red heels together, but, unfortunately, infidelity creates a bigger mess than a physical tornado and requires a much more elaborate journey if they are going to find their way back home. The journey is difficult and can seem to go in circles, but the destination is more exciting and, ultimately, more rewarding than the fantasyland. It takes time and effort, but it is absolutely our best hope for growth and happiness. Wayward partners, come back to reality. Rediscover your brain, heart, and courage, and you'll find there truly is no place like home. If you believe there's no way back, I can tell you from experience that you are believing a lie. Betrayed partners, have courage and an open heart to these changes. This is a difficult journey for both of you. I've been doing this for over 40 years, and I know thousands of couples who've found incredible healing in their marriage. It does, however, require the courage to take the first step. Consider Hope for Healing, our online course for unfaithful spouses, where you will find guidance and encouragement on your journey. See a professional who has training in infidelity or join our Recovery Library. No matter what route you choose, at least do something that leads to healing. Start using your brain to see if maybe you don't know everything. Start using your heart to feel for those who are hurt and allow yourself to experience compassion. Finally, have the courage to take that first step and let go of control to see what could happen. Sections: NewsletterFounder's LaptopFree ResourcesHot Off the PressRL_Category: Find HopeFor The Hurt SpouseFor the Unfaithful SpouseRecovering AloneRecovery FundamentalsSafety in RecoveryRL_Media Type: Video
