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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Husbands relationship with coworker, so confused

47 replies

Bcakes · 16/06/2023 14:03

Hey all, I will try keep this short. Married 11 years, husband has had some hiccups in relation to boundaries with other women, one with an ex girlfriend, and one with a coworker several years ago.
About a year and a half ago he headed a pilot training programme for work. During the preparation for the pilot he had to link with a woman whom was previously in the same role as him in another part of the country, but recently got a different position. They had known each other for over 15 years, but prior to the pilot programme, he hadn't mentioned her much at all, if ever really.
So, long and the short, there was a case of mentionitis, like seriously all the time, she just came up in conversation regularly, how good she was at her job etc. Didn't really pay all that much heed to be honest. But one day, we were both working from home, his work phone rang and he couldn't get out of the room quick enough. It was her calling, so i hung about because the way they spoke to each other was so comfortable. for want of a better word. The way he answered, Hola, I was like what the fuck. Just thought it odd. So in the conversation, there was zero work talk, literally nothing about work, just chatting and catching up. I'm not proud but I hung over his shoulder later that day when he was entering the pin on his work phone. Later that day I checked his call log with her, literally spoke most days, for at least 20 minutes each time, multiple calls some days. Now bare in mind that at this point they had handed over the pilot programme and thus didn't have reason to be chatting so much.
I checked his WhatsApp, a mixture of work and just chatting. Nothing worrying really, but just so comfortable. But I noticed a message from the previous week from her, 'lunch at 1?'.the day I'm question husband was in the company head office and told me he had lunch with a male colleague, so he lied about that. Why lie if nothing to hide? Really irked me, so I brought her up in conversation that evening and asked had he seen her in head office that day, oh ya I did in passing
Failed to mention lunch. So I just said your lieing to me, called his bluff, eventually said ya he lied that they had lunch together but he didn't want to tell me due to past over stepping boundaries with a different coworker. I flipped inside to be honest but just asked him to not lie to me about any friendships he has.
Kept an eye on their call log, continued to talk almost every day, despite the fact that it was totally unnecessary due to their different roles in the company. He even rushed me off the phone saying it was a male coworker ringing, it was her. Another day he had a big meeting with some head people, to be fair he rang me straight after, but then rang her straight after hanging up with me. I was florn by the fact that he must have had her on his mind so much.
Then suddenly the friendship ended, call log showed a few weeks of no contact. So brought her up in a round about way, he said no we don't talk all that much, I pushed asked why, he said she got snappy one day about something. Doesn't add up though, how can you go from having contact every day to nada. It just makes me feel so uncomfortable, like it doesn't add up. Or am I over thinking?? I may also add she is also married with children, a very attractive woman, his type actually down to a t.
I'm thinking was it an emotional affair? Or am I reading too much into it? As I say no overly worrying messages between them, so you could say would pass as friendly banter.
Am I being crazy? It's actually doing my head in here. Help!!

OP posts:
Bcakes · 16/06/2023 16:40

Doesn't look great does it. So I'm not going insane then

OP posts:
Bcakes · 16/06/2023 16:45

Thank you so much, yes it has opened old wounds and that's why I'm questioning myself to be honest. He became quite friendly with another coworker a few years ago, long story short there was the old mentionitis, then one night at a work gig in another city they had dinner and drinks alone, despite dozens of coworkers being there. (messages on work phone asking him for drinks that evening, arranging times etc) When he told me I flipped and asked to look at work phone. Lo and behold plenty of flirty messages from her, none from him I have to admit, but didn't shoot it down either. One selfie she sent asking him out for drinks one night she was in out city, he declined. Lots of contact between them. Took a lot for him to see my problem, when I spelled it out he cut contact with her and just spoke with her if necessary for work.

OP posts:
Bcakes · 16/06/2023 16:46

I've suspected emotional affair for a while, but thought perhaps I was been dramatic. But it does appear that way doesn't it?

OP posts:
Bcakes · 16/06/2023 16:48

I won't lie I'm not doing great. I'm questioning myself so much, it's scary. I'm stuck as to what to do

OP posts:
Throwncrumbs · 16/06/2023 16:50

Crikeyalmighty · 16/06/2023 14:55

There are some men who get an almighty buzz from having female friends that they like to keep secret and as someone else said it's rarely Audrey in accounts- it's usually someone who is exactly their 'type'

I don't have an issue with friends of the opposite sex, I have a huge issue when lies are told about meeting them or the amount of contact or it's kept totally secret and they are having more contact than they do with their partner.

