: Phrases like "you're just being paranoid" or "she's just a friend" are often used to make the victim doubt their own reality.
: A common mental path involves shifting blame to the partner ("you didn't give me enough attention") to avoid seeing themselves as a "bad person". Red Flags & Common Tactics cheater
When ending a relationship with a cheater, the goal is often to reclaim power and peace rather than seeking revenge. Why cheating makes a cheater feel so good - MyNorthwest.com : Phrases like "you're just being paranoid" or
Understanding the motivations behind cheating often reveals a complex mix of personal insecurity and situational rationalization. cheater
: Some research suggests that instead of guilt, certain individuals feel a sense of "cleverness" or self-satisfaction from "beating the system".