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

Finding the right help after infidelity can feel overwhelming. When you’re in the middle of heartbreak, trust issues, and emotional exhaustion, the last thing you need is more confusion about who to turn to for support.

In this episode of Relationships Uncomplicated, I’m sharing exactly how to recognize trustworthy, effective help after betrayal — and how to avoid the wrong kind of “experts” or programs that can set your healing back.

You’ll learn:

• What the right kind of help after infidelity looks like
• Why choosing wisely early on makes all the difference
• A step-by-step approach to searching for support
• Red flags to watch for when reviewing websites or programs
• How to prepare for a consultation so you leave with clarity, not more confusion

This is one of those episodes you may want to listen to twice and even take notes on. And to make it easier, I created a free guide called Vetting Your Path Forward: How to Find the Right Help After Infidelity (and Avoid the Wrong One). No email required — just download it here: iditsharoni.com/vetting

💛 If you’re ready to take the next step, you can also schedule a free 45-minute consultation with our program specialist to see if our Infidelity Recovery Program is the right fit for you: iditsharoni.com/45

You deserve real, qualified help — and a path forward you can trust.

You don’t need to have all the answers to begin healing.

In this powerful and compassionate episode of Relationships Uncomplicated, Idit Sharoni, LMFT, is joined by Program Specialist and therapist Alana Tokayer, LMFT, to answer a question many hurt partners silently ask:

“Is it even worth starting the healing process if I’m not sure I want to stay?”

We explore why uncertainty is a completely normal—and expected—part of the aftermath of infidelity, and how beginning the healing process can actually lead to the clarity so many partners are searching for.

• 00:02 – Why uncertainty after infidelity is normal
  Idit introduces the topic and explains how common it is for hurt partners to question whether healing is worth it when they’re unsure about staying.

• 04:24 – The emotional duality of betrayal
  Alana describes the emotional seesaw many hurt partners experience—feeling both deep pain and lingering love—and why that doesn't mean something is wrong with you.

• 08:20 – Why you don’t need to decide before you begin
  Idit explains how healing often leads to clarity, and that deciding to stay is not a requirement to start the recovery process.

• 14:40 – How healing helps clarify what’s possible
  Alana shares the metaphor of the fogged-up window and how clarity emerges from experience—not from overthinking or pressure.

• 22:25 – The difference between being remorseful and acting remorseful
  Idit outlines what true remorse looks like and how an unfaithful partner can appear unremorseful even if they feel regret.

• Why feeling unsure is normal and human after betrayal

• The emotional duality of still loving someone who hurt you

• Why you don’t need to decide whether to stay before beginning healing

• What leads to real clarity (hint: not overthinking!)

• How unfaithful partners can act remorseful, not just feel remorse

• Why trust is not a requirement to begin healing—it’s the result of the process

• Tips for couples sitting in the “gray zone” of uncertainty

Alana shares a moving story of a client named Jenna (name changed), who was completely stuck on the question of whether to stay or go. Through the healing process, without pressure, she found the clarity she was searching for—not all at once, but step by step.

1. Feeling uncertain about staying after infidelity is completely normal.

2. You don’t need to decide before you begin—healing can be the pathway to clarity.

3. Trust and remorse can grow with the right support and guidance.

4. You’re allowed to hold the question and begin healing at the same time.

• Set a short-term healing intention (2–3 months of guided work)

• Find expert help trained in infidelity recovery

• Build a safe, small support system

• Be patient and kind with yourself—you’re not supposed to know everything right now

It’s Okay To Stay – Idit Sharoni’s complete infidelity recovery coaching program for couples who want to rebuild trust and heal after betrayal.

📆 Book your FREE 45-minute consultation to see if this program is right for you:
👉 iditsharoni.com/45

• Learn more about the Infidelity Recovery Program: iditsharoni.com

• Book your consultation with a program specialist: iditsharoni.com/45

🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
📩 Share this with someone who may be sitting in that same place of uncertainty.

When news broke that tech CEO Andy Byron was allegedly caught in an intimate moment with his HR chief Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert, the headlines exploded—and so did public judgment. But what happens when we step away from the gossip and look at the human reality underneath?

