To think that any man who takes 35 years to stop cheating on his wife is no "prize"?

[Cerseirys]

Depressing article in today's Guardian. The husband in question sounds like a complete creep yet his wife stuck with him through it all and now, after 35 years, he's finally stopped cheating on her and she thinks that's her reward for standing by her man.

AIBU to find it sad that some women put up with this? And before anyone says that maybe she was happy with the situation, it's quite clear in the article that she wasn't.

I see what you mean but I think it's that it's 35 years now and she thinks he's stopped cheating based on his behaviour for the last 5 years? Not very clear though!

The thing that amazes me most about this is not that there are some women would put up with this behaviour (tragic as that is), and certainly not that there are some men would be philanderers given the chance, but that there seem to be no shortage of women who seem willing to jump into bed with such a man - even friends and neighbours who will not only be aware of his reputation but are also willing betray a friend/acquaintance!.... especially as these type of men seem to be smarmy sleazeballs! Yes, of course there will be some women who'll go with these kind of men, but for this to continue, they must be out there in droves!! Perhaps I am just being blind or naïve here?

This. I find this sad.

And the effects on the kids.

Agree with pp that this is a very common situation.

I wondered if it was the "living with teenagers" woman trying to disguise herself a bit this time. She's about the right age and always writes as though she can do no wrong. I may be completely wrong but not naming the author makes you wonder about Guardian favoured writers of that generation.
I see this weeks guardian completely ignores the article and the response it got.