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Therapist Dr. Frank Pittman believes virtually all cheaters deeply regret straying.

"Infidelity is the most devastating crisis for a family," said Pittman, an Atlanta psychiatrist for more than four decades. "It creates an atmosphere of simmering anger, secrets and dishonesty."

Some estimates suggest half of divorces involve infidelity. But Pittman says couples can take preventive steps:

● Stay faithful yourself: If you don't want your spouse to stray, don't have an affair, either. Many affairs are sparked by revenge.

● Don't marry a cheater: If your husband strayed from his former wife to be with you, then he could leave you for someone else.

● Normalize lust: It's OK to be attracted to other people; just don't act on it.

● Don't share your marital woes with co-workers: They may be sick of hearing about it. Or it can pull you and another disgruntled spouse closer together.

● If you're thinking about having an affair, the best thing you can do is tell your spouse. That way you can work on intimacy issues and possibly prevent the affair.

● Stay off the computer: If you are intimately connected to someone online, that's a red flag.

3 things to do if you cheat

● Be honest with yourself: Don't blame your spouse. Take responsibility.

● Once a cheater, not always a cheater: A cheater who reveals the affair, answers questions, takes responsibility and is willing to take steps such as enrolling in therapy is most likely to go forward faithfully.

● Stop the cycle: The best thing you can do for your kids is to stop. You don't want them to learn that cheating is acceptable.