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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

In love with female teacher...

320 replies

Tumbletee · 30/04/2019 23:32

Aibu to ask for advice/what is wrong with me?!
NC for obvious reasons.... Happily married to dh for eight years, and have two young children. Always considered myself completely heterosexual, never had any feelings to suggest otherwise, or question that, but over the past year, I've developed intense, overwhelming feelings towards my dds FEMALE preschool teacher! I only see her for approximately ten mins twice a week, but everytime it seems to intensify these feelings, and I can't seem to stop thinking about her. She's probably twenty years older than me, an average middle aged woman, but something about her is causing me to question wtf is going on in my brain?! I truly love my dh, we are very happy, and I feel guilty/ashamed/confused by these thoughts. I keep telling myself it doesn't actually matter as nothing is going to happen anyway, but then I have these fantasies where she tells me she knows how I feel and she feels the same, and it makes my heart race. It sounds insane. Even more now I've wrote it down and admitted everything. But what does it mean?! Am I bisexual? The thought of any other woman doesn't appeal to me at all, in the slightest, it's just her. She messaged me last week (occasionally she'll message about dd, school etc), but this was something really unimportant, and it seemed like maybe she was making an excuse to message me, and I convinced myself she felt the same, and got really excited... Then felt the awful guilt about dh, and how on earth I could be feeling like this about another person. Why after 35 years of "being straight" am I now fantasizing about myself being with a woman? I feel like I'm completely infatuated with her... Any advice?

OP posts:
CantspellWontspell · 01/07/2019 17:21

I massively clicked with my DC’s key worker. Not in a sexual way but we had an almost instant friendship connection whereby a quick “hello, how are you?” would end up with us chatting and laughing about all sorts. Sometimes relationships need time and exposure but occasionally there are those people with whom it seems there is a shortcut to intimacy. I’m still friends with her even though my DC’ are all at school now. It’s rare but real and it doesn’t take into account social boundaries.

Chemistry... physical chemistry is also an odd phenomenon. I have it with someone who I don’t even like much as a person. I avoid being in contact with him as it’s weird and unsettling but it certainly isn’t a choice or something I could decide not to experience.

I think if you really feel you are gay (and I know a couple of women who didn’t come to that realization till after marriage and children) then you owe it to yourself and your DH to end the marriage and explore that further. My now ex SIL tried to “fight the feelings” and it drove both her and my brother to depression. They are both happily divorced and co-parenting. Both in new relationships with women and have managed to pull things round so they are on good terms but it was touch and go for a while.

He now realises that he contributed to their difficulties because he didn’t really except that she’s was actually gay and thought that if they had another baby or something, then she would settle with a heterosexual marriage. She couldn’t.

Maybe you can, maybe you can’t. I would perhaps give yourself some time and space and perhaps see a councilor to talk through your feelings before you make a decision.

CantspellWontspell · 01/07/2019 17:23

*accept not except!

Tumbletee · 16/07/2019 02:09

So, I thought I should add another update as there's been alot of changes since I last posted...
DH and I agreed to have a "break", after I eventually had a huge break down and told him I couldn't continue to ignore how I felt. He was understandably upset, but agreed it was for the best. It's been difficult as due to where we live, not near any family etc, and his work commute, we're still living under the same roof, and it's hard to remember sometimes that we're trying to live separately, while still living together. It seems weird and awkward, and obviously not a long term solution, but right now it works logistically and for the kids, they don't know anything changed, and until we have a proper plan in place, that's for the best. Although it is a constant reminder of how guilty I feel about putting him through all of this. He's such a good man, and I hate that this is all "my fault". He still thinks this will all blow over, and I hate that the amicability we've sustained so far, is unlikely to last. I cannot blame him for that though. It's tough, and probably only going to get worse.

And then... I finally spoke to her, and told her how I feel... And did not get the response I was expecting...
She told me that she's always been straight, and has never had any sort of lesbian relationship before. But she did have strong feelings towards me that she couldn't explain. She told me she knows she's overstepped the mark with how close we've got, and that she was going to have to back off, as her job would be in jeopardy if anything happened, and she didn't want to be the reason me and dh split up. We agreed to cut contact (apart from obviously school run), due to the risk of her job. This was all via phone messenger, so was hard to really gauge how she was feeling. She kept saying she was sorry, and was really confused. I was devastated to be honest, and was convinced that she felt sorry for me, so told me she felt the same out of kindness. I felt sick at the thought of seeing her at school, but instantly when we saw eachother again, instead of feeling embarrassed or awkward, I just felt relieved and happy to see her, and she smiled so genuinely, I knew she felt the same. Two weeks ago, she messaged and asked if we could talk. I went to see her at her house, and this was the first time we'd discussed our feelings face to face. We both cried, alot, we both admitted how confused we felt, and then we ended up kissing. It was really surreal, and instantly clarified my feelings to what I've been uncertain and confused about over the past almost 2 years. We've met up a few times since, and we've both became alot more confident in discussing how we feel about eachother and the situation as a whole, although this usually leads to us both trying to fight off being too intimate with eachother. Saturday night, things went too far, and we had to stop ourselves as we've both agreed not to rush into anything right now, as much as we want it. I'm really nervous about what the future holds, and how things are going to go with separating officially with dh, as I said, I don't think he even accepts this is happening. I've been completely transparent with him, told him I was meeting with her, and told him that we both feel the same, and that we kissed etc, without going into too much detail, as I don't think that's necessary, and he just tells me to let me know when I've realised how "crazy" this all is, and we'll see if we can work things out. DD finishes school next week, so that will probably be a major turning point in all of this. So this is where we're at.

