Dating can be a real ordeal. Finding someone who shares your interests and values, who matches your sense of humor and who you’re attracted to often feels like a daunting task. And even when you think you’ve finally found someone great, there’s always the possibility that things can go completely sideways for reasons you never saw coming.
That’s exactly what happened to one Redditor who believed she’d met an amazing new boyfriend and was eager to introduce him to her family. But before she ever got the chance to do it properly, she uncovered a devastating truth about him. Read the full story below.
The woman believed she had found an amazing new boyfriend
Until she ran into him with her cousin and learned who he really was
Recovering from cheating takes patience and self-compassion
Image credits: wosunan / envato (not the actual photo)
There’s nothing pleasant about finding out you’ve been cheated on. And it’s hard to imagine a more shocking discovery than learning that the person you’ve been with for months is actually married to someone else, especially when that someone turns out to be a family member. It’s an incredibly painful experience, and it explains why emotions ran so high for everyone involved in this story.
Sadly, cheating is far more common than many people realize. According to a YouGov survey, while most people in monogamous relationships say they’ve never cheated, about a third admit they have—either physically, emotionally, or both.
No matter how the truth comes out, whether it was a one-time betrayal or a long-term hidden affair, any kind of infidelity can leave a deep emotional mark. It can shake your self-worth and deeply damage your ability to trust future partners. For many, it’s enough to send their thoughts and emotions into a spiral.
That’s why it’s so important to take healing seriously after an experience like this. While the process is uncomfortable, experts agree that working through the aftermath is essential for long-term recovery.
According to Charlie Health, taking time to process your emotions after discovering infidelity is a crucial first step. Feelings like anger, sadness, shock, and confusion are all completely normal. Instead of pushing them away, it’s healthier to acknowledge and accept them as part of the healing process.
Allow yourself to grieve both the betrayal and the loss of trust. Journaling can be a useful way to process what you’re going through. Writing out your thoughts creates a safe space for reflection and may help you better understand your emotions as they unfold.
Many people also feel ashamed after being cheated on and may want to withdraw from others. But this is often the time when support matters most. Reaching out to trusted friends or family members can make a significant difference.
Talking about what happened with people who care about you can offer comfort, validation, and new perspectives. It also serves as a reminder that you don’t have to carry the weight of the experience alone.
If opening up to loved ones feels overwhelming, seeking professional help can be a valuable alternative. A therapist can help you process difficult emotions, develop coping strategies, and rebuild your self-esteem. Therapy offers a structured and supportive environment, especially when the emotional fallout feels too heavy to manage on your own.
Making time for self-care is also just as important. Whether it’s exercising, baking, spending time outdoors, or simply resting, doing things that bring you comfort can help stabilize your mood. Physical activity can be a powerful outlet for releasing pent-up emotions. It’s also wise to avoid making major life decisions immediately after discovering infidelity and instead give yourself space to think clearly.
Lastly, be kind to yourself. Healing from betrayal takes time, and there’s no single “right” way to process it. Allow yourself patience and grace as you move forward, remembering that recovery is a gradual journey, not something that happens overnight.
Readers were taken aback by the turn of events and felt the author didn’t deserve the blame
