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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

...to not want to go on family holiday with cheating OH?

61 replies

MelBrookesMyHero · 25/07/2025 14:15

Approaching 3 months since it came out my OH of 16 years has been cheating on me for the past 5 years (it's on other threads so sorry for bleating on, I still haven't spoke to a soul about it other than on here).

We are supposed to be going on a long since booked family holiday (probably intended to the sort of family holiday once in a lifetime type of experience) soon, but I just can't bare the idea of trying to play happy families, not least knowing what she's done, but also because she's totally shut down any prospect of discussing what she's done which is really driving me up the wall. I'm trying to prepare myself, practically and emotionally to leave but really struggling with the idea, particularly what to say to, and do about our two DC's.

For now I've said I can't face going on holiday as a family and want the time and space to myself. OH getting all emotional about it, saying it will be me destroying the family etc and pleading with me to just go and at least put a front on.

AIBU to stick to my position and say I'm not going? Or should I try and man up for the sake of our two DC's?

OP posts:
Userengage · 25/07/2025 14:28

She stays home and you take the children on holiday. Before you go, you need to tell people IRL (not the children obviously) and make it all real. Stop keeping her dirty secret for her, the shame is hers not yours.

User505351 · 25/07/2025 14:24

Are you planning to end your relationship or are you trying to work things out?

If I was planning to end the relationship I think I would stay at home and get myself organised as much as I could.

If it's a holiday you really want to go on and experience then I'd go. But make very clear that you are going as co-parents and not as partners. Say up front that you want to have separate time with the kids, maybe you take them iut one afternoon and she stays at home, that sort of thing.

Cherrysoup · 25/07/2025 14:24

MelBrookesMyHero · 25/07/2025 14:22

Yes sorry, I'm a 'dad' on MN.

Regardless, your dp is the one in the wrong, why should you stay home? Take the holiday, SHE gets to stay at home and have a shit time.

watchingplanesicantafford · 25/07/2025 14:24

Will the DCs feel the atmosphere though on your holiday? I wouldn't go and I'd be getting prepared to leave. A 5yr affair isn't a "one-off mistake".

MelBrookesMyHero · 25/07/2025 14:22

Berlinlover · 25/07/2025 14:19

The cheat is a woman.

Yes sorry, I'm a 'dad' on MN.

OP posts:
Apillthatmakesyousayalltherightstuff · 25/07/2025 14:21

I vote you put on a front for the children. You can always avoid your partner for short times by pretending to have indigestion or a migraine. That way your children get to have the holiday memories.

historyrepeatz · 25/07/2025 14:20

Why haven’t you told anyone? Having to deal with stuff like this holiday in a lifetime and impact on kids whilst holding the knowledge of a 5 year affair is a lot. Is it possible for either her to go with kids and another family member ( one of her parents /siblings) or for you to take someone else?

ThinWomansBrain · 25/07/2025 14:20

she knows why you're not going - can hardly claim that you are the one destroying the family.
stay home and work out your options for the future.

Berlinlover · 25/07/2025 14:19

Cherrysoup · 25/07/2025 14:18

Given he’s the cheating fuckwit, how about he stays at home and you go? Maybe with your mum/family member/friend if you need support?

The cheat is a woman.

Elmaas · 25/07/2025 14:19

Yanbu to not want to do it if you don't feel you can, and she has chosen to stonewall you.
This is ALL on her.

Cherrysoup · 25/07/2025 14:18

Given he’s the cheating fuckwit, how about he stays at home and you go? Maybe with your mum/family member/friend if you need support?