10 Questions

10 Questions to Ask Your Unfaithful Boyfriend

Direct questions that help you understand the truth, assess the relationship's future, and make informed decisions about whether to rebuild trust or move on.

1

What exactly happened and when did it start?

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Why this works

Establishes the basic facts and timeline, which is essential for understanding the scope and nature of the betrayal.

2

Why did you choose to be unfaithful instead of addressing our relationship issues?

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Why this works

Reveals their decision-making process and whether they're taking responsibility for their choices rather than blaming external factors.

3

How do you feel about what you did and do you regret it?

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Why this works

Assesses their emotional response and level of remorse, which is crucial for determining if reconciliation is possible.

4

What were you thinking when you made the decision to be unfaithful?

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Why this works

Reveals their mindset and reasoning at the time, helping you understand their thought process and whether it's likely to change.

5

Is this the first time you've been unfaithful, or have there been other instances?

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Why this works

Determines if this is a pattern of behavior or an isolated incident, which significantly impacts the likelihood of future trust.

6

What do you want to happen now, and are you willing to do the work to rebuild trust?

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Why this works

Assesses their commitment to the relationship and willingness to take concrete steps toward healing and change.

7

What changes are you willing to make to ensure this doesn't happen again?

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Why this works

Reveals their understanding of what's needed for change and their commitment to specific actions that demonstrate growth.

8

How do you plan to rebuild my trust, and what does that process look like to you?

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Why this works

Tests their understanding of the work required and whether they have a realistic view of what rebuilding trust entails.

9

What do you think our relationship needs to be healthy and fulfilling for both of us?

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Why this works

Reveals their understanding of relationship health and whether they're thinking about your needs, not just their own.

10

Are you prepared for the possibility that I may not be able to trust you again?

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Why this works

Tests their acceptance of the consequences of their actions and whether they're prepared for the reality that trust may not be recoverable.

Best Practices for Confronting Infidelity

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Prioritize Your Safety and Well-being

Your emotional and physical safety comes first. Don't let their responses manipulate you into staying in an unhealthy situation.

Listen to Actions, Not Just Words

Pay attention to what they do, not just what they say. Genuine remorse is demonstrated through consistent behavior change over time.

Take Time to Process

Don't make decisions about the relationship immediately. Give yourself time to process the information and your feelings before deciding next steps.

Question Sequences

The Truth Discovery Sequence

1
Start with: "What exactly happened and when did it start?"
2
Follow with: "Is this the first time you've been unfaithful, or have there been other instances?"
3
Deepen with: "What were you thinking when you made the decision to be unfaithful?"

The Future Assessment Sequence

1
Start with: "What do you want to happen now, and are you willing to do the work to rebuild trust?"
2
Follow with: "What changes are you willing to make to ensure this doesn't happen again?"
3
Deepen with: "How do you plan to rebuild my trust, and what does that process look like to you?"

Common Pitfalls

Don't Accept Blame for Their Actions

Their infidelity is their choice and responsibility. Don't let them shift blame to you or make you feel responsible for their decisions.

Don't Rush to Forgive

Forgiveness is a process, not an event. Don't feel pressured to forgive immediately or use forgiveness as a way to avoid dealing with the pain.

Don't Ignore Red Flags

If they're defensive, minimizing their actions, or not taking responsibility, these are signs that reconciliation may not be possible or healthy.

Conversation Templates

The Truth Seeker

1
Step 1: Start with: "What exactly happened and when did it start?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "Why did you choose to be unfaithful instead of addressing our relationship issues?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "Is this the first time you've been unfaithful, or have there been other instances?"

The Future Builder

1
Step 1: Start with: "What do you want to happen now, and are you willing to do the work to rebuild trust?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What changes are you willing to make to ensure this doesn't happen again?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "How do you plan to rebuild my trust, and what does that process look like to you?"

Further Reading

"After the Affair" by Janis Spring
"Not Just Friends" by Shirley Glass
"The State of Affairs" by Esther Perel
"Getting Past the Affair" by Douglas Snyder

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