My boyfriend went on a date behind my back. What should I do?

[Anonymous]

My boyfriend (25M) and I (23F) have been dating for a little over 2 years now. We agreed to be exclusive with each other. Last year I was still in college and I moved home with my parents for the summer to earn money for living expenses for my last semester of college. My parents live about 4 hours away from my college town where my boyfriend lives. Last night my boyfriend told me that he went on a date with a girl from his high school he used to be interested in during the summer I went home. He told me he was curious, and lonely so he went for it. They ended up kissing but did not sleep together. He says that he has been guilty ever since and that the date gave him clarity. He says he wants to be with me and eventually marry me. He says that was the only time that he’s ever done that and I believe him. He says he’s stopped talking to her and that he has only been focused on our relationship ever since.
However, I feel disrespected. He waited till almost a year after that date happened to tell me. He acted like nothing happened and it scares me how well he hid it and how ignorant of the situation I was. Before he told me this I was 100% certain that he was the one for me. The one I will marry one day. Should I trust him and his word? Should I still pursue to work on our relationship? Should I forgive him?

[SueShe]

There is never such a thing as just one time.

If the guy did it once, there is absolutely no reason why he cannot and will not go behind your back a second time. Depending on the outcome and if he thinks he got away with it, he will redo it again and again.

What he did was emotional cheating. He knew beforehand that you would not approve and did it just the same. What conclusion can you draw from that? Right, that he cannot be trusted.

There is only one single reasonable action and that is to separate and sever this toxic relation. If you let it go once, then he knows he can wiggle his way out other times.

By telling you, he just checked your reaction and you did just play his game by forgiving him. Remember, once a cheater, always a cheater.

[Jadethedream]

It’s up to you and both working on communication and trust. Least he was honest with you in the end. Much as it hurt. Depends if he ever had feelings of wanting to do it again. Depends on your relationship boundaries and values. Though if I was alonely I would find other means like see family and friends then going on a date. I get the distance thing. I wouldn’t hang around worrying and anxiety what his next move is. Unless you feel secure in yourself that he won’t do it again. But it hard once trust or damaged.

[Nidal_AA]

Okay so i didn't read your full thing but i basically made up my mind on what im gonna say already by reading your title...
What matter is your happiness... If you are happy being his girlfriend although he might be cheating on u rn then its up to you... But if i was you i wouldn't even bother asking questions... id just break up and move on

[Anonymous]

Find a guy in the town you live, and do the deed. Then tell him you feel bad about it, but you were just curious.

[Iron_Man]

What do you think give him a goodbye wave 👋

[whereismyjohnny]

I would break up.

[Agape93]

Break up

[In_Trance]

Dump him