Ending an affair can be an emotionally taxing and difficult process. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals who have been involved in an affair and wish to end it need to communicate clearly with their partners, end the relationship, and then cease all contact. While this last requirement may be a difficult step, it is critical to cut off further communication, including email, texts and online social networking connections. Individuals who have been involved in an affair typically need time to reflect on the factors that led them to get involved in the relationship, and it is difficult to process these feelings if contact continues.
Step 1
Speak clearly and directly with your partner, and then end the relationship. The most difficult part of ending the affair can be accepting that it is over and that you can't continue to see each other. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you make a definite decision to end the affair. If you are not clear and resolute about terminating the relationship, you or your partner may keep an unrealistic hope for reconciliation.
Step 2
Take time away from your residence by staying with a friend or family member. Ending an affair with a neighbor can be particularly challenging since you may see each other on a daily basis. The Mayo Clinic notes that many individuals decide to take a break from their living situation and may move in with friends or family or to a temporary residence. This will give you time to recover from the end of the affair and to consider how to move forward in other relationships.
Step 3
Seek counseling from a qualified professional. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the Mayo Clinic both recommend that individuals ending a relationship seek counseling from a therapist. Individual counseling sessions will offer you the opportunity to discuss the affair and the difficult feelings that can result from terminating contact. A mental health professional can be also help you work through decision-making and goal-setting for relationships.
Step 4
Seek out peer support through community groups. Many people benefit from peer support during difficult relationship transitions. Attending a support group meeting can give you insight about your intimate relationships, and you may also learn from the way others have handled similar situations. The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy notes that a high percentage of individuals benefit from talking about their experiences and feelings.
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