Ask the Unfaithful

Episode 47: How Criticism Sabotages Affair Recovery


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In Episode 47 of Ask the Unfaithful, we continue the conversation from last week's powerful session on judgment—but this time, we're unpacking a major roadblock to healing after infidelity: criticism.

Whether it's self-criticism, perceived criticism from your partner, or full-blown judgment, this cycle quietly poisons recovery. And unless you know how to name it, reality-check it, and interrupt it, you'll keep getting stuck in the same emotional loop—withdrawal, pursuit, shutdown, repeat. This episode is raw, practical, and packed with actual scripts and mindset shifts for unfaithful partners and couples who want to move from shame and defense to empathy and reconnection.   💥 In This Episode: • How criticism and self-condemnation sabotage connection • What the judgment loop sounds like in everyday conversations • How to shift from criticism to curiosity, compassionate accountability,   and emotional humility • When to dismantle the loop solo—and when you can do it together • Real-life scripts to foster emotional safety, mutual repair, and trust   🧠 Key Concepts: • "Criticism isn't connection. It's resistance." • "You don't need to be perfect—but you do need to be present." • "Compassionate accountability = responsibility without collapse, empathy without shame."  

📧 For coaching or intensives: [email protected]

📘 Download the FREE workbook for this episode: https://www.asktheunfaithful.com/downloads 

📬 Reach out: [email protected]

🎧 Find us on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere podcasts are found.

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Our Website: www.AskTheUnfaithful.com

Contact us: [email protected]

Find James & Sharon at the CORE Relationship Recovery website: www.HopeForUs.com

Find more from Sam at Sam's Healing Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@samshealingpodcast

Follow James at LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-annear-lmhc-704551157

Follow CORE Relationship Recovery (James & Sharon) on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CORERelationshipRecovery

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Ask the UnfaithfulBy James & Sam

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