Pandora was a mythological Greek woman, who was given a box and told not to open it. As soon as the giver was out of sight, she opened the box and unleashed the troubles of the world. The troubles could never be put back in the box again.
Affairs are very similar to a Pandora’s box. Once you cross that line, it can never be undone. The feelings it opens up can no longer be left behind or closed again. Even if you return to your marriage, there will always be the lingering effects of the infidelity.
I am not saying that a marriage cannot be repaired after such an event, but I am saying that it will leave a mark.
Infidelity is like an addiction. It begins slowly and then, before you know it, you’re partaking in something you never thought you’d find yourself doing. It seems the more you engage in it, the more of it you want. The phone calls, texts, meetings become all-consuming and, before long, it’s all you think about. Your focus is lost and you find it affecting your daily life and interactions, even with your children.
At first, it’s an exhilarating feeling but as time goes on, it becomes exhausting. No one can function with all the lies, secrets and high emotions for too long, without feeling the effects.
If you find yourself in this position, wondering if there is a way out or a path back to normalcy, call to schedule an appointment. While it might seem you can’t rein it all back in, remember one important thing – even Pandora’s box had something remaining under the lid, hope.
There is hope for you and your marriage.
Artwork by Sophia Palma