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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Husband meeting someone else

36 replies

UnhappyScroller · 26/01/2026 09:28

Long story. I've worked a challenging and time consuming job for years thinking I was going the right thing to provide stability and a future for my family (husband & 2 teenagers). Last October I find out hubby has been meeting up with a woman behind my back. I caught them a few times, nothing other than a "friendly" meeting up it would appear. My reaction was one of devastation, both them could see that. I've begged him to stop "being friends " with her but he blames me gor his loneliness (my job). He swears there's never been anything else. NYE she rung him needing his help in an emergency, he went to help her. They share a common interest and I have "agreed" that he can continue with this as long as he's open about it. I thought I could handle it but I can't. Mentally and physically I'm in a real mess. Am I right in thinking that she clearly wants more? I think he's flattered by her attention. AIBU to believe that this is a non-negotiable?

OP posts:
RedStars · 26/01/2026 10:07

Wickedlittledancer · 26/01/2026 09:45

Why do you think she wants more and not your husband? Ultimately it doesn’t matter if she wants more, it only matters if he does. It comes down to trust.

This. It's hilarious how some posters on here appear to be convinced of the utter desirability of their husbands.

RealEagle · 26/01/2026 10:04

So he spent NYE with her,under the guise of helping a damsel in distress.

Platypus7 · 26/01/2026 10:04

How did he meet her? And have you met her? Does she know he’s married? If you say “I don’t feel comfortable with this” that should be enough.

toomuchfaff · 26/01/2026 10:00

DARVO

Why is it your fault? Oh you went out to work and he was so lonely, of course he sought solace in another woman (not a hobby or a friend?).

Hes a prick, he might not have stuck his dick in her yet but thats not where the bar should be set. At the very least, hes having an emotional affair. At the very least he places her comfort over yours because he continues to see her when youve expressed that youre uncomfortable with their relationship.

That alone is enough to say; his heart isnt with you.

JLou08 · 26/01/2026 09:56

How much do you work? Do you spend quality time with your DH and DC? There's no point in building for a future if you have no opportunity to enjoy the present and invest in your relationship. Are you working too much or is it an excuse he is using?

UninitendedShark · 26/01/2026 09:50

It’s never middle-aged Keith with a bald spot and a collection of top gear magazines these husbands want to hang out with in their ‘wife-induced loneliness’ is it? Funny that.

rubyslippers · 26/01/2026 09:46

He went to her home on NYE for an emergency!?
have some self respect, dump him and start negotiating your divorce
you work and he’s blaming you for his affair - and it is an affair -
what a weak, pathetic man
you’re worth a lot more

Missj25 · 26/01/2026 09:45

UnhappyScroller · 26/01/2026 09:28

Long story. I've worked a challenging and time consuming job for years thinking I was going the right thing to provide stability and a future for my family (husband & 2 teenagers). Last October I find out hubby has been meeting up with a woman behind my back. I caught them a few times, nothing other than a "friendly" meeting up it would appear. My reaction was one of devastation, both them could see that. I've begged him to stop "being friends " with her but he blames me gor his loneliness (my job). He swears there's never been anything else. NYE she rung him needing his help in an emergency, he went to help her. They share a common interest and I have "agreed" that he can continue with this as long as he's open about it. I thought I could handle it but I can't. Mentally and physically I'm in a real mess. Am I right in thinking that she clearly wants more? I think he's flattered by her attention. AIBU to believe that this is a non-negotiable?

Morning OP .
Well it’s wrong & I can’t imagine anyone coming on here saying it’s fine .
You need to stop blaming yourself for this , saying you caused this because you work too much .
Did he speak to you explaining he feels lonely ?.
I know it may not be sexual between them yet but it’s certainly on that path .
It’s ridiculous of him to expect you to be ok with this .
I do feel this will end in tears if he continues to see her .
Can you get through to him , do you think ?
Are you both still attracted to one another ?

Wickedlittledancer · 26/01/2026 09:45

Why do you think she wants more and not your husband? Ultimately it doesn’t matter if she wants more, it only matters if he does. It comes down to trust.

TheMorgenmuffel · 26/01/2026 09:42

Is it a non negotiable for you? As in are you willing to walk away if she is more important to him than you are?

PruthePrune · 26/01/2026 09:40

Darling, wake up and smell the coffee.

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