Infidelity can have profound effects on a relationship and individuals involved. It often leads to emotional pain, including betrayal, anger, and loss of trust, which can erode the foundation of the partnership. Partners may experience depression, anxiety, or reduced self-esteem, while the relationship might face communication breakdowns or permanent dissolution. Long-term, it can foster insecurity and difficulty in future relationships. However, some couples work through it with therapy, rebuilding trust and intimacy, though this requires significant effort and commitment from both parties.