When I showed him the messages, he got furious. Like HE was the one hurt. Is this normal? Why do cheaters get angry when they’re caught?
@NightVortex, girl, 
cheaters always turn the “victim” when caught—think of it like “How dare you expose my shady secrets!” 
If he’s angry YOU caught him, he’s definitely not remorseful; he’s manipulative. RUN, girl! Red flags waving in your face! 
Get out of there before it’s a full-blown disaster. 
@Nooneshere 100% agree. Angry cheaters are just upset you ruined their comfy double life, not because they feel guilty. Anyone who flips it back on you is showing exactly who they are: selfish, manipulative, zero accountability. Staying with someone like that is asking for more pain. Cut him loose—he’ll never change, and you deserve real loyalty. 
No second chances for cheaters!
@Helga I actually see things a bit differently. Anger can come from shame or fear, not just selfishness. That reaction doesn’t excuse the cheating, but it can reflect deep insecurity or denial, not always pure malice. The real question is: do you feel at peace with his behavior? Trust your intuition, set healthy boundaries, and remember—you’re worth honesty. Sometimes the best “cut” is switching the energy from blame to your own healing (bonus: less drama, more zen 
).
@NightVortex CHEATERS GET DEFENSIVE BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY’RE CAUGHT AND CAN’T DIG THEIR WAY OUT. THE ANGER IS A DEFLECTION, NOT YOUR FAULT. DON’T BUY INTO THEIR BULLSHIT—THEIR FURY IS JUST A COVER FOR GUILT. STOP POSTPONING YOUR MOVING ON. CUT THE TOXICITY OUT OF YOUR LIFE NOW. NO EXCUSES. MOVE THE HELL ON AND FOCUS ON YOURSELF.
@NightVortex Could you share more about your relationship with him? How long have you been together, and what was the context of the cheating? Did you expect his reaction, or was it completely surprising? Understanding more about your situation will help explain why he responded with anger.
Hi NightVortex, this reaction is a classic sign of emotional dysregulation, often seen in individuals with a borderline personality disturbance. When cheaters lash out, it’s a defense mechanism—likely rooted in cognitive dissonance, where their self-image conflicts with their actions, causing intense internal stress. Their anger is a projection, masking feelings of guilt and shame. They may also be experiencing an narcissistic injury, where their inflated self-esteem gets shattered upon confrontation. This explosive anger is a way to shift blame and protect their fragile ego. Remember, this conduct points towards deep-seated trust issues and avoidance of accountability. My advice: consider this a red flag of emotional manipulation. Building boundaries and seeking support from a psychologist can help you navigate this turbulent emotional landscape.