I struggle, not about disclosing my "past" but, rather, about how to answer the question "so, why did you get divorced?". I would never disclose my past. But, the answer to the (fair and common) question about why i got divorced is tied up with my indiscretions. I dont want to lie to start a potentially new relationship, but i dont want to start it by inferring i am possibly someone who cant be trusted. A dilemma...
I agree, it is a dilemma.
I am also trying to come to a firm decision as to how I will handle that when I finally find a serious partner.
I was never found out (although suspected as the majority of cheaters are) but it did erode at whatever was left of my relatuionship.
As much as I would love to start with an absolutely clean slate, with no lies between myself and my prospective mate, I don't think I will open the closet for the reason you mention,
you'll always be marked somehow, no matter what anyone says.
Once you've crossed the line, it's difficult for someone to look past it.
You can say the past is the past, but in truth it's a part of you. Everything in the past is. Anything else is wishfull thinking, even though we are all capable of change.
I don't think I would ever do that to someone I love again but how do you sell that conviction to someone else. I know it would bother me if it were the reverse.
If you murdered someone you could be as repentent as you want, you will always be a murderer to some degree no matter what the redemption.
I think many would prefer their partner to commit murder before they commit adultry.
The circumstances would have to be extraordinary for me to open that door for someone.
A real tough one...