{"id":222,"date":"2019-01-29T06:15:02","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T06:15:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blsandbox1.wpengine.com\/?p=222"},"modified":"2019-05-21T11:45:08","modified_gmt":"2019-05-21T17:45:08","slug":"how-to-rebuild-trust-in-a-relationship-after-porn-addiction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifestartherapy.com\/how-to-rebuild-trust-in-a-relationship-after-porn-addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Rebuild Trust In A Relationship [After Porn Addiction]"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"Trust is something that must be earned in a relationship over time. Whether you\u2019re interacting with a spouse, partner, or friend, trust develops over a series of incidences where promises are kept and both people are able to become more vulnerable and open. This type of trust is crucial to building and maintaining a strong relationship. Without it, the foundation of the relationship crumbles, and suspicion, doubt, and hurt can take its place.<\/p>\n

Fixing Trust Issues<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re looking to fix trust issues in a relationship, especially due to\u00a0porn addiction<\/a>, you\u2019ll need to invest time and effort. Like planting a seed and watching it grow, it takes patience to allow trust to be fostered in any relationship after it has been compromised. Regaining trust may feel like you\u2019re starting over completely in your relationship, but it is the most important part of a healthy relationship.<\/p>\n

How to Rebuild Trust<\/h2>\n

Partners of someone with a porn addiction can feel intense betrayal and trauma. In many ways, porn addiction is a form of cheating, since it\u2019s an avenue for sexual arousal with someone other than your spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend. To rebuild trust in a relationship, act as if you\u2019ve cheated on your significant other. This is the level of seriousness required to fix the betrayal that comes along with porn addiction.<\/p>\n

On the flip side, the person with the porn addiction may feel guilt and shame for their actions. Both the porn addict and the partner can benefit from practicing\u00a0steps to stabilize the relationship<\/a>, including:<\/p>\n

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  1. Stay connected through communication.<\/li>\n
  2. Understand addiction and the trauma of betrayal.<\/li>\n
  3. Find a support group.<\/li>\n
  4. Create a recovery plan together.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Rebuilding Trust After Lying<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Those with a porn addiction usually have to lie to keep their addiction a secret. If you\u2019re looking to rebuild trust in a relationship after lying, you\u2019ll need to recommit to being completely truthful going forward. You\u2019ll need to take full responsibility for your actions and ask forgiveness for your wrongdoings. To show a sincere change of heart moving forward, you\u2019ll also need to set new boundaries that demonstrate recommitment to truthfulness. These boundaries might include transparency with email and cell phones, setting internet restrictions, and more.<\/p>\n

    Rebuilding Trust in Marriage<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Marriage is a sacred space where spouses should feel total trust and commitment to each other. When that trust is removed, it can be a long road to rebuild. But when both parties want to put in the effort, it can be done. Spouses of porn addicts can help to rebuild trust by educating themselves about the issue and\u00a0providing support to new habits<\/a>. Both partners should establish a self-care routine and seek counseling to deal with the grief and pain.<\/p>\n

    How Long Will It Take?<\/h2>\n

    Rebuilding trust in marriage does not have a specific timeline. This will be a non-linear path with many ups and downs. If you\u2019re seeking to rebuild trust with a spouse or other loved one, you should not compare yourselves to anyone else. The path to trust is completely dependent on your personalities and specific life experiences. Be patient if progress seems to slow or has dips and turns along the way.<\/p>\n

    Tools for Moving Forward<\/h2>\n

    No matter the reason for building trust in a relationship, there are basic tools that can help facilitate positive change. Even when the path seems impossible, using these tools will improve your situation:<\/p>\n