Just a week after formally announcing his split from long-time romantic partner Helena Bonham Carter, Tim Burton is reportedly in a serious relationship with another woman: Berenice Percival.
The director, 56, was romantically linked with Bonham Carter for more than 13 years and the couple has two children together. The split might have been the result of Burton’s infidelities, although that is just speculation. However, his new love just happens to be his production assistant of three years.
Although a Hollywood break-up is hot news for a few days, it doesn’t usually translate to marriage advice for the average person. However, in this case, maybe it does.
Does infidelity always lead to a separation or divorce? No.
Many people hope that their marriage can survive after a spouse cheats, and lots of people really try to make it work. The news of infidelity can hit you like a ton of bricks and make you feel physically ill, but at the same time, you want your marriage to last through it.
Here is some marriage advice to help you move on after a spouse cheats:
- Don’t act before you think. That’s probably how one of you started cheating in the first place! A marriage is supposed to be a lifelong commitment, so think twice before making any major decisions when it comes to ending your marriage. Seek counseling if you need help weighing the options.
Remember that no feeling is wrong. You aren’t wrong if you are angry, filled with rage, or sad. Your spouse isn’t wrong to feel guilty, sorry, or upset. Feelings are never right or wrong, but you must accept that they exist. - Take care of yourself first. Now is not the time to take care of your spouse. He or she did the cheating and needs to own up to that choice. You need to take care of yourself first and foremost. If this means taking some time away or seeing a doctor, then that is what you should do.
- Be honest with the kids – to a degree. You don’t have to tell them that Mommy or Daddy cheated, but you do need to let them know that you are both going to be okay. Kids react strongly to parental discontent, so keep their feelings and well-being in mind.
Getting over infidelity can be difficult. Not every marriage can survive it, but some do. Have you ever cheated on your spouse or has your spouse cheated on you? Are you still married?
