How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? Comedian Tiffany Haddish admitted, “My boyfriend cheated on me on videotape on my birthday. I felt like he had pooped on my soul, so then I decided to poop in the sole of his shoes.”
Pooping in your unfaithful partner’s kicks would be too extreme (or is it?). But, if you’re not in the mood for pranks to play on your cheating boyfriend, don’t worry, we’re here to help you with some smart ways to get back at the person who betrayed your trust and broke your heart.
10 Smart Ways To Punish A Cheating Boyfriend Emotionally
Table of Contents
Here are some interesting statistics on infidelity:
- 30-40% of unmarried relationships and 18-20% of marriages experience infidelity
- One survey noted that 37% of women and 31% of men admitted to revenge cheating
You may also be tempted to cheat on your boyfriend to get back at him. But, emotional wellness and mindfulness coach Pooja Priyamvada says, “There are healthy ways of coping with shock or hurt, and there are unhealthy ways of doing it. Adopting a partner’s unhealthy behaviors can never do you any good.
“Before your act of revenge cheating affects your partner — which it may or may not — it will affect you. In my opinion, revenge cheating is not advisable, it is a way of emotional self-harm. This will seem to be good for a while due to the adrenaline rush. But in the long run, it’ll do more harm than good.”
Clearly, methods like cheating on your partner to even the score aren’t the healthiest way to deal with the setback you’ve just suffered. But that doesn’t mean you have to take his transgressions lying down. Here are some other smart ways to seek revenge on a cheating boyfriend:
1. Go out with that male friend he hated
Looking for pranks to play on a cheating boyfriend? Just wear a cute dress and call your hottest male friend that he so hated. Tell him you need cheering up since the cheating debacle. Let your hair down and make sure the cute ‘couple goals’ pictures end up on your social media.
Related Reading: 15 Smart Ways On How To Make A Guy Jealous
2. Get rid of his stuff
Rapper Iggy Azalea revealed she torched ex-fiancé Nick Young’s clothes in a fire pit after she found out he was cheating on her. She admitted, “I burnt it all, darling. Every designer you could think of, I’ve burned. I sent him a video and I was like, “Hey, I’m burning your s-. I don’t know where you’re at – probably with some girl. I hope you get home quickly because we’re progressing on the spectrum of cheap to expensive”.”
If burning his stuff is too extreme, at least clear all the clutter that reminds you of him. If you’re looking for tips on how to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally, know that it’s time for some cleansing! Get rid of the following stuff:
- His clothes/accessories
- The matching couple gifts
- All the couple posts on your Instagram
3. Be honest
Tori Woodward posted photo evidence of then-boyfriend Alex Pall cheating on her. Yes, she leaked the residential CCTV footage of the Chainsmokers singer kissing another woman. Woodward wrote on the surveillance shots, “Alex is disgusting. Men are trash. Don’t ever forget it. They’ll look you in the eyes and tell you they love you. Then destroy you without a second thought.”
But, punishing your partner is not always about playing games. Confronting him and making him feel guilty is enough to hurt him. Just tell him how angry you are and how betrayed you feel. Be honest and express how one moment of lust destroyed years of trust. You can forgive your cheating boyfriend eventually but as Tori rightly said, “Don’t ever forget it.”
4. Follow the no-contact rule
Looking for tips on how to punish a cheating boyfriend? A Reddit user wrote, “Acting like they never existed. If you find out they cheat, don’t engage. Ignoring people is the most effective, most painful mental trick you can play with someone.
“You’d be surprised how many people you can manipulate if you just simply pretend they’re not there. Egos are fragile.” So, stay calm and give him the silent treatment. There can be no better way to punish a cheating partner than no social media contact. Ignore him, period.
5. Tell people about it
Looking for tips on how to handle a lying and cheating boyfriend? A Reddit user wrote, “Breaking up with them and healing. Healthy people don’t seek revenge on a cheating boyfriend.
Related Reading: The 6 Infidelity Recovery Stages: Practical Tips To Heal
“But if you’re like “yeah yeah I’m toxic af, give me some suggestions anyways”, then I’d say maybe publicize their infidelity to their social and work circles if possible. Basically, the plot of the Scarlet Letter. You can never go wrong with good old-fashioned public shaming.” But, if you don’t want to go so low by bad-mouthing him everywhere, that’s fine too. You do you!
