Episode 89: Can You Ever Forgive Infidelity? What Forgiveness Really Means After an Affair

Forgiveness after infidelity is one of the most complicated—and misunderstood—parts of healing. Many couples ask: “Can I ever truly forgive this betrayal?”

In this episode of Relationships Uncomplicated, I sit down with Ana De La Cruz, LMFT—one of our expert therapists at Relationship Experts and a researcher currently writing her PhD dissertation on forgiveness. Together, we take a deep dive into what forgiveness actually means in the aftermath of an affair, how it differs from reconciliation, and why it matters so much for couples who want to rebuild.

You’ll hear us talk about:

• What forgiveness really is (and isn’t) when it comes to infidelity.

• The crucial difference between forgiveness and reconciliation.

• Why “cheap forgiveness” often fails and how to avoid it.

• The role of consistency, transparency, and accountability in making forgiveness possible.

• How forgiveness can be learned and practiced, even if it feels impossible right now.

• Why forgiveness is not a prerequisite for healing but often an outcome of true reconciliation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether forgiveness is possible—or worried that you have to forgive in order to heal—this conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and hope.

✨ Take the Next Step: At Relationship Experts, we guide couples through our structured It’s Okay to Stay infidelity recovery program. If you’re in the painful aftermath of an affair and don’t know where to turn, we invite you to schedule a free 45-minute consultation with one of our program specialists.

👉 Learn more and schedule your free consultation here