Esther Perel: Rethinking infidelity ... a talk for anyone who has ever loved

Rethinking infidelity ... a talk for anyone who has ever loved

Infidelity is the ultimate betrayal. But does it have to be? Relationship therapist Esther Perel examines why people cheat, and unpacks why affairs are so traumatic: because they threaten our emotional security. In infidelity, she sees something unexpected — an expression of longing and loss. A must-watch for anyone who has ever cheated or been cheated on, or who simply wants a new framework for understanding relationships.

Infidelity is common yet deeply misunderstood, often shaking not just relationships but people's sense of self. Today, cheating is less about unmet needs at home and more about longing for vitality, novelty, or lost parts of ourselves. In the digital age, a single affair can become 'death by a thousand cuts,' with emotional fallout that is both public and private. Despite the pain, many couples stay together and sometimes find new meaning after betrayal.