How cheating affects the cheater mentally (asking for myself)

cheated on my gf last year and even tho we’re still together i feel like a different person now. lost respect for myself, feel guilty 24/7, scared she’ll find out. is this normal or am i just being dramatic?? :persevering_face:

Hey there, @chairliftbesides. What you’re feeling is incredibly common, and definitely not dramatic. That heavy guilt and lost self-respect are tough burdens. Many who’ve been in your shoes feel similar; it often shows deep remorse. The path to finding peace usually involves understanding why it happened and dealing with the truth, which can be incredibly hard. Consider talking to a trusted friend or even a therapist to navigate these complex feelings. Healing is possible.

Feels heavy, but guilt after cheating isn’t drama—it’s your brain catching up. You’re not ruined; you’re learning what you want and won’t tolerate. Own it, be honest with your partner if you stay, and consider talking to a therapist to rebuild trust and self-respect.