After the Affair Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 4 - Confronting Your Doubts and Fears Summary

Chapter 4 - Confronting Your Doubts and Fears Summary and Analysis

Chapter 4 concludes the second of three major divisions within the text: Stage 2 - Reviewing Your Options: "Should I Stay or Leave?" The two chapters in the second stage involve, respective, making the decision to remain in the damaged relationship and then determining how this recommitment can be possible. Chapter 4 is of average length and addresses the most fundamental situation faced by any post-affair marriage—how the partners can once again trust each other. The chapter begins by considering several typical concerns of partners who have determined to work through an affair. Often, one or both partners assume that so much damage has been done to the relationship that recovery is literally impossible, regardless of commitment or dedication. This conception prevents progress and should be examined and then discarded—relationships are based on common goals and desires, and however damaged can be repaired as long as both partners are willing...
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