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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:
Woodfiresareamazing · 24/03/2026 16:39

BabyBoardroom · 24/03/2026 12:07

I am SO sorry. I know that head spinning, sick to the stomach feeling that you get when you discover those messages. Just words but words that literally implode your life and make you question everything. I know the pain you are feeling right now and I am so sorry that two other disgusting humans decided that it would be okay to do this to you.
i think whatever you do from here, you need to get some space between you and him. You need to process this and you won’t be able to with him around. How has he responded now he knows you know? This will be an unpopular opinion but hear me out. I went through this with my husband over a decade ago. We split for a short time but both realised we wanted to work on it. Our marriage is 100% better for it happening. He made a genuine mistake and he will feel sorry for that forever (he still apologises now) and I genuinely believe it was a one off. However, I do think it depends on who your husband is and whether you think this was a genuine one off that has got carried away with - and now you’ve found out he’s realised what he’s potentially thrown away - or is it more than that, and is this who he is.
you won’t have the answers to these questions right now but I just wanted to give a different perspective. It is possible to get over something like this - but not without a lot of hard work. But you will know by his reaction how much he cares for you and how much he’s willing to fight for you. Either way, get some space. You need space from him to think it all through and process it all. We were also experiencing fertility challenges when my husband did it. Those struggles definitely change a marriage but it’s not an excuse for what he did. And when they betray you at your most vulnerable, it is very difficult to forgive that. I’m so sorry. I hope you have a lot of support around you just now. Lots of love x

I don't understand how an 18 month affair can be referred to as a "one-off".

A one night stand, yes. I can see how that might happen, and I might be able to forgive and get past that.

But to find out that my husband had been lying to me for 18 months, regularly putting his dick into another woman every opportunity he could find, and professing love for her - nope, wouldn't even want to try getting past that.

Just out of interest, BabyBoardroom, how long was your husband having sex with another woman?

Boomer55 · 24/03/2026 16:37

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 11:35

He’s alright. Keeps throwing up but guess that’s anxiety. Most likely due to getting caught than anything else. He’s definitely had some sleep so he’s prioritizing himself. I don’t get anything but ‘I’m sorry’ ‘that’s not quite true’. He seems to have lost the rest of his vocabulary along with decency

Just do what feels right for you. Stay where you are, change rooms, or fly home. Ignore what others would do - just do you.

Best wishes. 🌺

ishouldbeoverit · 24/03/2026 16:32

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 04:34

We’re both financially secure so that’s not an issue. Though he’s just had a proper panic attack or faked it, not sure, so had to tuck him in whilst begging me not to leave. Pretty sure I’m being manipulated but I guess that’s my fault since I’ve always put him first

100% being manipulated there... he's been caught out and you now have the upper hand and he's trying to get it back ... don't let him.

Woodfiresareamazing · 24/03/2026 16:27

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 11:35

He’s alright. Keeps throwing up but guess that’s anxiety. Most likely due to getting caught than anything else. He’s definitely had some sleep so he’s prioritizing himself. I don’t get anything but ‘I’m sorry’ ‘that’s not quite true’. He seems to have lost the rest of his vocabulary along with decency

"I'm sorry" doesn't really cut it when he's been fucking another woman for 18 months. And possibly even impregnating her.

I'm so sorry, OP. What a total bastard he is.

I would probably just want to go home now, but if you can't, get him to find somewhere else to stay and leave you to find what peace you can without him around.

💐💐💐

ScupperedbytheSea · 24/03/2026 16:05

Get out of there and get home. You're in shock, vulnerable and it sounds like he's really going to trybl and manipulate you while you're in that state.

The fact that he was able to sleep after his 'panic attack' shows that. It's quite easy to bring on a panic attack by hyperventilating if you're manipulative and backed into a corner.

I'd be tempted to bin his passport before heading to the airport. Not to score childish points, but because it'll likely give you a few days breathing space at home while he sorts out a temporary one.

Get safely away, and block him while you get a solicitor lined up and support at home.

BabyBoardroom · 24/03/2026 16:00

HollyScot · 24/03/2026 14:38

It says in the thread title it went on for 18 months, I think that's beyond a one off mistake.

