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I’ve been cheated on, but it’s so much worse.

297 replies

Mumbunmum · 10/03/2022 06:06

I’ve just found out that I’ve been cheated on by my Partner of 12 years.

We have 2 children together, a 7 year old Daughter and a 4 year old Son. We have a house together, everything together and we were due to get married in just under 11 weeks.

What’s worse is that it was with one of my best Friends and he’s been texting her, meeting her for over 6 weeks. Today is day 2 of all of this and I am crushed to pieces, I don’t know how I will ever cope. All I do know is that my heart hasn’t stopped thumping out of my chest for 2 days and I feel sick to the pit of my stomach. Please please help me, I honestly don’t know where to even begin and I’m trying so hard to stay strong for our two children who are just number one in all of this.

I’m so lost, hurt and I’ve been betrayed so bad that I can’t even get my head around it.

OP posts:
IdblowJonSnow · 10/03/2022 14:19

This happened to me last year - although not with the best friend. The adrenalin and shock is so awful. I was on meds for a few months. Took the edge off and helped me sleep.
Pm me if you want to ask about that.
I know you don't know right now how you'll survive and cope. And that's normal. But honestly you will. Please do have faith in that.
Confide in other friends or family if you can. Stay in the house. If there are any joint savings take your half (or more) now. Speak to a solicitor and don't believe a word he's saying.
So sorry you're going through this op. You will start to feel a little better sooner than you think.
Big hug. X

Kuachui · 10/03/2022 14:20

omg the ultimate betrayal!!

AwayInMyMind · 10/03/2022 14:23

OP, don't let this beat you down. You did NOTHING wrong - he is an arsehole, it's all on him.

You will get through this, and you will be okay Flowers

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

skodadoda · 10/03/2022 14:23

but I keep telling him that I would so much rather he just left me if he genuinely didn’t feel that he wanted to be with me

Men rarely just leave a relationship; they almost always have someone else lined up.

TellySavalashairbrush · 10/03/2022 14:32

I am very sorry op. While of course it would be wise to get some financial advice as soon as you feel up to it, I think you need to just take things one day at a time at this early stage. Being able to get yourself and your dc up, washed and fed may be about as much as you feel you can do for now and that is perfectly ok.

You sound like you have great support in your mum and I would advise drawing on that as much as you can at the moment. It is going to be very difficult for some time to come, but just focus on today for now.

tigger2022 · 10/03/2022 14:47

That is so awful... unfortunately based on past experience of being cheated on by a long-term partner (also with someone I thought was a friend, although we didn't have children) I don't think you will ever hear the full truth from either of them. It's kind of like a PR exercise while they try to protect their reputations, "what is the least worst way we can frame what we did to our mutual friends?"

When it happened to me I think I was too quick to make peace and just wanted it all to go away, so my advice is don't do what I did and give him what he wants. When it comes to practical things like money, house, things... be equally ruthless in protecting your own interests Sad

AntiHop · 10/03/2022 14:48

They are both absolutely despicable. I'm so sorry op.

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 10/03/2022 14:51

OP, I'm going to be brutally honest (I'm so sorry btw).

If he wants her in the children's lives, she will be. Unless there is something missing, he will be entitled to unsupervised contact time with his kids and during this time, he can introduce them to whomever he wants (as long as they're not a danger to the kids). You can't stop this or do anything about it. I know this feels impossible right now, but try and focus on the things you do have some control over.

Have you spoken to her? I don't think I'd be able to not speak to her and hear 'her side'. Not that it'll make any difference, but I'd also want to get my feelings towards her off my chest.

As I say, focus on the things you can control atm. Focus on ending your relationship with him, getting your affairs in order and separating. Get sorted with somewhere secure to live and reach out to a solicitor if you want advice.

Feel all your emotions, let them out to trusted people. Scream, shout, cry, throw things if that helps. Get it out away from the kids.

It is all going to get so much worse and much more painful before it gets better, but it will get better. I've seen it happen and seen people come out the other side as happier people. You've got to trudge the shit to reach the shore. But remember: take one day at a time.

shockthemonkey · 10/03/2022 14:54

Dear OP, I am so sorry. I had the same, a very long time ago - and the OW was my sister.

None of the platitudes apply, sadly. I don't know what I can say about how you'll recover or even start to feel better (but don't do what I did, which was to bury it deep inside and let it fester for seven years).

In my case no kids were involved. I would definitely see a solicitor asap as you've got your DC to think about. And don't be soft on him. If only the settlement could take into account the level of betrayal... but it doesn't.

Courage Flowers

bluepeacock · 10/03/2022 15:03

Not RTFT but DO NOT leave the house if you are house owners.

