Relationships are brutal. They without question require taking a huge leap of faith, the good with the bad and a fair amount of compromise. The key is first finding someone you can trust wholeheartedly, and second that you love unconditionally. Without these two elements there is really no core from which to build.

So, what happens when you feel you've truly found that person, but you find out you were wrong about them? Infidelity is the most common issue plaguing relationships and has been for centuries. Why is it so hard to be in a monogamous relationship? What is it that turns an otherwise normal and healthy relationship into a deceitful game of betrayal?

Is it out of boredom? Immaturity? Possible opportunity? Or just a low-down set of morals? The fact is that all of these and more are true reasons that these devastating actions occur. In their wake, they leave individuals feeling unworthy of the commitment that they thought they had and betrayed to the point of not being able to trust others.

Boredom- This concept is usually easier to spot in a relationship because the signs are blatant. If your significant other would rather do just about anything than spend time with you for whatever reason, odds are that they have grown out of the love that brought them to you in the first place.

Immaturity- In my opinion, this reason is bar far the most common for infidelity. Maturity isn't something everyone magically grows into with a coming of age. Quite the opposite in fact. Maturity, among other things, means to fully comprehend the consequences of your actions, and only comes with experience and true understanding. People in their early twenties for example, for the most part are not looking to settle down and build a strong, committed relationships. They are learning through trial and error how to be in one, but have a long way to go before getting it right. On the same token, some people well into their thirties and forties are still stuck in the same mindset. Possibly due to lack of experience, lack of empathy, or even a lack of feeling loved themselves. Sadly, there is really not a lot one can do to avoid this type of person except to hopefully see the signs beforehand and be strong enough to not venture in.

Opportunity- Let's face it, opportunity is everywhere. With billions of people in the world, it is incredibly easy for opportunity to arise out of nowhere. Once the seed of temptation is planted, it sticks there like cancer waiting for it's moment. Even an otherwise faithful person could easily entertain thoughts of indulging, simply because they know they can. What they choose to do with that of course depends upon their strength and morals, but temptation is a wicked adversary, especially if the person thought that they would never be found out.

Morals- This is likely the most important characteristic a person could possess. A good set a values goes a very long way in how we treat others and go about our lives. Being taught early to respect and honor people the right way leads to stronger and healthier relationships of any kind. Without them, factors such as boredom and opportunity are easily entered without a care for what may come of them.

Whatever the reason may be, cheating hurts. It's a devastating blow to your psyche and self esteem. The most important thing you can remember for your own well being is that you are worth more. You are not defined by another person's selfish behavior and you have the right to stand up for yourself and demand better. Having the guts to walk away from a relationship that you thought was everything, then turned out not to be, is the best thing you could do for yourself. Yes, it will hurt... yes, you will want to run back to what you thought you had, but no, it will likely not change.

You make the change, know your worth!