Fact check: A relationship can't go back to normal after an emotional affair is discovered

1. Summary of the results

The original statement that "a relationship can't go back to normal after an emotional affair" is contradicted by substantial research and expert opinion. Studies show that 60-75% of couples actually stay together after affairs ^[1], with particularly high success rates (74%) among those who seek therapy. Most couples report feeling "better" within 6 months, "good" by 1 year, and "back to themselves" by 2 years ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important nuances are missing from the original statement:

• Recovery requires active work: Licensed couples therapist Kendra Capalbo emphasizes that while recovery is possible, it demands significant effort from both partners through communication, counseling, and understanding root causes ^[3].
• The relationship may evolve rather than return to "normal": While the pre-affair relationship may not be exactly replicated, many couples report their relationship actually improved after working through the affair - 46% of partners who cheated and 36% of those cheated on reported relationship improvements ^[2].
• Timeline varies: Recovery isn't immediate - it can take months or years depending on the affair's severity ^[3].
• Professional help matters: Couples seeking therapy show significantly better outcomes ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The absolute nature of the original statement ("can't go back") presents several problematic biases:

• It ignores documented evidence of successful recovery cases ^{[1] [2]}.
• It may discourage couples from seeking help by presenting a fatalistic view, when in fact professional help significantly improves outcomes ^[1].
• It fails to acknowledge that betrayal can potentially become an opportunity for renewal and deeper intimacy ^[4], with many couples building "stronger, more satisfying relationship[s] than ever before" ^[5].
• The statement might benefit those who profit from relationship dissolution (divorce attorneys, dating apps) while potentially harming the mental health industry and couples counselors who help with reconciliation.