&ldquo;What happens when a marriage falls apart?&rdquo; is a question that haunts many couples who once believed in the promise of a supposed &lsquo;lifelong partnership.&rsquo; It&rsquo;s easy to say that things that fall apart will soon fall into place if you try hard enough. Then again, what if it doesn&rsquo;t just fall apart? What if it shatters?
 Cheating is one of the most devastating blows a marriage can endure. It shatters trust, changes the way two people see each other&mdash;sometimes permanently. While some couples recover from infidelity through counseling, others find the betrayal too overwhelming to overcome. So, to prepare you for what may come, here&rsquo;s what to expect when a marriage falls apart because of cheating.
 1. Expect a rise in emotions you didn&rsquo;t know you had the capacity to feel
When cheating is discovered&mdash;whether through a text message, a confession, or a gut instinct confirmed&mdash;it often feels like the floor has been pulled out from under you. The betrayed spouse often cycles through disbelief, heartbreak, anger, and overwhelming confusion. Meanwhile, the partner who cheated may feel guilt, defensiveness, or in some cases, relief from finally revealing the secret.
 Emotions run high during this stage. Words are said that can&rsquo;t be taken back when the heat of it all becomes too much to bear. Sleep disappears, appetite changes, and everything becomes a blur. This stage is emotionally violent and raw&mdash;often when one or both partners begin to question whether the marriage can survive.
 2. Expect a shift in &lsquo;Power Dynamics&rsquo;
Once cheating is out in the open, the balance of power in the relationship often shifts. The betrayed partner may feel they have the upper hand emotionally, wielding the moral authority to demand answers, set boundaries, or even push for separation. Meanwhile, the unfaithful partner may feel guilt-ridden and desperate to make amends&mdash;or may not be willing to change at all.
 This imbalance can lead to more conflict. If the cheater becomes defensive or minimizes the betrayal, it usually worsens the damage. On the other hand, if they take full accountability and consistently work to rebuild trust, there&rsquo;s a small chance the dynamic can be restored.
 3. Expect that you&rsquo;ll eventually have to decide whether to stay or leave
Eventually, every couple facing infidelity reaches a fork in the road: &ldquo;Do we try to fix this, or do we walk away?&rdquo; Some couples go to therapy. Some try separation. Others remain stuck in a toxic limbo where healing never really begins. And some make a clean, painful break. There&rsquo;s no universally &ldquo;right&rdquo; answer&mdash;only what&rsquo;s right for those involved.
 If and when a marriage ends because of cheating, it can feel like a double loss. You&rsquo;ve lost your partner&mdash;and in some ways, a part of yourself. Divorce or separation is emotionally and financially draining. But sometimes, rock bottom is where people find their strength. We hope you find yours in the places you need it most, Fam.