Before you say ‘we’re fine’—the silent threat testing relationships

Trust. It’s the invisible glue that holds relationships together, and when it’s broken, the fallout can be seismic. 

For many Australians, the question of whether a relationship can survive infidelity is more than just a hypothetical—it’s a deeply personal dilemma that can keep you up at night. 

So, can you ever truly forgive a partner who’s cheated? Or is that breach of trust simply too big to repair?

A recent survey of over 500 Australians has shed some light on this age-old question, and the results are as fascinating as they are revealing. 

According to the poll, a solid 61 per cent of respondents said they couldn’t forgive a partner who cheated. That’s a clear majority, suggesting that for most of us, trust is a one-strike-and-you’re-out kind of deal. 

But what about the other side of the coin? Interestingly, 27 per cent of those surveyed said they could find it in their hearts to forgive. For these folks, the path to reconciliation might be rocky, but it’s not impossible. 

As one respondent put it, ‘It was never the same. Can they be trusted again? That hurt is always there.’

It’s a sentiment that will resonate with anyone who’s tried to patch things up after a betrayal—sometimes, the cracks just never quite disappear.

Of course, life isn’t always black and white, and relationships are no exception. That’s where the 12 per cent of respondents who answered ‘it depends’ come in. 

For them, forgiveness isn’t a simple yes or no—it’s a nuanced decision shaped by the circumstances. Was it a one-off mistake or a long-term affair? Did the partner come clean, or was it dragged out into the open? 

Are there children involved, or years of shared history to consider? As one person commented, ‘If it was a once-off thing, maybe, but if it was something with the same person for a long time, no way.’ It’s a reminder that every relationship is unique, and so is every act of forgiveness.

But let’s flip the script for a moment. How many of us have actually strayed? According to the survey, only 22 per cent admitted to having cheated on a partner, while a whopping 72 per cent said they’d never crossed that line. 

That’s a reassuring statistic for anyone feeling a bit jaded about the state of modern romance.

And if you’re single and feeling like the odd one out, take heart—the survey found that Australians are almost evenly split between those in relationships (55 per cent) and those flying solo (45 per cent). 

Love, it seems, is not a universal constant, and there’s no shame in taking your time to find the right person—or in choosing to go it alone.

When it comes to experience, most Australians have had a couple of serious relationships in their lifetime, with 30 per cent saying they’ve only ever had two. 

Some respondents shared stories of decades-long partnerships, while others admitted they hadn’t been in a relationship for 20 years or more. 

One reader reminisced, ‘I started dating my husband when he was 20 and I was 18, and that was 1992. We have our arguments, but wouldn’t dream of life away from each other!’ 

It’s a heartwarming reminder that while trust can be fragile, it can also be the foundation of a love that lasts a lifetime.

So, what does all this mean for you? If you’re grappling with questions of trust, forgiveness, or whether to give love another shot, know that you’re not alone. Every relationship faces its own challenges, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is what feels right for you.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever forgiven a partner for cheating? Do you think trust can ever be fully restored? 

Or is it a dealbreaker, plain and simple? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below—your experience might just help someone else facing the same tough decision.

And remember, whether you’re in a relationship, single, or somewhere in between, your journey is uniquely yours. Trust yourself to make the choices that are right for you.

Also read: Unlock happier relationships instantly: The ‘5 Second Rule’ every psychologist swears by