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Just found out my husband of 3 years has been cheating for the past 18 months

568 replies

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 02:37

Long story short. On holiday with hubby; this is our first day of a two week holiday. It didn’t start great as his luggage was lost at the airport, so a bit cranky because of it. Trying to help him trace his luggage whilst he was in the pool only to find hundreds of messages, videos, suggestive pics of my hubby and one of his older former colleagues. This has apparently been going on for the past 18 months, whilst we’ve been married for 3 years and going through IVF in the past year. I’m absolutely devastated. I’m struggling to process what’s going on; feeling quite emotionally detached from it all - maybe it’s the shock. Things have not been perfect with IVF and miscarriages but this started way before that …. The messages broke me with I LOVE YOU being said on a daily basis. I’m reading through them and I don’t recognize my marriage; I feel like we’ve been living 2 different realities. He says he loves me but then allegedly he’s infatuated with her… but doesn’t want to break up. I can’t even process what’s going on ….

OP posts:
MysticHalfWitch · 24/03/2026 09:17

What a spineless trail of cat sick this man is. I’m so sorry, you deserve so much more. I hope that when the light hits you can organise yourself a flight back home to get support from your family and friends. He doesn’t deserve your concern, let him sort himself out. What a terrible situation, especially given your IVF journey. Start putting yourself first, no worrying about him.

thirtyfourpercent · 24/03/2026 09:16

You don’t mention children on this holiday so I assume the 43 year old with two children is OW.
How can she be certain who fathered her child in November?

Watchoutfortheslowaraf · 24/03/2026 09:16

Don’t let him manipulate you with his panic attacks and talks of killing himself

can you get home? Book an early flight? For just you, obviously, don’t book his

Livpool · 24/03/2026 09:14

What a piece of shit

HDJH1234 · 24/03/2026 09:14

She could be saying that OP to twist the knife more - and force you even more into leaving him.

I wouldn't believe a word either of them say.

popcorn215 · 24/03/2026 09:13

They are ‘in love’ with a version of themselves they are in now. Not when two worlds have blown up, when she has to share time with her kids, both have to go through divorce and people have a completely different perception of their characters.

im so sorry you’re going through this and the fact she got pregnant when you’re going through IVF. What a piece of shit your husband is.

AmandaHoldensLips · 24/03/2026 09:13

Keep your eyes on the prize. A life without this piece of shit. It's a short marriage and in years to come you'll look back at this as a mere bump in the road.

KimberleyClark · 24/03/2026 09:12

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 09:10

Foolishly I did and found out they are in love with a ‘version’ of themselves- what the fuck does that even mean. Oh and she got pregnant in November and had an abortion. I can’t even cope at this point

Oh my god I’m so sorry.

Christmastimeandwine · 24/03/2026 09:12

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 09:10

Foolishly I did and found out they are in love with a ‘version’ of themselves- what the fuck does that even mean. Oh and she got pregnant in November and had an abortion. I can’t even cope at this point

So sorry!

Christmastimeandwine · 24/03/2026 09:11

Just want to say how bloody amazing I think you are, you are handling this so well! So sorry for what your bas*ard excuse of a husband has done to you! He’s sounds pathetic and quite narcissistic and you sound far too good for him! Sending you strength

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 09:10

CoraPirbright · 24/03/2026 08:07

FGS dont talk to the OW!! I cannot see how that’s going to help in any way. It will just be more lies and manipulation like your worm of a husband. Also she is probably now really worried you are going to tell her DH. I totally would - he deserves to know.

Foolishly I did and found out they are in love with a ‘version’ of themselves- what the fuck does that even mean. Oh and she got pregnant in November and had an abortion. I can’t even cope at this point

OP posts:
Looneytunez · 24/03/2026 09:09

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 02:37

Long story short. On holiday with hubby; this is our first day of a two week holiday. It didn’t start great as his luggage was lost at the airport, so a bit cranky because of it. Trying to help him trace his luggage whilst he was in the pool only to find hundreds of messages, videos, suggestive pics of my hubby and one of his older former colleagues. This has apparently been going on for the past 18 months, whilst we’ve been married for 3 years and going through IVF in the past year. I’m absolutely devastated. I’m struggling to process what’s going on; feeling quite emotionally detached from it all - maybe it’s the shock. Things have not been perfect with IVF and miscarriages but this started way before that …. The messages broke me with I LOVE YOU being said on a daily basis. I’m reading through them and I don’t recognize my marriage; I feel like we’ve been living 2 different realities. He says he loves me but then allegedly he’s infatuated with her… but doesn’t want to break up. I can’t even process what’s going on ….

