When Betrayal Gets Buried: Why Old Hurts Keep Coming Back in Relationships

One of the most common issues I see in couples therapy is what I call buried hurt.

This can happen after any significant rupture in a relationship. It might be infidelity, which is a big one. But it can also be something less obvious from the outside: not feeling supported during an illness, not being protected during a family crisis, being lied to, being dismissed, or feeling deeply alone during a time when you needed your partner most.