And get to a SHL (shit hot lawyer) asap.

rubbleonthedoub · 10/03/2022 15:03

I haven't read all the responses from others so I don't know if anyone else as already recommended this to you.

Please look at the chumplady website. There are so many women who have been through exactly the same thing and will be able to help you.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 10/03/2022 15:04

I'm so sorry to read this - I had similar happen to me, years ago, but at least there were no children involved in either situation.

What I learnt from it is that they start off feeling guilty but they can't cope with that for long, so very quickly the story will change and it will become your fault - this is due to them (both) rewriting history to make themselves feel better about their cheating.

You must not listen to anything either of them say that blames you, or her H, in any way - because it's only to make them feel better, which makes you feel worse. The only thing you need to learn is that he simply Did Not Love You Enough. That's on him, not you.

Keep contact to a minimum, and keep it practical. DON'T ask him what went wrong, what she has that you don't, or anything else - because whatever he tells you will be lies - guilt-reducing lies.

Get finances sorted ASAP while the guilt is still there - he may promise all sorts initially, but then will retract it over the next few weeks, as the guilt wears off and he moves on. Get onto a solicitor immediately and start the process.

If you can manage to keep the house, so much the better - but if you can't manage the mortgage by yourself then I guess it will have to be sold. Check how much child maintenance you should be paid, don't let him offer less than that, and don't believe any sob stories about him not being able to afford it. Too fucking bad, mate!

Her - well, I totally understand your feelings about the kids not seeing her, but sadly you can't control that. Initially you might be able to, in terms of only letting him see the kids at your house - but then YOU'd have to see him as well, and that's not in your best interests. So much though I hate to tell you this, you're going to have to come to terms with this - he is their father and he can take them to see whom he likes, so long as they're no danger to the kids.

Her DH must be in a state of shock too - but I'd avoid having much to do with him, even if he wants to - it's not healthy for either of you.

Tell friends, tell family - get all the support you need, let it all out - there is no shame attached to you, this is all on HIM (and your "friend"). And of course you'll have to cancel all the wedding plans - and trust me, you will have to do it, because (from experience) if you try to get him to, you'll be left in the lurch. I well remember getting a phonecall from one of my ex's friends, very hurt because he hadn't received his wedding invitation - and having to tell him that the reason why was because his friend [my ex] had fucked off with a secretary from work and there was no wedding. The friend was mortified - but of course the feckless ex hadn't bothered to tell him, dick that he was.

Focus on your children, keeping them safe and in a routine - it will help - but make sure you have people who you can call and let it all out to, because that will help too.

((((hugs)))) - it fucking sucks, it really does. Thanks

Notjustabrunette · 10/03/2022 15:07

First of all, I’m truly sorry this has happened to you. It will get better I promise, but unfortunately not any time soon.
You don’t need to make any big decisions about what you are going to do right now, but I would cancel the wedding. No advice on the best way to go about that one I’m afraid.
I can recommend books by Andrew g Marshall and Caroline madden to help you make sense of what has happened to you.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 10/03/2022 15:09

Oh another thing - you might think "Oh he'd never do that" - but that's the "him" that you were partners with, when he loved you more than anyone else.
That "him" no longer exists, and his priorities have changed - and with it, his personality will seem different. It isn't - just the bits that didn't "fit" into your relationship will come to the fore, and you'll feel like you don't even know him any more.

So short way of saying it is "expect the worst" - because quite often, that's what you'll get. They stoop lower than you could ever have imagined, because they no longer care about you like you believed they did.

Lsquiggles · 10/03/2022 15:11

What a horrible man, to not only do this to your family but also to his best friends family. Take care of yourself and your children, your sadness will turn into strength over time and you will be better off without him Flowers

AKASammyScrounge · 10/03/2022 15:19

@Snog

OP you're right it's definitely so much worse when it's your best friend that has betrayed you. They have both showed you who they are. You will come through this and be better off with neither of them in your life. It's a body blow and no mistake Thanks
Don't believe him about the joint account Get down to the bank and withdraw half.
Mumbunmum · 10/03/2022 15:23

As things stand at the moment, I am in no fit state to seek any advice. Financial or not, we've everything sorted with funds anyway all signed up and agreed if anything went wrong.

What I fear the most is that my poor children will suffer at the lack of respect he’s paid to us 3. I cannot believe that he’s done this to them mainly.

I had dealt with him telling me that he was leaving me, but to find that he was cheating was just beyond it. I am so beyond crushed I just have no words.