Happened to someone I know. They were also going thru ivf, numerous times, unsuccessfully. Finally he left her for a much younger fertile woman that he was having an affair with. He was denying the affair and tried sitting on two chairs for a while until they both put pressure on him and he went for the other woman. Best wishes to you, stay strong.

Mingspingpongball · 24/03/2026 09:08

The betrayal is awful and I’m sorry for you OP.
The most important thing at the minute is getting home safely. You. He is capable of sorting himself out.
If he starts doing anything suggesting heart attacks or panic attacks don’t even discuss it just pick the phone up and call reception.

You don’t need to decide about telling her husband or anything else until later. When you get home see a solicitor if your decision is to end the marriage (which is exactly what I’d do).

Try not to think about the “why her” side of things- it could be her background or it could even be that she’s older than him (attraction from younger men to older women is more common than you might think). And it might be none of those things.

Revenge acts won’t make you feel better in the end. (I know you don’t say anything remotely to imply you would do anything revenge style). Stay strong and get on with the actions that give you the outcome you want. Best of luck.

ThatCyanCat · 24/03/2026 09:04

When you first said she was older with kids, my initial thought was "oh, he's slightly less of a stupid cliché" but with the fuller picture, nah, he totally is. A shallow view on life and you say he's younger than you too... obviously there are plenty of happy relationships where the man is a bit younger but in his case it sounds like a pattern whereby he wants to avoid all responsibility and simply be presented with a certain lifestyle he thinks he is owed, even though he has a very enviable one as it is. I even wonder if he's trying to avoid having children as it would mean having to grow the fuck up.

Well, you're obviously strong and switched on... ultimately you will be absolutely fine. I would be worried about him, because he's a total fool, but I don't give a shit.

YourLoyalPlumOP · 24/03/2026 08:58

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 06:39

Don’t really have a choice. Losing my shit won’t do me/us any good. What infuriates me now, couple of drinks later, I’d that we did PGT during IVF and he refused to get checked to see if there’s anything wrong with him. So I’m carrying all the blame not being ‘able’ to have kids whilst he was out enjoying his best life with his former colleague leaving me home dealing with all our shit as he was always too overwhelmed to do anything around the house.

You really are incredible girl. I am so so impressed with how you’re handling this. This really is amazing. I know what I’m saying is worthless. But you’re a amazing person ❤️

ViciousCurrentBun · 24/03/2026 08:57

When my friends husband threatened to kill himself my answer was at least it will save solicitors fees and you will also get his death in service. The least likely people to die by their own hands are ones who do stuff like this. It’s a well known type of control in situations like this, I worked with DV survivors and many men threatened this when they were being left.

Leave him and never look back.

KimberleyClark · 24/03/2026 08:56

The fact he refused tests, prior to going though fertility treatment, speaks volumes. He either is hiding something? Doesn't really want a child? Doesn't want a child with you? Or couldn't bear the thought of him being the 'problem'?

I’m surprised that any clinic would do IVF without having the full picture tbh. For all they know he might not be producing any sperm at all.

jackstini · 24/03/2026 08:56

So sorry this is happening to you, especially so far from home

Please start putting yourself first. His behaviour is disgusting and you owe him nothing

Time to take a deep breath and do what you know you need to

Do not talk to him, it’s too much, too soon

Go home asap, you have a lot to sort out and may as well start now

Take screenshots of everything you can

Get hold of all paperwork relating to:
Bank accounts
Savings
Shares
Pensions
Mortgages

Contact a solicitor

Do not speak to the OW
Message her saying she has 24 hours to tell her husband before you do, but that’s it. He has to know

Tell your family and trusted friends what has happened so they can support you

You can’t control what has happened so far, but you can and will control how you deal with it

Today is shit - but your future without him holds so much more 💪💐

nutbrownhare15 · 24/03/2026 08:56

You know it's over so in your shoes I'd find somewhere else to stay and just leave him to it.

