Encourage them to understand that this is a fantasy… that it’s easy to idealize another person outside of marriage because they often aren’t encumbered by the usual marital distractions like kids, bills, fatigue, house, laundry, etc.
Encourage your mentee not to overestimate their own ability to overcome temptation. God may give them a way out by having them cease all contact with the source of temptation! (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Encourage them to understand that an extramarital “affair” is any escape from reality or search for fulfillment outside of marriage. That could take many different forms: hobbies/activities, material things, career, fantasy, sexual affairs, etc.
Encourage them to realize that adultery almost always occurs unexpectedly and as a result of a progression of emotional attachments outside of marriage.
Encourage them to be honest with themselves, with God, and with their spouse.
Encourage them to break off any emotional connection that is endangering their marriage.
Encourage them to protect their marriage and not to be naïve about extramarital temptations. Encourage them to consider attending a FamilyLife Weekend to Remember marriage getaway together with their spouse.
Encourage your mentee to be intentional about accountability.
Challenge your mentee to pray together with their spouse every day—this makes them mutually accountable before God.
Encourage them to regularly open up their inner life to a godly mentor for wisdom.
Talk to your spouse about what affection was like in your family growing up (verbal and non-verbal).
Think about how your father and mother may have shown affection differently.
Discuss ways your family could express more affection for one another.
On a scale of 1-10, rate how much affection you feel you have in your marriage right now. Talk about what you would like it to be if you and your spouse could agree on how to gently and patiently bring about change.
Consider discussing your sexual past with your spouse in a way that is open and honest.
