February 22nd, 2008
Staying or Going? Why Women Stay in a Relationship with a Cheating Husband
How far would you go in a relationship with a cheating spouse? Apparently, for some women, it’s as far as they can. Hillary Clinton is a prime example of this. During her recent appearance on the Tyra Banks Show, Clinton once again delved into an old but familiar territory – that period in her life when her husband engaged in an affair with then White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
An affair to remember
The Clinton-Lewinsky affair rocked America and became one of the biggest news stories around the world. It also thrust his wife Hillary into the spotlight, albeit in a less than desirable manner. The affair has since ended, Bill Clinton has since completed his two terms as president and Hillary has gone on to pursue her own political aspirations. Through it all, the presidential shenanigan failed to break what is now viewed as a marriage and a partnership.
In trying to explain her decision to remain loyal to her husband despite multiple extramarital relationships in the past, Hillary says that she had to examine and consider what she felt was the right thing to do not just for herself but also for her family. That ‘right’ thing turned out to be to stay with her husband in spite of his two-timing ways.
Today, the affair that once threatened their marriage seems like a footnote in their lives.
Why women stay with husbands who cheat
Every woman’s relationship is unique and as such, how one reacts to a similar situation might or might not be the norm for others. While there are women who will pack up and go once her partner so much as looks in the other direction, there are also women who, like Hillary Clinton, choose to stay in a relationship.
Some reasons include:
Love
There are women who feel strongly about their husbands. While they may have felt hurt by their spouse’s betrayal, they love their husband too much to let go of the relationship.
Family
Some women will forsake the pain caused by their husband’s affair just to keep the family together and protect their children.
Money
Being too financially dependent on their husbands prevent women from leaving, afraid that if they don’t stay in the relationship, they would not be able to cope on their own.
Fear
Fear can be a strong alibi for women who stay with husbands who cheat. It can be about anything – the fear of being ridiculed, fear of becoming alone, fear of the unknown, particularly if they have no other permanent relationships or support systems besides their marriage.
Religion
In this day and age, some women still feel they have to stay in a relationship with a cheating husband because their faith or belief system prevents them from doing so.