For a couple that have strived for privacy during their three-year relationship, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson’s love affair now couldn’t be any more public.
The Twilight lovers' relationship has been thrown into turmoil after Kristen, 22, admitted to having an affair with married film director Rupert Sanders, 42, after pictures of the pair embroiled in a passionate clinch were made public by US Weekly magazine.
Although Robert ‘R-Patz’ has remained resolutely silent since the cheating rumours broke, the (usually) viciously private Kristen issued a revealing statement saying how sorry she was.
"I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. This momentary indiscretion has jeopardised the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I'm so sorry."
Are Kristen’s loud words be enough to save her and Rob's relationship?
Author of Sex Academy and relationship expert Dr Pam Spurr, doesn’t think so.
“The problem with a release like Kristen's is she has ignored the wisdom of the saying, ‘The least said the soonest mended,’” Dr Spurr told HuffPost Lifestyle.
“The ideal would've been a very brief statement simply asking for ‘privacy while she made amends for her indiscretion’.
“Her choice words at the end of the statement ‘I love him, I love him, I'm so sorry,’ are melodramatic. Yes, this is a dramatic situation but words are incredibly powerful and can whip up a sense that the flames of the fire are being fanned even more.
“What she was hoping to do was make a most humble apology but instead those words drive the nail further into Robert's undeniable heartache and wounded male pride."
Scroll down to discover other 'sorry' celebrities... (PICTURES)
Whereas relationship expert, James Preece, aka The Dating Guru, believes a public “I’m sorry” was the right thing for Kristen to do.
“An apology is the most important thing after an affair, followed by an explanation. You'll be judged by everyone that knows you both, so if they are aware of the infidelity then you need to make a very public apology.”
If you have been unfaithful to your partner, is it best to throw yourself at their mercy and announce it to friends and family, or should you deal with the situation behind closed doors?
Denise Knowles, relationship counselor from Relate, believes that the best way to salvage your relationship following infidelity is to deal with the situation privately.
“Most couples who are going through a cheating dilemma and who keep it as private as possible, are the ones who are better at succeeding if they choose to give their relationship another go,” Knowles told HuffPost Lifestyle.
“While it’s fantastic to have the support of your friends and close family, of course, everyone will have an opinion on the matter whilst you’re trying to decide on what to do.
“Therefore, if you decide to stay together, those opinions, such as, 'I knew he wasn’t right for you', will stick. These negative comments will linger and put strain on your relationship.
That’s why during a relationship crisis, it’s best to communicate with each other and make a decision as a couple, without any outside influence, says Knowles.
“If you decide to separate, you have made the decision yourself," adds Knowles.
What it is the best way to apologise to your partner if you’ve been unfaithful? Counselor Denise Knowles says:
- First and foremost, take responsibility. It’s no good blaming your partner for ‘neglecting you’ in a bid to explain why you did what you did. Face up to your actions.
- Be sure in your mind that the affair is over.
- Make sure you’re sorry because you’ve had an affair, not because you’ve been caught out.
- Remember that it’s not as simple as saying sorry. Actions are just as important as words. Give your partner time to adjust, space and time to heal. Do not expect your partner to draw a line under the whole ordeal and forget about it overnight.
- Recognise that this is a ‘grieving’ process for both of you. Respect this if your partner becomes angry or resentful.
Kristen isn't the first celebrity to issue a public, grovelling apology...