We fought about his ex every day. It was either he was texting her or he was with her at certain places. Mutual friends saw it and told me about it. He denied everything and called them rumors until I saw it with my own eyes through his phone and the things they were talking about. It even sounded like they had slept together a day before I read the messages. He got angry that I’d gone through his phone. He said I’d invaded his privacy and it was uncouth for a girlfriend to act that way. And then he uttered the most hurtful things I’d heard him say since we started dating. “Do you think if Mavis didn’t leave me, we would be here? You should thank God she doesn’t like me again.” My heart was breaking. This is a guy I’ve given everything to and even helped pay for his rent. I responded, “Then go and fight for her love. It looks like you love her more than anything else.” We didn’t talk for days. In my head, I was moving on and letting that relationship die. And then his best friend called me. “Andy has told me what happened. He’s very regretful and ashamed to come back to you, so he sent me to apologize on his behalf.” His elder sister called saying the same thing. His other friends saw me in town and asked what I’d done to Andy that he looked dejected. Later, he himself came to apologize, kneeling and all. I said it was over and I wasn’t ready to go back into a relationship where an ex was valued more than me. His mother called. I didn’t know her until she called. And just yesterday, his pastor called saying he wanted to meet me. I believe in one thing, and the Bible has also said the same, that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. And people hardly lie when they are angry. I don’t want to listen to him and let him win over my heart again, but the extent to which he has gone to show remorse is also making me feel bad that I would ignore the apologies from all these respectable people. He said he’s coming back to make things right and marry me to prove that I’m the only one he loves. I don’t believe that, but would a man go to this extreme to show remorse if he didn’t mean it? That’s my confusion. That’s what’s swaying me day to day to say yes to a second chance, but I’m also scared. What do you suggest?

 

The dilemma of whether to forgive a partner who has deeply betrayed your trust is one of the most agonizing experiences in a relationship. Your story highlights a classic conflict between words of remorse and actions of betrayal.

When deciding whether to grant a second chance, it is important to separate the “performance” of an apology from the reality of the situation. Here is a breakdown of your situation to help you find clarity.