In this episode, Idit Sharoni, LMFT, and our team of licensed infidelity recovery experts at Relationship Experts, offer a grounded, non-sensationalized discussion of what we’re calling the “Coldplay Affair.”

We dive into the emotional, relational, and societal layers of this story—from how betrayal impacts all parties involved, to the harm of public shaming, and why American culture often gets these stories wrong.

You’ll hear us explore:

• The quick and ruthless public reaction: no judge, no jury, just instant verdicts

• Gossip vs. Reality: what the headlines don’t show

• How high-profile relationships and careers create “relational atomic bombs” when betrayal is exposed

• The quiet pain of hurt partners, often made worse by public humiliation

• Why it's time to stop acting shocked and start understanding the complexity of infidelity

We’re not here to gossip. We’re here to talk responsibly, with compassion and realism. If you’re tired of the toxic spin on infidelity stories, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Resources Mentioned:
Learn more about our Infidelity Recovery Program – It’s Okay to Stay:
https://iditsharoni.com/infidelity-recovery-program

Schedule a free 45-minute consultation with one of our specialists:
https://iditsharoni.com/schedule

Listen to more podcast episodes:
https://iditsharoni.com/podcast

Connect With Us:
Instagram: @therelationshipexperts

Website: https://iditsharoni.com

🎬 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Coldplay affair discussion
02:28 Meet the experts: Idit, Yael, and Ana introduce themselves
04:02 The Byron-Cabot affair and the idea of a "relational atomic bomb"
06:19 Why this situation is different: public exposure and professional implications
08:13 Social media virality and gloating: modern public shaming
10:10 The "quickest trial on earth": judgments without context
12:09 Moral superiority and the myth of "those people who cheat"
14:35 Digital courtrooms and the cultural impact on infidelity recovery
16:32 The ripple effect of betrayal on relationships and society
18:52 Judgment vs. empathy: what defines us after mistakes
20:41 Personal messages to current and future clients feeling triggered
22:47 What are these couples really going through behind the scenes?
25:04 The emotional crisis of both hurt and unfaithful partners
27:32 Public judgment and the deep shame of staying after betrayal
28:55 Wider impact on families, children, and the healing process
31:16 What would we say to the couples involved if they’re listening?
32:09 Messages of hope, protection, and the right to privacy
35:50 How to build a safe emotional cocoon after betrayal
37:54 This is a trauma: validating what they’re experiencing
40:05 Infidelity is a relational issue, not just an individual one
41:33 Final thoughts: Let it stay their business
42:41 Closing wishes and wrap-up

Tags:
infidelity recovery, Coldplay affair, Andy Byron, relationship podcast, public shaming, affair recovery, cheating, marital betrayal, relationship experts, It’s Okay to Stay, affair fallout

If you or your partner are navigating the aftermath of infidelity and wondering whether the sexual behavior involved was really “sex addiction,” this episode is a must-listen.

In Episode 86, I’m unpacking one of the most common and confusing questions couples face after betrayal:
Is it sex addiction—or is something else going on?

We’ll explore:

• Why “sex addiction” is not a recognized mental health diagnosis in the DSM-5

• The risk of mislabeling sexual behavior and missing the deeper emotional drivers

• What the Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) model is and why it offers a more compassionate, effective path forward

• Actionable next steps for couples dealing with out-of-control sexual behavior—including excessive porn use or secretive sexual activity

This episode is especially supportive for couples who want to move beyond shame, blame, or one-size-fits-all labels and into real, values-based healing.

💛 Ready to take the next step in your healing?
Book a FREE 45-minute consultation to learn how our It’s Okay to Stay Infidelity Recovery Program can help you rebuild trust, restore connection, and create something new—together.

👉 Schedule your consultation here: iditsharoni.com/45

When infidelity is revealed, the hurt partner often experiences a deep sense of disorientation and a desperate need for answers. Many ask: Do I need to know every detail to heal—or am I just digging deeper into more pain?

In this episode of Relationships Uncomplicated, Idit Sharoni is joined by Dr. Yael Haklai-Neagu to explore a phase many couples get stuck in after betrayal: the forensic data collection phase. This is when questions about the affair—ranging from timelines to explicit details—dominate the recovery process, sometimes for months or even years.