6. How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? Hit the gym
Yes, it’s time to get that body rockin’ to make him jealous. Instead of wasting your time on why your boyfriend cheated, go to the gym and channel all that angry energy. His heart will crumble into a million pieces when he looks at your abs on Instagram. Oh, sweet revenge!
As Khloé Kardashian said, “The best form of revenge is a good body. It’s a little silly but true. There is literally no downfall to working out your blues in the gym! You’ll feel better, and the by-product will be a fierce body that’s bound to make your ex do a double-take.”
And if you think going to the gym is too boring, here are some research-backed ways to boost your brain health:
- Turn up the music at home and dance
- Do squats/march in place in between TV programs
- Walk your dog
7. Go on dates
A Reddit user wrote on punishing the offending partner, “Get over the hurt. Move on without closure, rarely think about them, be happy, and hopefully meet someone great if that’s what you want. Life is too short to hold grudges.”
If you’ve already broken up after infidelity, you can go on a couple of dates. No, we are not telling you to get into a serious relationship right away. But, just having coffee with other guys will make you realize that anyone would be lucky to be with you.
8. Channel the pain into your work
According to research, being cheated on can take a huge toll on your mental health in the following ways:
- Heightened depression (loss of interest in activities/feelings of hopelessness)
- Anxiety symptoms (excessive worry and restlessness)
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms, lower self-esteem
So, what you can do is take all this anger and frustration and channel it into your work/career. It will give you happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of empowerment. How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? Make constructive use of your breakup grief by becoming professionally successful. Trust me, your success will make him regret his actions.
Have you seen the music video of Flowers? Miley Cyrus recorded it in the same mansion where Liam Hemsworth cheated on her with more than 14 women. Not only did she get back at her cheating partner in the most interesting way but also created a legendary piece of art on self-love. This is what we mean when we tell you to channel your pain constructively.
9. Celebrate yourself
Being betrayed can crumble your self-esteem. It can instill feelings of self-doubt in you. This is why you need to go the extra mile to remind yourself how amazing you are. How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally?
Related Reading: The Role Of Self-Esteem In Relationships – Take This Test To Assess Yours Today!
- Reward yourself with some new clothes
- You can even get the haircut he so hated
- Get your nails done/eat your favorite ice cream tub
A Reddit user wrote, “OP, don’t do anything against the partner for revenge. That won’t help anything. Leave them, and do something for you and you only. Always wanted a motorcycle? Go get one. Have you ever wanted to go to Vietnam? Go and backpack around for a few weeks.”
10. Sign up for therapy
How to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally? A Reddit user wrote, “Going no contact after break up, getting some therapy, and then building a wonderful life for yourself is the way to go. You deserve better than someone that is damaged. Maybe there will be tearful voicemail messages, maybe you’ll never hear from them again because they know you know who they really are. Either way, why waste your energy? You have better things to do, and a new life to build.”
So, it’s time for a glow-up. Find a good therapist, who will help you get rid of all those grudges/bitterness. If you’re considering getting help, our counselors from Bonobology’s panel are just a click away.
Key Pointers
- Before trying out the tips on how to punish a cheating boyfriend emotionally, focus on your physical and emotional health and well-being
- Instead of trying to figure out why your partner cheated, just give him the cold shoulder, act indifferent, and gain the upper hand
- One of the legal ways to handle a lying and cheating boyfriend is to gain family support by publicizing the incident
- Punishing your partner is also possible if you go on a date with that male friend he so hated
- Punishing the offending partner with revenge cheating is an act of self-harm
- Channel this traumatized self to get a better body and career
Finally, the best way to punish someone who has cheated on you is to move on and live a wonderful life. Be the one that got away. You’re the gem he had but lost. Sit back and let Karma do its job. Spend time with yourself and the friends you so dearly love.
FAQs
That’s totally up to you. But, forgiving a cheating partner is extremely difficult and complicated. So, it’s totally normal to walk away after infidelity, even if you thought he was your true love. After all, infidelity can be a major deal breaker.
Yes, it does. Everything is impermanent and so is the feeling of being betrayed. Just focus on your healing and you will come back stronger and wiser. I know you’re traumatized now but trust me, you will feel good again.
Yes, it may. But, rebuilding love after emotional damage requires a lot of patience, mutual efforts, and therapy sessions. So, reconcile only if you and your partner are ready to give that kind of commitment.
Step-by-Step Guide To Rebuilding Love After Emotional Damage
How To Stop Overthinking After Being Cheated On – Expert Recommends 7 Tips
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