There is no right or wrong answer and it would vary from relationship to relationship. It also depends on the circumstances and frequency of the infidelity.

Speaking personally, If I looked into my wife's eyes and truly saw remorse, then I would forgive her...because we all make mistakes and I believe in second chances. The marriage would suffer greatly though, and the trust would be shattered. We would have to work hard to rebuild it...but no, the marriage would not be over because of one mistake.

However I fully understand, and my wife has told me this in no uncertain terms (jokingly of course, but I think many a true word is spoken in jest), that if I strayed, the marriage would be over. Not that I would, but I cannot fault her for her convictions.

Either way its a major event in the life of the marriage, and its effects will resound in the future of the relationship (if it has one), as well as the lives of both partners (and maybe children if there are any).

I think your advice to think long and hard on it is very wise Richard. I hope nobody every finds themslves in such an awful situation, but the reality is of course people do.

Stay safe all.

Perfection does not exist. The question therefore, is: what level of imperfection are we willing to settle for?