Together, they discuss:

• Why the urge to gather every detail is completely normal

• What it looks like when this phase becomes a barrier to healing

• How to know if you're still seeking coherence or getting stuck in the pain

• Real-life examples of couples navigating this phase

• Actionable steps to help you move forward, even when not all the answers are there

This episode offers clarity, compassion, and a gentle roadmap out of a phase that often feels endless. Whether you're the hurt partner or the unfaithful partner, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to shift from stuck to supported.

If this episode resonates with you and you’re ready for expert guidance, we invite you to schedule a free 45-minute consultation to learn more about our infidelity recovery program, It’s Okay To Stay. Visit iditsharoni.com/45 to get started.

In this eye-opening episode, Idit Sharoni, licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in affair recovery, dives into one of the most common mistakes couples make after infidelity: postponing the healing process.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that time alone will heal the wounds of betrayal, but the truth is, avoiding the hard work of healing can leave lasting scars on your relationship. From lingering pain and resentment to recurring trust issues, skipping this crucial step can silently erode your connection over time.

In this episode, Idit explores why healing after infidelity is non-negotiable, the hidden costs of avoidance, and how to take meaningful steps toward rebuilding trust and intimacy. Whether you’re in the early stages of recovery or feeling stuck in a “good enough” relationship, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable advice to help you move forward.

• What the “stabilization trap” is and how it can keep couples stuck after infidelity.
• The long-term risks of postponing healing, including unresolved pain, resentment, and recurring infidelity.
• Why time alone doesn’t heal wounds—intentional effort does.
• How to rebuild trust and connection through open communication and shared goals.
• Actionable steps to start the healing process and prevent future issues.
• Common fears about healing after infidelity and how to overcome them.

• Couples who’ve chosen to stay together after infidelity but feel stuck in their healing journey.
• Hurt partners struggling with lingering pain or trust issues.
• Unfaithful partners looking to understand how to rebuild trust and connection.
• Anyone curious about the process of affair recovery and how to create a stronger, healthier relationship.

• Time doesn’t heal all wounds—effort does. Healing requires intentional action and commitment from both partners.
• Avoiding healing has hidden costs. Lingering pain, resentment, and a lack of trust can quietly damage your relationship over time.
• Rebuilding trust is possible. Open communication, emotional processing, and a shared vision for the future are key to creating a stronger relationship.

• Ready to take the next step? Check out my affair recovery program, It’s Okay to Stay and book a free consultation. Check it here: Affair Recovery Program
• Missed Episode 80: “How to Rebuild Trust After Infidelity”? Listen here: Episode 80
• Curious about Episode 78: “Can Conventional Couples Therapy Help you Heal from Infidelity”? Catch up here: Episode 78
• Read this show's blog post Read it here

Are you struggling to heal after an affair when your partner isn’t fully remorseful? Join us for this eye-opening episode of "Relationships Uncomplicated," where host Idit Sharoni, LMFT, along with experts Dr. Yael Haklai-Neagu and Ana De la Cruz, delves into whether couples can recover from infidelity without genuine remorse from the unfaithful partner. Can a relationship truly heal under these conditions? Tune in to find out!

In this episode, we discuss:

• The crucial role of remorse in the healing process
• Strategies for dealing with partial or absent remorse
• Real-life examples and metaphors that illustrate the complexities of infidelity and remorse
• How to create a roadmap to healing even in challenging situations

Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation that could transform your understanding of infidelity recovery.

Ready to take the next step? Check out our Infidelity Recovery Program: https://relationshipexpertsonline.com/affair-recovery-program

Consider scheduling a 45-minute transformative consultation: https://relationshipexpertsonline.com/consultation

Read the show notes in a blog: https://relationshipexpertsonline.com/can-trust-be-rebuilt-after-infidelity-without-full-remorse/

Follow us on social media for more insights and updates:

• Instagram: [Your Instagram Handle]
• Facebook: [Your Facebook Page]
• Twitter: [Your Twitter Handle]

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who might benefit from our insights. Thank you for listening, and remember, healing is possible with the right guidance and support.