It’s time to revisit our previous scenario:
You just woke up and found yourself in bed with someone other than your significant other. Having realized the gravity of your mistake, you now find yourself at a defining moral crossroad. Should you come clean and admit your indiscretion? Or should you keep it to yourself in hopes that the truth is never revealed.
After detailing the reasons that you should confess last week, it’s time we explored the other side of the coin. Here are five compelling reasons to keep your mouth shut.
1. They cheated first.
My bible has always said, “Do unto others as they have done to you.” OK, maybe that’s not exactly what it says, but the moral code does apply in this situation. As far as you’re concerned, there’s no need to make a confession if they have secrets too.
2. It will forever be used against you.
Once you confess to cheating, you’re essentially handing over the ultimate trump card. Expect this card to be pulled out whenever an argument isn’t going their way. It will probably go down something like this:
You: “I’m tired of you not washing out your cereal bowl. Don’t you know how hard it is to clean up Fruity Pebbles once they’ve dried? Why won’t you listen?”
The response: “Why won’t I listen? No, why won’t you listen to your conscience when it tells you not to cheat on me?”
How do you respond to that? You can’t.
3. The relationship will end.
If they find out you cheated, it’s over … period. There will be no apologies; no making things right; and no singing “On Bended Knee” outside their window in hopes of forgiveness. Your significant other will give you the boot, which essentially makes your confession a relationship death wish.
4. They don’t want to know.
The term ignorance is bliss applies to two things in life: R. Kelly’s position on adult literacy, and your significant other’s stance on cheating. Truth is, they honestly don’t want to know that you cheated on them. In their mind, the problem should be fixed without it interfering with their “perfect” world.
5. The relationship will change forever.
An admission of guilt will undoubtedly change the landscape of your relationship forever. Now you may be able to regain their trust over time, but an indiscretion like this will never be forgotten. So don’t be surprised when your late night runs to the Waffle House are met with skepticism, and don’t take it personally when you’re questioned about the security code on your phone. Things like that happen once you spill your guts.
The Fly Guy Moral: Now that we’ve examined both sides, it’s time to state the obvious: “If you never cheat, then you never have to deal with this issue.” It’s as simple as that. So the next time you contemplate cheating with a coworker or with Bobby Brown after the club closes, first think about the possible outcome. Then ask yourself, “Is a night of passion really worth losing everything that I have?” I’m sure you’ll realize that it’s not.
**DeWayne Rogers is the author of The Fly Guy Chronicles**
