Betrayal is a theme that runs deep in literature because it is one of the most common and painful interpersonal experiences. Betrayal can happen not only in romantic relationships, but in friendships, work relationships, and even in business dealings. Betrayal in all these situations involves one similar key element: You gave your trust to someone and they violated it.
There are many good reasons to be deeply upset at someone who violates your trust, and no doubt, the more intimate the relationship the deeper the hurt inflicted. Psychologists suggest that one factor that may lie at the heart of an intense emotional reaction to betrayal is that you are left with the sense that you are not valued by a friend or partner. Betrayal by someone who knows you well implies that the person doesn’t value you or the relationship you share. Particularly in a romantic relationship or a marriage, betrayal hurts in large part because it destroys your self-esteem. You assume that you…
