16/09/2026
THE THIRD PARTY SITUATION | PART 2
Privacy, Secrecy and the Character of Betrayal
Privacy and secrecy are not the same.
Privacy says: “I remain an individual, even within our relationship.”
Secrecy says: “I am withholding something because the truth would affect your right to choose.”
Healthy relationships still require individuality and personal space. Marriage or commitment does not remove a person’s right to dignity, friendships or reasonable privacy.
However, some deceptive partners demand “privacy” while guarding their phones, changing passwords, disappearing without explanation or responding aggressively to reasonable questions.
Labels may then be used to avoid accountability:
“I am avoidant.”
“I need freedom.”
“You are too anxious.”
Attachment styles may explain certain behaviours, but they do not excuse dishonesty. A label is not a licence to betray.
At the same time, privacy, emotional distance or an avoidant personality should never automatically be treated as proof of infidelity. Suspicion without evidence can also damage a relationship.
The real concern is a persistent pattern of deception, contradiction, manipulation and refusal to take responsibility.
When betrayal is exposed, the injured partner often begins questioning herself:
Was I attractive enough?
Was I too busy?
Did I fail to satisfy my partner?
Was I too trusting?
Relationship problems can belong to both partners.
Betrayal does not.
Intimacy problems may be real. Medical conditions, trauma, hormonal changes, disability and depression can all affect a relationship. These difficulties deserve honest and compassionate conversations.
If someone decides that they can no longer remain in the relationship, they should communicate that truth honestly.
End one relationship before beginning another.
Trusting your partner does not make you foolish. Being deceived does not mean that you lacked intelligence. A lie can remain hidden precisely because the person being deceived honoured the relationship enough not to live like an investigator.
Betrayal reflects the character of the person who chose it, not the value of the person who was betrayed.
Where do you believe privacy ends and secrecy begins?
📖 Read the full article on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/third-party-situation-mercedes-monden-4rsoe
Part 3: Spiritual warfare does not cancel personal accountability.
Mercedes E. O Monden
Author | Minister | Women’s Advocate@top fans