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AIBU?

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AIBU to take a 1-year affair that ended this summer to the grave?

254 replies

MarbleCreamCoconut · 03/09/2026 17:25

I know I am going to get absolutely battered for this, and I deserve it. Please just give it to me straight because I am completely lost.

Some context: DH and I have been together for 15 years, married for 5. We have two beautiful DC (10 and 3).

For a long time, our marriage was in a really bad place. We were disconnected, arguing constantly, and I felt completely invisible. During this time, I did the unforgivable. I had a year-long affair with another man.

Toward the end of the affair, things with DH actually started getting better. The atmosphere at home was lifting, we were communicating more, and I had already decided I was going to end the affair anyway because I wanted to focus on my marriage.

It ended completely this summer, about two months ago, when his wife got a new job opportunity and they relocated to Manchester. He has cut all contact and moved on.

Since it ended, DH and I have continued getting on so much better. It feels like we are finally finding our way back to each other. I know 100% that I will never, ever cheat again. The guilt is eating me alive, but the madness is over.

Here is the thing: there is absolutely zero chance of DH ever finding out from anyone else. The lover is gone, there are no mutual friends, and all digital tracks are completely wiped.I am stuck in an agonizing loop.

YABU
Do I tell him the truth, destroy his world, and break up our kids' home, or do I leave the marriage quietly without telling him why?

YANBU
Or do I keep my mouth shut, carry the guilt to my grave, and focus every ounce of my energy on being the best wife and mother I can be?

OP posts:
Awwlookatmybabyspider · 08/09/2026 14:06

It’s over done with gone. There is nothing at all to be gained for mentioning it and don’t think for a fraction of a second that you’ll be rewarded for honesty. If the boot was on the other foot and your partner said to you “I need to get it off my chest I’ve been having an affair” would you say “Oh don’t worry darling at least you’re being honest! You won’t be the first or last person to ever take a secret to their grave

Moros · 08/09/2026 14:18

NovemberMorn · 08/09/2026 14:05

You don't know she is 'pretending'; people make mistakes and can be genuinely sorry for them.

Relationships can be mended, hopfully this one can be.

A drunken snog is a mistake. A year-long affair is a protracted and utterly selfish series of deliberate choices and deceit.

Still, nice to know that now her affair partner has fucked off the OP has suddenly remembered she has a spouse and children and is now oh so massively concerned about their well-being.

Beepen · 08/09/2026 14:28

I'm trying to figure out whether this thread has just attracted a disproportionate number of cheats or whether society really is this amoral now.

Ops husband only has one life. He doesn't deserve to be tricked into spending it with a cheat. He should be allowed to make his own decision whether or not to remain with op- armed with all the facts and the STD test results

MatriarchCaz · 08/09/2026 18:52

Moros · 08/09/2026 14:18

A drunken snog is a mistake. A year-long affair is a protracted and utterly selfish series of deliberate choices and deceit.

Still, nice to know that now her affair partner has fucked off the OP has suddenly remembered she has a spouse and children and is now oh so massively concerned about their well-being.

Have to agree, a year affair is not a mistake imo.

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