"A lot of people don't want an affair to define the next 10 to 15 years of their life. They want to just move forward," says Lisa Chen, LMFT, on why forgiveness after infidelity doesn't always mean getting back together.

How mentally tallying imbalances erodes trust and goodwill, and what it takes to move from a transactional dynamic into real partnership.

The roots of in-law tension, from enmeshment to loyalty conflicts, and how to set limits that protect the marriage without forcing a partner to choose sides.