Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is the consensus that we don't tell the girlfriend?

59 replies

BlueLeavesGreenSea · 27/10/2025 22:11

I was with my ex for over two years, I decided that I should end our relationship because I wasn't always able to give him the time he wanted due to work and family. There was no indifference, I still loved him, but it became untenable watching him suffer, or give me silent treatment. We remained very close, still slept together at times, and spoke to each other most days. I was not interested in anyone else and made no attempt to move on or date. He was a safe space for me and I didn't want anyone else, although of course I was stupid to break up with him.

10 months on, we met up, had a lovely time, felt like a real reconciliation, he told me he is still very much in love with, and we slept together. He told me he'd been on a couple of dates with a woman, but this wasnt the first time he'd dated, of course he's entitled to do so. I said how sorry I was, and how I'd made a mistake and should never have broken up with him. After we slept together he told me he was seeing the woman he'd been out witb twice the next day. I was very upset but again, my fault for letting him go.

Over the period of the next week he repeatedly told me how much he loves me, he wants to marry me, I'm everything to him etc. Nearly a week later he told he he lay naked with this woman the night after we slept together, then told me he was meant to be meeting her brother at the weekend. He says he didn't realise he was in a relationship but that he would break it off.

Anyway , this has gone on for over a fortnight. Push and pull, telling me he loves me, he's leaving her, he doesn't want to be with her, whilst simultaneously arranging to meet with her, he took her out for birthday. He is all over me one moment reassuring me about how he feels, but the next told me he couldn't promise he wouldn't sleep with her. He is nearly 51.

There is nothing good for me here now. I could never have imagined this behaviour from this man. I can't belive I allowed myself to get drawn in, I'm working with my therapist to explore why I belived and accepted lies and breadcrumbs and have lived on adrenaline and anxiety during this.

I feel guilty about it. Their relationship is very new, maybe two months, is the consensus always not to say anything, even if its gently with some proof?

OP posts:
Diarygirlqueen · 27/10/2025 22:34

I wouldn't tell her, personally, why bring this drama into your life at your stage of life.
Block him and move on, there are better men out there.

BlueLeavesGreenSea · 27/10/2025 22:33

I don't want him, well I do, but I don't want this. This isn't what a good relationship is built on.

I trusted this man, he went on two cycling holidays, and I didnt think he would cheat. He was a safe option and gave alot of time to me. I feel disturbed by what I've witnessed over the last few weeks. I don't think I could ever get back to him like that again. So telling her wouldn't be so I could jump into bed with him without guilt, part of me wants to do it because I'm angry that he should get his cake and eat it, part of me wants to because I would absolutely want to know so I can make an informed decision, part of me because fuck him.

OP posts:
vodkaredbullgirl · 27/10/2025 22:31

Probably because he's not getting it from her. Block him

NarnianQueen · 27/10/2025 22:27

What do you think will happen? He’ll choose you because she will dump him?

He’s not leaving her because he doesn’t want to. And it’s not as if she’s his wife of 10 years! He’s leading you on. Get out of it now with your dignity intact and let go

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 27/10/2025 22:25

Well if he used to give you the silent treatment, and as he can't keep his dick in his trousers, you'd be doing his girlfriend a favour, telling her.

PashaMinaMio · 27/10/2025 22:25

You’ll just have to stand back and tell him that if he really wants to be with you he absolutely must finish with her.

Tell him that when he’s done that, you’ll talk to him about moving forward. Until then, totally shut him down whilst he makes up his mind.

Dont let him play you. Cake and eat it is very apt.

mikado1 · 27/10/2025 22:22

Definitely don't wade into that OP. Sorry how it worked out for you tho. His loss

Brightbluesomething · 27/10/2025 22:21

You’re the OW here. He’s with someone else and progressing that relationship.
I’d stop contact especially as he’s given you the silent treatment before. Don’t do the pick me dance. This is an ego boost for him. Leave. No good will come of this.

CalmTheFuckDownMargaret · 27/10/2025 22:20

She’s a new relationship and he’s working out if she’s a better match than you by continuing to get to know her. Cake, eating it, etc.

Swipe left for the next trending thread