It's the story that has gripped the world for the last few days - former CEO of Astronomer, Andy Byron, and HR specialist, Kristin Cabot, on Coldplay 'kiss cam' - and the conversations show no signs of slowing down.
More fuel has been added to the fire with the appearance of 'statements' issued by Andy's wife, Megan Byron. One such statement was picked up by relationship expert Mel Schilling on Instagram, and while it is yet to be verified, it has sparked further discussion and highlighted some key learnings about the experience of betrayal.
We spoke to Mel for some expertise on the situation, and her advice for anyone finding themselves navigating betrayal.
Mel Schilling on navigating betrayal
When Megan Byron’s statement about her husband’s public betrayal dropped online, it didn’t just go viral, it sent a shiver down the spine of every person who’s ever had to swallow their pride in the face of humiliation. But let’s get one thing straight, Megan wasn’t spiraling.
She was standing still with her shoulders back, chin lifted and eyes unflinching.
As someone who has spent over two decades coaching people through emotional minefields, I can tell you with certainty that this was not the behaviour of a woman falling apart. This was the voice of a woman rising.
Betrayal can cut deep. Whether it’s infidelity, dishonesty, or emotional abandonment, that moment when trust shatters is like having the rug pulled out from under you. You can be left spinning, questioning what was real and who you are in its aftermath.
But let me be clear. Betrayal doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can also be the turning point.
And how you navigate it will define your next chapter, not the person who broke your trust. I think we can extract some key lessons from Megan’s smart and strategic response:
Feel the feelings, but don't let them run the show
Shock, rage, grief and humiliation - these are all normal and completely expected. Let them in. Give them space. But don’t let them take the wheel. You are allowed to feel, but you don’t have to act from that place.
Cry if you need to. Scream into a pillow. Call a friend who won’t try to fix it, but just hold space.
It’s important to separate your feelings from your actions. Feel it now, act on it later.
Choose dignity over performance
We live in a world where public meltdowns get likes, and grace is expected even when you’ve been gutted. But real power is quiet.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation or a public dissection of your pain.
Channel your energy into what serves you and lifts you up. Maybe it’s therapy, journaling, workouts, work, whatever reminds you who you are without them. Take the time to invest in yourself and rebuild your strength (without the noisy audience).
Reclaim your boundaries
Betrayal often stems from blurred boundaries. Now is the time to redraw them boldly and unapologetically. Ask yourself:
- Who gets access to me now?
- What behaviour is no longer acceptable?
- What version of myself am I no longer willing to shrink into?
Betrayal doesn’t just teach you about others. It reveals where you need to stand stronger.
As Megan said in her statement, “I am not spiralling, I am ascending” and I think this is the most powerful reframe of a betrayal I’ve ever heard. She is demonstrating that someone else’s mistake can become the making of you, your opportunity for a new chapter and an uprising of your strength. You just need to get your mindset right.
Mel Schilling is considered a global expert on dating, confidence and relationships. An Australian-born psychologist-turned-TV host, she is best know as the Queen of Married At First Sight (MAFS) and regularly shares her expertise on UK and Australian morning and prime time TV.
