After the Affair

170. Why “Why Did They Cheat?” Is the Wrong Question


Listen Later

After betrayal, one question tends to dominate the mind more than any other:

“Why did they cheat?”

It feels logical. Necessary. Like the answer might finally bring peace.

But what if that question, however understandable, is quietly keeping you stuck?

In this Christmas Eve episode, Luke explores why the search for “why” often leads to more rumination, more self-blame, and more pain, rather than healing. He offers a gentle but powerful reframe that helps you step out of analysis and into integration without dismissing the depth of what you’ve been through.

If you’re lying awake replaying the story, searching for answers, or wondering what you missed, this episode is an invitation to soften the question and give your nervous system some rest.

Key Takeaways

  • Wanting answers after betrayal is a nervous system response, not a failure
  • The question “Why did they cheat?” often reinforces self-blame
  • There is rarely a single, clean explanation that brings peace
  • Betrayal is not caused by partner performance
  • A more useful question shifts focus away from the past and back to you
  • Understanding doesn’t heal when it keeps you looking backwards
  • You don’t need certainty or answers to rest tonight
  • If you find yourself stuck in loops of rumination, self-blame, or unanswered questions after betrayal, support can help you move from analysis into clarity, at your own pace.

    Through one-to-one coaching and The After the Affair Collective, Luke helps people rebuild self-trust, calm the nervous system, and find steadier ground, whether they stay, leave, or are still deciding.

    You don’t have to solve everything tonight.

    Connect with Luke:

    • Website: www.lifecoachluke.com
    • Instagram: @mylifecoachluke
    • ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      After the AffairBy Luke Shillings

      • 4.7
      • 4.7
      • 4.7
      • 4.7
      • 4.7

      4.7

      27 ratings


      More shows like After the Affair

      View all
      Relationship Radio: Marriage, Sex, Limerence & Avoiding Divorce by Dr. Joe Beam & Kimberly Beam Holmes: Experts in Fixing Marriages & Saving Relationships

      Relationship Radio: Marriage, Sex, Limerence & Avoiding Divorce

      503 Listeners

      The Save The Marriage Podcast by Lee H. Baucom, Ph.D.

      The Save The Marriage Podcast

      411 Listeners

      Healing Broken Trust In Your Marriage After Infidelity by Brad and Morgan Robinson

      Healing Broken Trust In Your Marriage After Infidelity

      748 Listeners

      Relationship Revival Podcast: Expert Advice on Relationships, Marriage, Dating by Nicola Beer

      Relationship Revival Podcast: Expert Advice on Relationships, Marriage, Dating

      385 Listeners

      Betrayal Trauma Recovery by Anne Blythe, M.Ed.

      Betrayal Trauma Recovery

      1,419 Listeners

      From Crisis to Connection - with Geoff & Jody Steurer by Geoff & Jody Steurer

      From Crisis to Connection - with Geoff & Jody Steurer

      207 Listeners

      On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

      On Purpose with Jay Shetty

      27,390 Listeners

      Helping Couples Heal Podcast by Marnie Breecker

      Helping Couples Heal Podcast

      441 Listeners

      Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts — PBSE by Steve Moore & Mark Kastleman

      Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts — PBSE

      193 Listeners

      Heal from Infidelity: Reclaiming Your Peace, Power, and Self-Trust After Betrayal by Andrea Giles

      Heal from Infidelity: Reclaiming Your Peace, Power, and Self-Trust After Betrayal

      363 Listeners

      Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast by Dana Che - Christian Marriage  Coach & Speaker

      Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast

      165 Listeners

      On Attachment by Stephanie Rigg

      On Attachment

      1,049 Listeners

      The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

      The Mel Robbins Podcast

      19,668 Listeners

      Betrayal Recovery Radio: The Official Podcast of APSATS by Betrayal Recovery Radio

      Betrayal Recovery Radio: The Official Podcast of APSATS

      59 Listeners

      The Affair…with Anna Williamson by The Affair…with Anna Williamson

      The Affair…with Anna Williamson

      74 Listeners