Just jumping in... my FIL, stayed with the affair partner, married her and they seemed pretty happy together. They were together until he died. We know statistically it's not so common, but it does happen.

Of course, I certainly don't support it. Although I do find I'm a little more tolerant of it when kids aren't involved. For example, Jen didn't have children with Brad Pitt (and I must be the only woman on earth who doesn't find that guy physically attractive! Him and Tom Cruise!!! Yuck!!! And it isn't the cheating... I just don't they they are THAT attractive).

But, I still think it's skanky behavior, and I have less respect for people who cheat.

There is no arriving, ever. It is all a continual becoming.