The state of affairs : rethinking infidelity

Iconic couples’ therapist and bestselling author Esther Perel offers a provocative exploration of relationships through the lens of infidelity. An affair can strip couples of their relationship, happiness, and identity, yet this common human experience remains poorly understood. Perel delves into the complexities of this taboo—universally forbidden yet practiced. She examines why people cheat, even in happy marriages, and what infidelity truly means. Are our romantic expectations of marriage setting us up for betrayal? Is there such a thing as an affair-proof marriage? Can one love multiple people simultaneously? Perel weaves real-life case stories with insightful psychological and cultural analysis, drawing from her decade of experience working with couples facing infidelity. She asserts that while betrayal is painful, it can lead to healing and even a renewed marriage. With the right approach, couples can learn and grow from these tumultuous experiences, whether together or apart. Affairs reveal much about our expectations, desires, and entitlement in relationships, providing a unique perspective on love, lust, and commitment. Through this multifaceted examination, Perel invites readers into an honest and enlightening discourse on modern marriage, emphasizing that love and infidelity are inherently messy yet illuminating.