Update: My boyfriend M20 cheated, and I'm F 20 struggling to decide what to do?

Hey everyone,

Thank you to those who commented on my original post. Your insights really helped me reflect on everything that’s happened.

I wanted to share an update because I’m still feeling so conflicted. I’ve had some time to process the fact that my boyfriend cheated on me, and even though it hurt so deeply, I think I might be able to move past it.

I love him so much, and he’s been everything I could ask for in a partner—supportive, kind, thoughtful—outside of this one incident. Every time we talk, I fall so hard for him all over again. It feels so natural and almost back to normal sometimes, which makes it even harder to consider ending things. Of course, we still have tough and hurtful moments when the betrayal comes up in conversations, but even then, I can’t help but feel like I’d rather work through it than lose him completely.

A part of me feels like staying with him is the easier path because the thought of life without him is unbearable. But at the same time, I’m questioning whether staying means sacrificing my own self-respect. Am I holding onto the idea of who he is, or is it possible to rebuild our trust and relationship?

I feel so stuck. I don’t want to regret letting him go, but I’m scared of how this might affect me long-term if I choose to stay. Has anyone been through something similar? How did you decide what was worth holding onto?

I’d really appreciate any advice or thoughts.