This is a question I get asked a lot.
The short answer is yes, some men do forgive cheating. But real forgiveness is not the same as staying together. And forgiving is not the same as forgetting.
Let me break it down.
Some men choose to forgive and rebuild the marriage. This usually happens when the cheating was a one time event, the wife shows true remorse, she takes full responsibility without making excuses, and both people are willing to go to counseling and do the hard work. In these cases, forgiveness is possible, but it can take years. Even then, the trust may never be fully the same as before.
But many men do not truly forgive. They stay for other reasons. They stay because of children, money, family pressure, or fear of being alone. They say "I forgive you" but inside they are still angry, hurt, and suspicious. That is not forgiveness. That is just avoiding a breakup. And that kind of marriage is usually very unhappy for both people.
Some men leave and never forgive. And that is their right. Cheating breaks the foundation of marriage, which is trust. Not everyone can or should forgive.
Here is what I tell couples in my office. Forgiveness is a gift, not a requirement. A man is not a bad person if he cannot forgive cheating. And a woman who cheats should not expect forgiveness just because she said sorry. Real forgiveness takes time, honesty, and changed behavior. It also takes the cheating partner accepting that the hurt may never fully go away.
So do men really forgive cheating? Some do, but rarely quickly or easily. Most who say they forgive are actually just surviving. And a few leave because they know some wounds are too deep to heal.
If you are asking this because you cheated, do not wait for forgiveness. Work on becoming someone worthy of trust again, whether your husband stays or not. If you are asking because you were cheated on, give yourself permission to take time. You do not have to forgive anything until you are ready. And you may never be ready, and that is okay too.
@omoelerinjare Wipe your tears, Draft a petition to the EFCC addressing it to the Executive chairman, attach your supporting documents, your money will come out in full. I promise you..