Yeah like I’ve said, I meant one off as in the affair never happened again. I didn’t mean a literal one night stand. People say once a cheater always a cheater - I’m just saying that isn’t always the case and offering a different viewpoint. An unpopular one, yes. But unheard of? No. The truth is many couples manage to work it out after an affair, it’s just not talked about. Many of their nearest and dearest don’t know it ever happened.

Easterbunnyishotandcross · 24/03/2026 15:59

I'd be booking a better room and soaking his passport in a pint of beer..

ERthree · 24/03/2026 15:57

This was not a one night stand, this was a year and a half of deceit, of sharing his life with someone that wasn't you, of telling another woman that he loved her, all whilst you had miscarriages and IVF. There is low and then there is the lowest of the low.
Please fly home, get everything you need sorted, Pack his stuff and make an appointment with a divorce lawyer and get things under way. Take control of what happens next.
Leave him lying by the pool all on his own.

Luckyingame · 24/03/2026 15:51

GameOfJones · 24/03/2026 14:11

I would call your trusted loved ones as soon as possible and tell them what has happened and that you're coming home.

You cannot have a reasonable conversation with a liar and you cannot trust anything he says. I would pack your things and leave him a note telling him you're going home. Get yourself a taxi to the airport and come back. You need some space from him right now to grieve and to plan the next steps.

If you're worried about him hurting himself, tell his parents what has happened and that you are flying home. He does not get to control how you react to this or what you do next, don't let him continue to manipulate you.

This.
Of course he's not gonna hurt himself.
Divorce him and take him for what you can.

Anyahyacinth · 24/03/2026 15:46

365RubyRed · 24/03/2026 12:45

I wouldn't be rushing home, but I would be rushing to hotel reception and booking myself another room, or even relocating to another resort. Then sit back, enjoy the sunshine, read some good books, look after yourself - and when you get home, start divorce proceedings ASAP.

Hotel staff often have support available (related to DV) so it would definitely be worth approaching them for help with another room or help to go out..safe storage for YOUR passport.

When it happened to me complete strangers were angels on earth and a huge kind support. So many people have been similarly hurt. 🫂❤️

I hope you have support or feel strong enough to see where you’ve travelled to and take back the control. He is no good and the silver lining in an awful situation is that you didn’t have children with him…he is unworthy of you. You will build a better life 🌅

Stop offering him support for the pain HE has inflicted

redboxer321 · 24/03/2026 15:41

FrauPaige · 24/03/2026 14:30

This guff about him having been to private school as his parents did and him wanting to have had an upper middle class woman is totally irrelevant. These are reasons for him not to have dated or married you - not for him to cheat on you within a few months of marrying you. He is shit.

It's not though. It sounds to me like he might have mummy issues and low self esteem. Not that that excuses his behaviour one bit. He has certainly acted like a shit but he is also a screwed up guy. I'm not suggesting he deserves understanding but it might help the OP or others in similar circumstances in time.

ByBreezyUser · 24/03/2026 15:39

Newusername0 · 24/03/2026 15:37

She’s 53, got pregnant and had an abortion…. Have I understood that correctly?

edit… sorry! I misread your earlier post when you were speaking from her perspective.

Sorry you’re stuck in this position OP. I wouldnt believe a word he says and would consider how you protect yourself best you can. If she’s brazen enough to state they love a version of each other and to go into those details, it suggests it might run a bit deeper, she may be hoping you leave him!

Edited

No. She's 43 I think. I thought she was 53 at first but think it's the other woman who is 43.

ByBreezyUser · 24/03/2026 15:39

Yardbrushes · 24/03/2026 15:26

His hysteria, threats to srlf harm are all part of domestic abuse which is clearly a factor in this relationship.

You put him first, tuck him in?
Ffs, you can't really believe that is normal.

He's a man-child and certainly not father material.

I really hope you will not be talked down by him.
It would be awful to inflict such scum on a child.
I am so sorry.

The dynamics of your relationship are really off.
More mike parent and very small child.
Tucking him in🤢?

Tuck him in? After cheating and potentially getting someone pregnant? Dear God.

What I would do is ask the hotel to move me rooms.