OP posts:
Landedonfeet · 10/03/2022 15:25

@Mumbunmum

As things stand at the moment, I am in no fit state to seek any advice. Financial or not, we've everything sorted with funds anyway all signed up and agreed if anything went wrong.

What I fear the most is that my poor children will suffer at the lack of respect he’s paid to us 3. I cannot believe that he’s done this to them mainly.

I had dealt with him telling me that he was leaving me, but to find that he was cheating was just beyond it. I am so beyond crushed I just have no words.

You’ve already financially agreed everything without any legal involvement at all?
BadNomad · 10/03/2022 15:26

Well he's an idiot. Two shattered families for a 6 week affair. I wonder if he even realises trying to "make a go of it" with her means taking on her 3 kids while losing out on his own for at least 50% of the time. Sounds like a great deal. Not.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 10/03/2022 15:40

When you say your finances are all sorted, was this legally drawn up agreements that you already had in place in case of anything going wrong? Because if it wasn't, then you might need to review.

Also might need to keep an eye on any joint accounts you may have, especially savings - make sure he doesn't withdraw all the money (You'd be surprised).

In fact, if you don't already have your own account, I would set one up immediately and transfer half of your savings account into it, so he can't touch it.

LookItsMeAgain · 10/03/2022 15:40

@Dontbeme

OP I'm going to give you the advice I wish I had received in your situation:

Get yourself to the GP today if possible, if you need something to help you sleep for the next short while or for anxiety or whatever, just get it.
Book an STD test.
See a solicitor ASAP, his guilt won't last and he will turn, they always do.
Check if you are entitled to any benefits.
Let family rally around you, don't be shy in asking for help.
Don't believe anything he tells you, liars lie and he's a confirmed liar.
Don't deal with his family, that's his job now. They will be on his team no matter how well you got on previously, it's up to him to manage any relationship your DC have with his side.
From now on your focus is you and the DC, doesn't matter what he says, feels or does, your priority is you.
I'm so sorry he has done this, take care of yourself. Try to get some sleep and good food, let family or friends take care of you for a bit. You'll get through this.

Oh you poor thing @Mumbunmum.

I would 100% agree with @Dontbeme in the advice given. Please take whatever time you need to process this and get through it. First it will be a few hours at a time, which will become a day at a time and then a few days at a time and before you know it, you'll be going weeks at at time.

You're essentially grieving for the life you thought you would have as a happy family with him. That's gone. It's very easy for me to say this at the end of a keyboard but if you can see it like that and then make a conscious decision to deal with what comes now, you will be stronger for it.

Please also take the advice that Dontbeme gave about dealing with his family - your in-laws. The are his now to deal with. All of them. Even for childcare or visits. They are done on his time with his family and you don't ever have to put yourself out to suit them any more.

Mumoblue · 10/03/2022 15:42

Of course they have a “connection”. They’re both scumbag cheaters.

Sorry that you’re going through this OP. Try your best to protect yourself and your children, but brace for the fact you may not be able to do anything about her being around your kids. Flowers

oakleaffy · 10/03/2022 15:43

@HollowTalk

He really has been thinking with his dick, hasn't he? If she has 3 children under 4, it's very likely they will live with her. If he lives with her, he'll live with them instead of his own children. What an idiot he is. Cruel, selfish and stupid - a really bad combination.
Three kids under 4? Geez...The gilt will wear off the gingerbread pretty fast. Instead of ''stolen moments'' and passion, it will be grizzling and laundry and no sex at all.

Mix 5 kids together...Recipe for squabbles &c.

Tragically, it's the kids {Who have no part in this seamy , seedy affair} who will suffer most of all.

Hawkins001 · 10/03/2022 15:46

@Mumbunmum

I’ve just found out that I’ve been cheated on by my Partner of 12 years.

We have 2 children together, a 7 year old Daughter and a 4 year old Son. We have a house together, everything together and we were due to get married in just under 11 weeks.

What’s worse is that it was with one of my best Friends and he’s been texting her, meeting her for over 6 weeks. Today is day 2 of all of this and I am crushed to pieces, I don’t know how I will ever cope. All I do know is that my heart hasn’t stopped thumping out of my chest for 2 days and I feel sick to the pit of my stomach. Please please help me, I honestly don’t know where to even begin and I’m trying so hard to stay strong for our two children who are just number one in all of this.

I’m so lost, hurt and I’ve been betrayed so bad that I can’t even get my head around it.

Just shows you can have the whole package and still, people wander, or have different perspectives. All the best op and positively.
Hmum0fthree · 10/03/2022 15:51

@Mumbunmum I am so sorry you must be feeling completely broken, how anyone can do this to their children is beyond me Sad