Cheating is a nasty business, and while we all agree on that, what happens when a woman decides to stick around after the betrayal? It can turn into a public spectacle, much like what’s unfolding in the second season of Amazon Prime’s The Summer I Turned Pretty. Belly faces the scrutiny of social media after choosing to marry her boyfriend Jeremiah—who, by the way, is the one who cheated! Talk about a plot twist that’s paying out in online hate and scorn aimed directly at her. Is it a surprise that the woman often becomes the punching bag for a guy’s infidelity?

Just like Belly, real-life examples abound, such as Khloé Kardashian, who has been roasted for giving Tristan Thompson numerous chances. Meanwhile, society conveniently ignores the cheaters and instead directs the ridicule toward the women who dare to forgive. Idit Sharoni, a couples therapist, points out that this attitude reveals a double standard that purports to hate cheating but seems to reserve a special contempt for women who stick it out. Who knew love could come with that much baggage?

Interestingly, these discussions extend far beyond fictional TV shows. They bring to light the long-held belief that forgiving infidelity is a sign of weakness. But as Lauren LaRusso, another expert, notes, some individuals cheat only once and never do it again. So, is there really such a thing as a universal rule? One thing’s for sure—these female figures aren’t weak; they’re complex and human, navigating love in a world quick to judge. If love is worth fighting for, then who has the right to decide what that looks like?

What do you think? Can you forgive after betrayal, or is there a line that shouldn’t be crossed? Let’s chat about it!