Sorry for the rambling long post. I just needed to put it all down on "paper". I still feel like I'm in some sort of surreal dream, as this doesn't feel like my life, and how my life was meant to be playing out. All I know is that I couldn't surpress my feelings any longer, and gradually I can feel the weight lifting off my shoulders, the more honest I can be about who I am, and what I feel.

OP posts:
Bloodybridget · 16/07/2019 02:20

Gosh Tumbletee, I read the first couple of plages of this thread ages when it was new, and am surprised to see your update. It sounds as though you have handled things very well re your DH, with great honesty and integrity, so kudos to you for that. I really hope things work out well for you with the teacher - I was a volunteer on a lesbian and gay helpline for years, and heard many stories of people realising they were gay while married/ in long-term heterosexual relationships; never easy especially with children in the mix, but I always thought it was best to be truthful. Good luck with everything.

StarlightLady · 16/07/2019 04:41

What is set in her job rules/contract to say you can’t see each other? Is it not possible to be discreet?

Bumper1969 · 16/07/2019 05:05

There is nothing about a relationship with you that would put her job in jeopardy.

Good luck I admire you for going fir this overwhelming feeling. I had sometime similar many years ago and have never ever forgotten it or her

Bumper1969 · 16/07/2019 05:06

I know of a few teachers who have relationships with parents.

Tomasinaa · 16/07/2019 05:27

Op you start this thread by saying how happily married you are.

I fear this is some sort of infatuation which you are going to deeply regret.

And I feel awful for your poor husband stuck in this purgatory while he does the "pick me" dance.

VivienneHolt · 16/07/2019 07:36

I think you’re handling this with honesty and transparency, OP.

A word of warning that comes from my own experiences (I’m bi) - same-sex relationships with women who have previously always assumed they were heterosexual (and I have been on both sides of this kind of relationship) can have a surprising intensity in the early stages. I think this is because women who leave ‘hereto life’ begins for the sake of a relationship with another women feel that it must be because they’ve found a woman who is so special and amazing and uniquely perfect for them that they couldn’t live a lie any more. There can be a sense that the new same-sex relationship must be all-consuming in order to justify leaving heterosexuality behind - a feeling of ‘I wouldn’t have done it if it hadn’t been for this specific woman being my soul mate’. There’s a sense that the relationship has to be all-consuming and intense and perfect to make it ‘worth’ everything that was given up for it.

That’s a false feeling; lots of women don’t realise they are gay or bisexual until later in life, and while it may be meeting a particular woman that causes someone to re-evaluate their sexuality, it doesn’t mean that woman is meant for them or that the relationship has to be perfect. It can put a lot of pressure on a new relationship to see it that way.

Whatever happens next, remember to treat yourself gently and take some time to work through your feelings. I also recommend counselling with an LGBT specialist, because you don’t necessarily want your new partner (if that is what this teacher becomes) to be the person who works through your feelings with you.

Whatever happens, I hope you come out of it happy; and I hope you’re able to find a way to minimise pain and disruption to your husband and daughter. It sounds like you’re already doing all that you can on that front Flowers

MontyBowJangles · 16/07/2019 08:25

Thanks for the update OP. I admire you. Life is too short to be unhappy.

I love @VivienneHolt's post - she seems to speak from experience and with much kindness too.

TakemedowntoPotatoCity · 16/07/2019 08:33

This thread seems slightly unreal 😒😲 but good on you op

FoxFoxSierra · 16/07/2019 10:01

Wow op that's some update! What a difficult position to be in. I feel for your dh but at the same time think he's being quite arrogant with his insistence that this is all nonsense. I hope you manage to work out what path to take and that it leads to happiness

Kitsandkids · 16/07/2019 10:58

I honestly don’t know how you can go from saying you have a happy marriage to be willing to end it all for someone you barely know. And I don’t say that because she’s a woman. You got married. You made vows and promised to stick to them. Yet now you’re going to break them. You have a lovely husband (by your own admittance) and two children yet you’re going to throw it all away. And she must have known you were married yet still sent you messages and encouraged you with regards your feelings for her. She was willing to break up someone’s marriage. That’s not someone I would want to be with.

PooWillyBumBum · 16/07/2019 11:11

I’m really disappointed to see this update.

I had similar feelings for a lady at work for about a year, but I told my lovely DH about it immediately. They eventually fizzled out and now we laugh about it. The lady is definitely gay though I never acted on it.

