And while the appealing qualities of men such as status, compassion, generosity do not wane with time, it is still society's perception that women - regarded more for their beauty - become less desirable with age. So what more for a middle-aged divorcee with kids?

Dr Ng says: 'Few men would want to explore the possibilities of dating a divorcee, even though I must say that the stigma of divorce is quickly losing its bite.'

Josephine, 29, tried desperately to hold on to her seven-year marriage, until her husband walked out on her last year. He had two affairs: first with a KTV hostess when she was pregnant with his first child, then with another woman whom he is now living with.

With divorce proceeedings underway, the accounts assistant is now supporting their two young children on her own.

'He's not coming back at all,' she says, her voice torn. 'Everything was so perfect before I got pregnant. It's terrible for me because I'm very emotional and have even thought of ending my life.'

So bold was her husband that he even posted pictures of him and his most recent mistress on Facebook. Yet, Josephine is still hoping he will return.

'It's difficult to be divorced with two kids. How will people look at me? Love is partially a reason for wanting him back but I also don't want an incomplete family.'

But even for couples who put the past behind them, a happy ending is hard work. Care Corner's Ms Cho reckons it takes about five to seven years for couples to overcome infidelity.

'The victim, usually the wife, goes through an emotional upheaval. She might become suspicious if she can't get her husband on the phone. She might check his phone, his documents, his clothes.

'Forgiveness is easier said than done. She has to slowly let go of her anger and learn to care for him and trust again.'

Sadly, serial adultery is not uncommon. 'If you have transgressed once, you should not be too quick to distance yourself from it. If you don't learn from the incident, it's more likely that you will repeat it,' says Mr Bong.

Ms Theresa Bung, senior family therapist at Family Life Society, says a relationship is never the same after an extramarital affair. It cuts both ways, she adds: 'After numerous counselling sessions, a couple may decide to end their marriage or they may be motivated to work on their relationship and explore more ways of intimacy and communication.'

For secretary Madam Goh, 60, finding the courage to leave her stormy 30-year marriage turned her life around. Her husband, a wealthy man, had an affair with a much younger woman whom he showered lavish gifts on.

She at first could not bear the thought of having a broken marriage and tried to persuade him to leave his mistress. He refused and they divorced two years ago.

'I did my best to save the marriage, so my conscience is clear,' she says. 'I'm more at peace without that awful man. I keep myself happy by going dancing and going to church.

'Life is good for me and I do pray that one day I can find a better man and a better marriage.'

Previous: >> Part 1     >>Part 2    >>Part 3

What Singapore women say about cheating hearts