YourLoyalPlumOP · 24/03/2026 08:55

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 05:07

Don’t want to ruin someone else’s life. She has 2 kids; nice family, financially secure. It’s his fault and his fault only. He had committed to me not him. I can have any feelings towards her but doesn’t change the fact the person who promised to love me betrayed me in such a horrible way. Her life will just go one I suppose. This was the typical I’m 43 and need to feel sexy again whilst my just as doesn’t notice be anymore and I take care of my kids, it’s his fault and his fault only for betraying me

Wow. You’re a better person than I am! That’s phenomenal that you could do that. You’re a real catch thinking like that op! ❤️❤️❤️❤️. He’s really screwed up!

Imdunfer · 24/03/2026 08:54

I'm just baffled why a woman of your income is still at that hotel with him, never mind comforting him through a panic attack!

There's a door, use it.

Steeleydan · 24/03/2026 08:52

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 02:53

Yeah agree. Best part of the story is that she’s 10 years older, married with two kids…

Let her have him, once a cheat always a cheat. The grass won't be greener, but hell find that out. Get rid of him ASAP youre worth so much more

Endofyear · 24/03/2026 08:50

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 05:09

Don’t know what to do. We’re 14 hours away from home and yea refusing to call reception whist not being able to breath and taking about killing himself. I’d rather just go through the night and talk like adults tomorrow - if that’s possible at all

There's really nothing to talk about - he's been messaging another woman telling her he loves her and wishes she was with him instead of you! That's really all you need to know. Leave him to his 'panic attack' and get yourself another room. Tomorrow you can book yourself a flight home and see a solicitor, get some support from family and friends. This relationship is over.

Sassylovesbooks · 24/03/2026 08:50

The OW will only want reassurances that you aren't going to tell her husband. Preserving her marriage and lifestyle will be her priority. Personally, I wouldn't speak to her, what is there to say? If you do decide to speak to her...give zero information away, because she'll be on the phone to your husband, the minute you put the phone down! As for her marriage, I certainly wouldn't reassure her that you won't tell her husband. A generic 'It's been a huge shock and I need time to process it' will suffice.

If you're in a position to do so, I would book a flight home. Leave your husband a note and head to the airport. Staying means, having to listen to a lot of self-pitying, bollocks for 2 weeks. Your husband is a man-child, but he's a highly manipulative one, and if he senses he's loosing his grip on you, it's possible he could turn nasty. He's perfected his persona around you, 'little boy lost', but actually he's manipulated you into doing absolutely everything for him, and always prioritising him and his needs. He's actually controlling, and controlling, manipulative men, who suddenly realise they are loosing that control, can become unpredictable.

The fact he refused tests, prior to going though fertility treatment, speaks volumes. He either is hiding something? Doesn't really want a child? Doesn't want a child with you? Or couldn't bear the thought of him being the 'problem'?

Don't cover for him. Tell his parents. Tell your own. Please remember, your husband is no longer on your team, he doesn't have your best interests at heart (and in truth, probably never has). His parents maybe utterly horrified by his behaviour, but they are his parents and will ultimately stand by him. Don't tell them any of your inner thoughts or plans.

You don't have children with him. As much as that might hurt, now knowing what you do, that's a blessing in disguise. Once you divorce, you don't have to see/have anything to do with him again. Imagine trying to co-parent with such a person?

QuintadosMalvados · 24/03/2026 08:48

I sometimes think that it's not just the infidelity that makes women divorce cheats but the lack of ownership they display when caught.

Unless a man said, 'Yes I cheated. This is not about you, I just wanted some extra sexual fun. I'll leave you to decide if that's something you can live with. If not, I'll understand and of course I'll leave' he could fuck right off.

Own it, you muppet would be my advice to him but then if he did own it it he wouldn't be a manchild, anyway.