The concept of betrayal is intricately tied to its emotional impact, as the act allows individuals to escape from the complexities of a messy relationship. It creates a clear divide where one party's infraction overshadows the smaller faults of the other, offering a sense of purity in their moral standing. This rush of relief can be tempting, as it simplifies emotional turmoil into a more straightforward narrative.

Nora Ephron's exploration of this theme in "Heartburn" highlights the paradox of feeling liberated through someone else's wrongdoing. While betrayal can bring temporary relief by shifting the focus onto the transgressor, it also underscores the darker sides of human relationships, where both parties harbor imperfect traits. The pleasure derived from such a clear-cut separation often masks the complexities and pain of the initial connection.