Let’s get one thing clear, it’s not your fault that you were betrayed. Yes, there were probably red flags that you didn’t notice or were ignorant of but betrayal is the action of someone else. Think of yourself as a good person full of trust for others. This is what betrayal is, the loss of trust.
You can only feel betrayed if the person doing this to you is someone whom you like. Now, this doesn’t even have to be a person that you know. Many of us were let down by celebrities who exhibited horrendous behavior in their private lives. This is another subject though separating the art from the artist.
Meditation: Sit quietly and take a deep breath. Close your eyes and visualize the person who betrayed you. You will most likely feel a strong emotion. Concentrate on any place in your body where this strong emotion might be sitting. Heart, stomach etc. If you don’t feel a strong emotion like anger, sadness, then that is ok. You need to cut the cord with this person. Think of it like a cord of attachment to the person and what they did to you. Imagine a giant pair of scissors, hedge clipper, sword or whatever sharp instrument you can conjure up. Imagine there is a cord attaching you to the person and to the event. Visualize the cord being cut now and you closing up that point. Now focus on drawing your own energy back that you extended to this person. Say “I take all of my energy back to me”.
Tactics: Tell the betrayer you need some time to yourself. It is best not to have this person around for awhile. You may decide to see this person again and that is okay perhaps your relationship will become stronger but this is your choice and it is important to get some space from this person.
Nurture time. Besides not blaming yourself, it’s time to nurture yourself. Relax, indulge yourself. Entertain yourself. You need to heal from a wound. Journal about what happened. Make art. It’s also time to figure out what you want and if you still want this person in your life.
Don’t get drunk or do drugs at this time. This will only delay and/or complicate your progress of healing from their betrayal. It will slow you down and you will lose your clarity on how you wish to proceed from here.
Accept what happened. Yes, sadly, you were betrayed. Not your fault but it happened. Someone you cared for betrayed your trust in them and you feel very emotional. But you must accept it happened. No denials. Accept it and then you need to do the hardest challenge yet.
Forgive them. No way, I’d rather eat snot balls. I said it was the hardest challenge. Don’t worry, forgiving them doesn’t mean you agree with what they did to you. It doesn’t even mean you have to see them again. You don’t even need to tell them you forgive them. Forgive them so they get out of your head and heart. Forgiveness is totally for you not them. Just say it “I forgive you (their name) you shithead”. Yes, you can insult them it is your right.
They chose an option, in a moment of time , that goes against your thoughts and feelings and well goes against you. There are always many options at a time. They chose one that hurt you. Was it the only option they had? Nope but chose it they did. That’s about all the analysis you need on the matter. Do not close up your heart forever and never trust anyone again at this point. You may want to take this option because it feels safest but you will miss out on things and people that you were meant to experience.