Our generation is all about young love and relationships. We come to college to get an education, but in reality we are also hoping that we will find our forever person.
Many people do end up finding someone for them. Unfortunately, not all relationships are sunshine and happiness.
With finding someone comes commitment that may be overwhelming and negatively impact the connection that was formed. From personal experience, I have witnessed many girls be restricted on what they can wear, what they can do, who they can talk to, etc.
This level of control leads to feelings of being trapped and wanting out. While it can lead to arguments, it can also lead to cheating. The question then arises: Is cheating ever OK?
From an overall view, I would say no. However, on a deeper level, I would say there are some circumstances that are more excusable.
There are many reasons why people cheat, some being less understandable than others. For instance, cheating because your partner just isn’t doing it for you is far from OK. At that point, it is better to break up, and do whatever you’d like as a single individual.
Another common scenario is cheating due to drinking. Again, as a college student, I have seen many occurrences where someone will cheat “because they’re drunk” and claim that they “don’t remember” or that “it wasn’t really them.”
I am a big believer that drunk words/actions are sober thoughts. Being under the influence is never an excuse to hurt those that you love and to behave in a way that is morally incorrect.
However, what about in the cases of abuse? Does the victim have the right to cheat on their abuser?
I think in scenarios such as those, cheating is somewhat defensible. It is so easy to tell someone to “just leave,” when hearing they are getting abused.
Unless you are in that situation, you do not understand how hard it is to get out of it, especially if you are concerned for your life. I believe that when someone intentionally physically or emotionally harms you, that they have lost all respect and rights to the relationship.
If the victim tries to break up and the abuser continues to push back and harm that person, then the victim has a right to try and find new connections. Not to mention, if the victim’s only support comes from their relationship, then it can be a very isolating situation.
Abuse itself is very draining and can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Being forced against your will to stay with someone when they consistently harm you warrants the right to find someone who will treat you properly.
So, cheating is not OK and should not be a first resort. Relationships strive of off communication, loyalty and honesty. Therefore, issues should be resolved through these characteristics.
If not, then going separate paths may be for the better. However, continuously being hurt and mistreated without the option of leaving allows for slightly less objective circumstances.
While some may still argue that cheating is never OK regardless of circumstance, I encourage you to put yourself in the victim’s shoes.
What would you do if you were abused and trapped? Would you stay loyal to the person who was supposed to be your safe space or would you go looking for better?
