How would you break it to your spouse, if you wanted to fix things, that you had been involved with someone else?

I’m curious as to how people would approach this conversation. I’ve had it, and I thought about it for days, rehearsed it in my mind, and went into it not sure at all that I could do it.

I was afraid that I’d be out on the street that night. I was afraid of other reactions. Maybe she’d get violent. So I came up with a way to tell the story, so she could understand it, if not get it.

I’m wondering how other people would approach this? Would you cut to the chase? Beat it around the bush? can I think of any other cliches? Would you get a mediator. Blurt it out and beg forgiveness? Beg forgiveness and then blurt it out? What?

This scenario assumes you value the relationship and want to continue it, if possible.