You referred to your marriage quite recently as happy. For the sake of the promises you made, what sounds like a good man and for your family unit I would really urge you to consider giving it another chance. As others have said you barely know her and you’re comparing the initial spark and excitement (not only of the person but exploring sexuality) with an 8 year marriage and I really feel for your husband. In 8 years with anyone you’ll probably encounter feelings like this for someone else at some point...

GirlsBlouse17 · 23/07/2019 16:21

I have such admiration for you OP. You are certainly someone who makes things happen! I think you are so brave and have been honest and true to your feelings. I believe you have done the right thing. It may be hard on your husband but I think your honesty means you have been fair to him and he will at least be able to make a new start. I think however it would be a good idea just to have a few relatiknship counselling sessions just to be sure this is the path you wish to take. I am curious to know what that first kiss was like for you! ☺ Flowers x

GirlsBlouse17 · 05/08/2019 10:08

Hope you're okay OP. Please keep us updated as to how you are and what's happening x

Orlandointhewilderness · 05/08/2019 11:31

When did we all become so self centred?! Why does someone's feelings towards someone they don't know trump a good marriage with a decent man and a child's security?! It's not a magic fairytale where you are entitled be happy at any cost - this is real life, real people will be hurt and not for a good enough reason.
When did marriage vows stop meaning anything?! I honestly don't know why people actually get married. It isn't 'until death do us part, or I have a wobble a few years in'. Marriage takes work and dedication.

Orlandointhewilderness · 05/08/2019 11:31

When did we all become so self centred?! Why does someone's feelings towards someone they don't know trump a good marriage with a decent man and a child's security?! It's not a magic fairytale where you are entitled be happy at any cost - this is real life, real people will be hurt and not for a good enough reason.
When did marriage vows stop meaning anything?! I honestly don't know why people actually get married. It isn't 'until death do us part, or I have a wobble a few years in'. Marriage takes work and dedication.

Orlandointhewilderness · 05/08/2019 11:31

When did we all become so self centred?! Why does someone's feelings towards someone they don't know trump a good marriage with a decent man and a child's security?! It's not a magic fairytale where you are entitled be happy at any cost - this is real life, real people will be hurt and not for a good enough reason.
When did marriage vows stop meaning anything?! I honestly don't know why people actually get married. It isn't 'until death do us part, or I have a wobble a few years in'. Marriage takes work and dedication.

Orlandointhewilderness · 05/08/2019 11:31

When did we all become so self centred?! Why does someone's feelings towards someone they don't know trump a good marriage with a decent man and a child's security?! It's not a magic fairytale where you are entitled be happy at any cost - this is real life, real people will be hurt and not for a good enough reason.
When did marriage vows stop meaning anything?! I honestly don't know why people actually get married. It isn't 'until death do us part, or I have a wobble a few years in'. Marriage takes work and dedication.

Loftyswops988 · 05/08/2019 13:16

@Orlandointhewilderness I take it you've not experienced having doubts in your own sexuality? I can see where you're coming from in trying to make marriages work but if you start to realise you are gay why on earth would you stay in something when you know it's not right?

Are you really suggesting that OP ignores her feelings? Children do better to be brought up by happy parents, not ones who are trying to keep it together for the kids. Life is too short to not let yourself be happy. You sound bitter.

Hope you're okay, OP. Rooting for you!

Advisemeplease1 · 05/08/2019 13:21

Sounds like limerance. Look it up and see if it fits (very intense, all consuming crush).

KirstyHasLeft · 05/08/2019 19:21

Wowzer, OP! You've got some balls! Good on you.

As I'm in the same boat - I was reading the whole 11 page drama, expecting it to end in some sort of realisation of how pathetic this whole love story is. That's what I am telling myself - how pathetic I am, how creepy I must be coming across and to stop fantasising about my own happiness over my DH and DC happiness.

I always had crushes on women but never acted on them as the said women were always straight. So I just got married to a nice guy and had nice children.

The woman I am crazy about is also my DC teacher but if anything - she is avoiding me lately. Probably the best thing to do.. I bet she is wandering what the hell is wrong with me :(
It has been a year - a long, painful year. I am constantly heart broken, my poor DH is becoming increasingly unhappy in our marriage, yet he really loves me and it would devastate him if I was to leave. I think I will carry on being unhappy for the rest of my life.

I am so happy to read that OP actually had the guts to do what she felt right. I hope you both will find a lifetime of happiness together.

GirlsBlouse17 · 19/08/2019 16:18

I'm sorry you are unhappy Kirsty. How long have you and DH been together? How old are you both? Why has DH become increasingly unhappy? Flowers

KirstyHasLeft · 19/08/2019 20:31

@GirlsBlouse17, we are in our late 30s and been together for about 12 years. My DH is unhappy because I find it increasingly difficult to pretend to be happy with him. I do love him as a friend - we get on well, but there is no attraction.. I have to get drunk to sleep with him. He sees that and I am so sorry for what I am doing to him..
I have two kids and nowhere to go really - my family live in another country. So I can't just up and leave.
I don't know how unhappy do I have to be to justify breaking up our family and my husband's heart. I am kind of hoping he will eventually have enough and leave me for someone else.
Gosh, reading this makes me so sad..

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