Experts say it's possible for couples to go on to have a happy relationship after infidelity, provided they're willing to put in the work. “The couple can survive and grow after an affair,” says Coleman. “They have to—otherwise the relationship will never be gratifying.”

Can a relationship go back to normal after cheating?

Some couples successfully move on from infidelity and create a better, stronger relationship. There's no doubt about that. But it takes effort and commitment from both partners to build trust and make the relationship work.

What are the odds of a relationship lasting after cheating?

According to WebMD, the “in love” stage of an affair lasts 6 to 18 months, on average. And around 75% of the marriages that start as affairs end in divorce. Considering only 5 to 7% of affair relationships lead to marriage, that's a grim statistic for couples hoping their affairs will last forever.