But an affair doesn’t always have to end the relationship

While the knee-jerk reaction to infidelity may – understandably – be to end the relationship, studies have suggested that nearly 57% of couples stay together.

“I think it’s a misconception that most people leave the relationship when cheating has occurred,” she continues. “In my experience, I’ve found that many relationships are certainly repairable if both parties are willing. Often, if you’ve invested a lot of time and effort into the relationship and it’s still very important to you, then you’re likely to work on it rather than let that go, especially if there are children involved.”

Dr Hayward adds that she believes, in some cases, that infidelity can actually make a partnership stronger. “For some partnerships, when you start to repair and reconnect, you can see emotional growth, increased vulnerability and improved communication. Investing in yourself and each other can change the relationship rhythm and enable a co-creation of a new, more positive narrative.”

“I’m a psychologist who picks up the pieces after affairs – these are the 5 things I’ve learned about people who cheat”