Or tell him to find other accommodation - this is intolerable

Newusername0 · 24/03/2026 15:37

She’s 53, got pregnant and had an abortion…. Have I understood that correctly?

edit… sorry! I misread your earlier post when you were speaking from her perspective.

Sorry you’re stuck in this position OP. I wouldnt believe a word he says and would consider how you protect yourself best you can. If she’s brazen enough to state they love a version of each other and to go into those details, it suggests it might run a bit deeper, she may be hoping you leave him!

DotAndCarryOne2 · 24/03/2026 15:28

PrincessofWells · 24/03/2026 02:48

I put you are being unreasonable because the only response is to dump him. You shouldn't even need to ask . . .

Bit harsh don’t you think ?

Yardbrushes · 24/03/2026 15:26

His hysteria, threats to srlf harm are all part of domestic abuse which is clearly a factor in this relationship.

You put him first, tuck him in?
Ffs, you can't really believe that is normal.

He's a man-child and certainly not father material.

I really hope you will not be talked down by him.
It would be awful to inflict such scum on a child.
I am so sorry.

The dynamics of your relationship are really off.
More mike parent and very small child.
Tucking him in🤢?

Jeschara · 24/03/2026 15:24

Your husband is a lying cheating pratt. You owe him nothing. He is a pathetic weak specimen and you deserve so much better.

Let him stay in the room with his panic attacks and throwing up. You go out. Try to eat and drink something, get some sun, get angry, and decide what you want to do.

Do not do silly things like hiding his passport. I don't say this often but when you get home start making plans to leave this hideous man.

You state you earn nearly £200k between you so your finances sound OK. What I can't get over is how weak and jealous your husband is. He resents that people at the private school he went too earn more than him. Pathetic. You seem a sensible very fair woman. He is lucky to have you. Not for much longer hopefully.

Do make sure that all finances are shared equally though.

MadinMarch · 24/03/2026 15:18

luckylavender · 24/03/2026 15:01

That is simply not affordable for most people.

Op has said they are on a combined salary of £200K so probably could easily afford another room.
I hope OP is having a good sleep now as she didn't sleep last night.

Phoenixfire1988 · 24/03/2026 15:16

I'd be at reception getting another room or booking into a different hotel all together fuck him and her id be telling her husband aswell because he deserves to know !

spiderlight · 24/03/2026 15:16

What a scumbag. Pathetic. I hope you are on your way home now to gather your friends and loved ones around you and get your proverbial ducks in a row.

Mere1 · 24/03/2026 15:11

Yardbrushes · 24/03/2026 15:07

You poor woman.
Be glad you are not pregnant with this scum.
I hope you tell people and family and his colleagues, including about her abortion.
Bring it right to her door.
They are both scum.
I am so sorry.

Agreed.

Mere1 · 24/03/2026 15:10

HollyScot · 24/03/2026 11:24

Op I've read all your updates and just want to say you need to prioritise yourself. If he's having panic attacks and talking about killing himself you can pass that buck on to his parents, youre not obligated to look after him any more. Focus on what you need to do for yourself.x

This is very sound advice.

Yardbrushes · 24/03/2026 15:07

You poor woman.
Be glad you are not pregnant with this scum.
I hope you tell people and family and his colleagues, including about her abortion.
Bring it right to her door.
They are both scum.
I am so sorry.

luckylavender · 24/03/2026 15:01

365RubyRed · 24/03/2026 12:45

I wouldn't be rushing home, but I would be rushing to hotel reception and booking myself another room, or even relocating to another resort. Then sit back, enjoy the sunshine, read some good books, look after yourself - and when you get home, start divorce proceedings ASAP.

That is simply not affordable for most people.

ClawedButler · 24/03/2026 15:00

Well I wonder how fiery the OW's ardour for this mewling babyman will remain once he's actually available.

I suspect she'll dry up faster than noon in the desert, but that's their problem, not yours.

Your priority now needs to be on taking care of yourself. You might be in shock for a few days, and neglect to eat/have trouble sleeping. Try to eat something regularly, keep hydrated, and at least allow your body to rest, even if you can't sleep.

You do not need to make any decisions right now. Get yourself home, gather IRL support, and THEN you can think about exploring what next steps you want to take.

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