Understanding infidelity and its roots in seemingly perfect relationships.
By all appearances, *Danial and his wife *Rose have an ideal marriage. Together for five years, they’ve built a loving home with two children, share responsibilities, and have no history of major conflicts or abuse. Yet beneath the surface, a secret affair threatens to unravel everything.
Infidelity in a happy marriage may seem paradoxical, but it’s a common story, leaving many to wonder: why do people stray, even when everything seems fine?
Rationalizing the Affair
As a charismatic and successful property agent, *Danial thrives in social settings. His work led him to meet *Kat, a colleague who gradually became more than just a professional acquaintance.
“At first, it seemed harmless,” *Danial recalls. “I thought, as long as I took care of my family and no one found out, there would be no harm done.”
In his mind, fulfilling his obligations at home justified his actions. He believed he could love his wife while enjoying the thrill of his extramarital connection.
“I convinced myself that affairs were common and that it didn’t mean I loved my wife any less,” he says.
The Discovery
For a while, *Rose suspected nothing. However, she began noticing subtle changes: her husband was more distant, increasingly irritable, and often returned home late with vague explanations about work.
Seeking clarity, *Rose turned to counselling at PPIS Sym Academy, where a therapist encouraged her to gather evidence if she suspected infidelity.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found proof,” she recalls. “My heart broke into pieces. I kept questioning if I was enough as a wife.”
Though devastated, *Rose decided against making impulsive decisions. Instead, she proposed counselling as a way to save their marriage.
“I still love him, and I want to rebuild the trust,” she shares.
Healing and Moving Forward
Couples counselling is no easy path. Before therapy could begin, *Danial had to end his affair. Both partners were also required to limit discussions about the situation to immediate family and agree to approach the process with patience.
Counsellors emphasize that rebuilding trust takes time and effort. Betrayed partners often want detailed answers, while unfaithful spouses may prefer to avoid painful conversations, which can create further tension.
“Infidelity doesn’t always stem from unhappiness in the marriage,” explains a PPIS counsellor. “Sometimes, it’s about novelty or emotional disconnection. In other cases, it’s a misguided attempt to escape personal struggles or anxieties.”
For *Danial, counselling helped him reflect on his unmet needs and the emotional gaps in his marriage.
“I felt like *Rose was focused on work and the kids, and I was being overlooked,” he admits. “But therapy helped me see the damage I caused and how to work toward rebuilding our relationship.”
A Universal Challenge
Statistics reveal that 56% of men and 34% of women who cheat describe their marriages as happy. Infidelity can arise from a variety of reasons, including unmet emotional needs, a desire for novelty, or even societal pressures.
For *Rose and *Danial, the road to recovery involves redefining trust and learning to reconnect. While trust may never fully return, both are committed to moving forward and rebuilding their partnership.
Why It Matters
In Singapore’s high-pressure environment, couples often struggle to balance work, family, and personal lives. This imbalance can lead to emotional disconnects, even in the strongest relationships.
Infidelity doesn’t always signify the end of a marriage. With open communication and professional guidance, couples can overcome challenges and emerge with a stronger, more profound connection.
