is a cheater always a cheater?

Cheating is something I think I can't forgive - or would be so hard for me to forgive. It's something I can't imagine happening to me. :(

But why do guys or girls cheat? Is it because we are dissatisfied with our partners? Or we seek the attention we need from another person? Do we cheat because we have grown out of the honeymoon stage or do we cheat because we simply want to prove something?

And once you have been cheated on, are you ready to forgive? or decide that it's over? When you forgive, do you think your partner wont go back to his cheating phase?

But how do we know that a partner wont cheat again or if he/she is likely to commit the same heartbreaking mistake?

Here are some signs that I read from Yahoo personals:

signs that he is not a chronic cheater:
1. Your partner is truly remorseful and regrets having cheated. Look for heartfelt apologies that ring true when you hear them. He/she accepts total blame for his/her betrayal.
2. Your partner cuts off all contact with the relationship perpetrator.
3. He/she shows a renewed appreciation and devotion towards you.
4. You wind up having deep, open, and honest conversations with each other about your relationship, including what was missing in it and how you'd like it to progress.
5. Your partner wants psychotherapy or counseling either individually or with you to understand his/her own dynamics and to improve your relationship.

And just how do you know if the cheating has resurfaced?Here are some common signs that may indicate secret betrayal:

* He/she works late a lot.
* He/she suddenly takes trips you aren't invited to go on.
* He/she spends too much time with hobbies that don't include you.
* You get mysterious phone calls with hang-ups.
* You find bills for unexplained hotel stays or gift-type items.
* Intimacy in your relationship dramatically decreases.
* He/she grows more distant or agitated than usual.

Forgiving isreally a gamble. And it is something that the two of you should really talk about. If you want to forgive your partner, you must be ready to start in a clean slate.

i just hope my partner is loyal like me (ahem)