13 New Year's Resolutions for Wives with Cheating Husbands

This year, you don't have to continue to be a helpless victim if your husband is cheating on you. There are practical steps you can take to make the best of a bad situation. Whether you decide to stay with your cheating spouse or leave him, the New Year's resolutions below will help you put the odds in your favor, and help you can gain the upper hand.

1. Make sure infidelity is actually the problem you're dealing with.

Problems like drug or alcohol addiction or gambling often masquerade as infidelity because of similar telltale signs. Don't speculate, investigate. If you need to get solid proof of infidelity without spending a lot of time or money, a good infidelity reference book with detailed information on the signs of infidelity will help you find out for sure.

2. Face reality.

Ignoring your husband's infidelity will not make it go away. It will only make things worse. He could become so attached to his mistress that it will be impossible to get your marriage back on track.

3. Speak up and take a stand.

If you know he's cheating and say nothing about it, you're enabling his infidelity. Make it clear that you disapprove of what's going on and tell him you want it to stop. Not addressing his infidelity makes him think he has your silent approval or that you don't know what's going on.

4. Let him know you know.

Affairs thrive in secrecy. If you've identified numerous telltale signs and have solid proof of your husband's infidelity, decide when and how to tell him you know about his affair.Sometimes just knowing his infidelity has been exposed will be enough to make him stop.

5. Build a support team.

You need someone to confide in about your husband's infidelity. Don't try to get through this alone. Surround yourself with people who care about you and have your best interests at heart.

6. Realistically evaluate your situation.

Consider your options. Is your marriage worth saving? Should you get a temporary separation? File for divorce? What is it in your (and your children's) best interest to do?

7. Seek counseling for yourself and for your marriage.