Although most people feel validated when their suspicions are validated, I recently experienced disappointment when my suspicions were validated. Instead of feeling giddy and proclaiming “See I was right!”, instead I sunk down in my chair and sighed.
I recently wrote a post concerning an infidelity episode on a cruise ship. At that time, I had suspicions about the environment on cruise ships. In the back of my mind, suspicions were forming regarding unwholesome behaviors on the ships.
A recent article on “The evil on board all cruise ships” goes on describing rampant infidelity as a ‘social evil’. The author claims that what bothered them was how the infidelity surrounded them and that it was considered ‘normal’.
They had grown so accustomed to infidelity that it was no longer seen as any kind of aberration. When infidelity is considered normal, it’s a warning that you’re in some dark moral waters.
At that point, your moral compass hasn’t just lost its sensitivity, it’s broken. At that point, you’ve got to consider what other evils are now normalized.
When infidelity is considered normal, then lying, stealing and deceit are no longer a big deal. With this new normal, as long as you keep things secret, no one sees it as wrong.
Right and wrong become redefined as ‘what you can get away with’ instead of adhering to any moral code.
When the crew and staff view infidelity as ‘normal’, it shapes the social environment by tolerating immorality. There’s no longer any social stigma against it, so few will say anything when they see it.
At least when the cheating happens in an environment that doesn’t condone it, there are social pressures impinging on the cheater and their lover. With some people, if there are no social pressures felt, then anything goes. They can indulge without guilt.
When things are that out of control, you may feel like you’re the one losing your mind in not being okay with it. You may feel like you’re the lone voice speaking out.
Rest assured, you’re not alone. There are others who feel that way as well. At the Restored Lifestyle support community, you can join others who struggle with affairs under extreme circumstances.
You can share, ask for support, or just find reassurance that you’re not the only one who values their marriage and wants to keep it special.
Keeping It Real,
Jeff
