source of professional wisdom be a way to help you bridge the emotional gap and rebuild the trust between you two ? This option is often a good one if the relationship has been historically important to you .
Here are 10 steps to help you heal from the betrayal :
1Accept the reality of what ’ s happened .
Don ’ t stick your head in the sand and pretend that nothing has happened . Maybe you are ashamed that they were able to get the best of you or to make a fool out of you . The truth is still the truth .
2Choose peace of mind .
You always have a choice . Make sure you choose peace over carrying the internal burden of hauling around resentment and conflict . You don ’ t have to know how to achieve peace at first . The answers will come once you ’ ve made the choice for peace .
3Take time to sit with your feelings . Process what ’ s happened and how you ’ re thinking and feeling about the situation . Take time to grieve .
4Don ’ t be reactive . It ’ s better and more mature to respond . This is another reason it is usually best to take your time in deciding how you are going to handle the situation .
5Don ’ t seek revenge and don ’ t retaliate . These are negative reactions to a betrayal and they will ultimately destroy your sense of self and will probably lead you onto a path
“ Betrayal is a painful reminder that trust should be earned and never taken for granted .” ~ Unknown
“ Betrayal may shatter our faith in others , but it should never shatter our faith in ourselves .” ~ Unknown
where you will most likely end up like the person who betrayed you . You definitely don ’ t want that to happen .
6Consider giving yourself a break from this person . This can vary from days , weeks or months . A break can help give you clarity as to whether you truly want this person in your life . You may come to realize that you don ’ t miss them at all .
7Seek a confidant . This can be a therapist , family member or friend . It helps to have a person to vent to . Let this person know that you don ’ t want them to tell you what to do . You simply want a safe outlet to get these thoughts and feelings off your chest .
8Don ’ t fixate on the past or what might have been . Grieving what is not going to happen is part of grief so don ’ t let this aspect throw you off . Acknowledge this and move on .
9Plug in as opposed to withdrawing from others . Do not let your grief close you off from current friends and family and do not let this betrayal keep you from making new friends .
10
“ The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies ; it comes from those you trust the most .” ~ Unknown
Don ’ t declare that you will never trust anyone ever again . This common mistake is made in the height of your upset feelings . Trust is needed for good health and happiness . Don ’ t make trust an all or nothing type issue . Think in terms of shades of gray . You can trust different people to different degrees .
October 2024 | Valdosta Scene 37