My boyfriend and I have been dating for a little over 3 years. We are both in our late 20s and up until this past week our relationship has been absolutely beautiful. Background story is I was living in Florida to finish my college degree and he and I met at a party when I was home on one of my breaks. We naturally hit it off, talked a bit then went our separate ways. For the next two weeks I was home we got together practically everyday whether it was for a dinner date, a concert, or just hanging out to get to know each other. I then went back to Florida with both of us agreeing that we would take it for what is was and see where it took us. For the next two years as I finished up my degree we (despite the distance-he lives in PA) had a beautiful, completely trusting relationship. I would fly to PA as much as possible as he would fly to FL as much as possible. When I moved home to PA a little over a year ago our relationship blossomed to even new heights of love, patience, intimacy, and support. Sure, we had a few arguments here and there (both in FL and in PA) but there hasn't been a bridge up until this point that we have not been able to cross.

This brings me to today. He was just away for work for 6 weeks (I visited him 3 weeks ago for about a week) and the last night they (his coworkers) were there they went out to a bar and while at this bar my boyfriend was dancing with a girl (which is fine-he and I both agree that dancing is fine) and when then were done dancing they were all hanging out chatting and she leaned over and kissed him, and he kissed her back. (tongue and all). He told me he only kissed her for "like 2 seconds" and then pulled away because he was so ashamed, proceeded to tell her he had a girlfriend and she needed to stop, and then paid his tab and got a taxi home to remove himself from the situation.

I know that he did the right thing by removing himself from the situation before it got out of hand but I'm having a really hard time dealing with the fact that he kissed another girl. From day 1 of our relationship I have been very clear that kissing, in my opinion, is cheating and I will absolutely not tolerate any type of cheating. (I've been cheated on in the past so I have no tolerance/respect for cheaters in my life) And he acknowledges that he cheated and that he feels awful and that he regrets his decision and that it is the worst thing he has ever done in his life. Etc. He wants to work it out but I don't think it's fair that I now have to spend the rest of my life with trust issues with the person that I'm supposed to trust with all my heart.

I just need some advice for mental sanity. This has all happened within the last 24 hours and I am so lost on what to do. I'm ashamed, embarrassed, I feel betrayed and am so disappointed. I think things will forever be different for us, and I don't know if I'm okay with that, if I'm okay with settling.

Please help.