Audrey in accounts might be 30, look like a super model and be lovely… not everyone who works in accounts is frumpy and over 50!

Bcakes · 16/06/2023 16:55

Something definitely happened. He has 2 phones, one work and one personal. Don't think there's another sim. Latest message from her was about a week ago, all just work, no friendly chat at all, really not like how they used to converse

OP posts:
Happyinmyowncompany · 16/06/2023 16:56

Bcakes · 16/06/2023 16:48

I won't lie I'm not doing great. I'm questioning myself so much, it's scary. I'm stuck as to what to do

I'm sorry you are going through this, I deleted my first response because of auto correct, maybe you can speak to him and discuss your feelings, or have you already done this? If so then people go through marriage counseling and say that it works, maybe it can work for you two? Im not going to tell you to leave him because it's not my place to say it, just trying to think of ways of helping your marriage

Crikeyalmighty · 16/06/2023 17:36

@Throwncrumbs Yep I know- figure of speech!! Apologies to all attractive under 55 ladies in accounts!!

Bcakes · 16/06/2023 17:38

Thank you so much, sound advice. Yes I opened up to him, allowed myself to be very vulnerable and honest, he was extremely supportive and really accepted how it could look. It was actually around that time that contact seemed to decrease massively now that u think of it. He said that yes they had become good friends, insisted it was strictly professional with some gossip thrown in and bitchin about the top dogs. He totally accepted that he messed up about the lunch, said he didn't tell me as he was worried it would upset me given what happened with previous coworker. Insisted that he has learned from the past. I don't know why it's bothering me right now, well actually I do, his new position means they will be in HQ weekly so I suppose I'm concerned about that if I'm totally honest. He's a fantastic husband in the sense that he's kind, thoughtful, caring, always got my back, and is an exceptional father to boot. But I'm just anxious now unfortunately

OP posts:
Bcakes · 16/06/2023 17:47

I've no issues with him having female friends, he has plenty with zero issues on my part. The lying and omitting the frequency of contact, not so cool

OP posts:
Susieb2023 · 16/06/2023 17:57

‘He totally accepted that he messed up about the lunch, said he didn't tell me as he was worried it would upset me given what happened with previous coworker. Insisted that he has learned from the past.’

This is a lie. He has learnt nothing. He did not keep this from you for YOUR sake. He kept it from you for HIS sake. So that he could have his secret meeting and get a thrill from it. He’s seeking validation and ego boosts from other women and keeping it from you because he knows you’ll stop his fun. At the least he’s selfish and entitled and wants to cake eat (causing you a huge amount of anxiety in the process) at worst having an emotional or physical affair.

babypleasenow · 16/06/2023 18:02

Susieb2023 · 16/06/2023 17:57

‘He totally accepted that he messed up about the lunch, said he didn't tell me as he was worried it would upset me given what happened with previous coworker. Insisted that he has learned from the past.’

This is a lie. He has learnt nothing. He did not keep this from you for YOUR sake. He kept it from you for HIS sake. So that he could have his secret meeting and get a thrill from it. He’s seeking validation and ego boosts from other women and keeping it from you because he knows you’ll stop his fun. At the least he’s selfish and entitled and wants to cake eat (causing you a huge amount of anxiety in the process) at worst having an emotional or physical affair.

I agree. I think If someone makes a pass at you for example, and you don't tell your partner so not to worry them, that's completely different to going out to lunch and hiding it from your partner because you made that choice to do something you KNOW would hurt them.. and then lied about it. He didn't do you a favour, he knew it would hurt you but did it anyway. That's really dickish still and doesn't indicate having learnt anything either than to be secretive to keep the peace.

I'm sorry you're having this shit time, i wish he wasn't putting you through all this, given his history he should be never making you worry again if he's truly sorry. Hugs x

5128gap · 16/06/2023 18:13

Crikeyalmighty · 16/06/2023 17:36

@Throwncrumbs Yep I know- figure of speech!! Apologies to all attractive under 55 ladies in accounts!!

What about the attractive over 55 year old women in accounts?
I'd stop digging if I were you!😂

Nodinnernogift · 16/06/2023 18:18

Susieb2023 · 16/06/2023 17:57

‘He totally accepted that he messed up about the lunch, said he didn't tell me as he was worried it would upset me given what happened with previous coworker. Insisted that he has learned from the past.’

This is a lie. He has learnt nothing. He did not keep this from you for YOUR sake. He kept it from you for HIS sake. So that he could have his secret meeting and get a thrill from it. He’s seeking validation and ego boosts from other women and keeping it from you because he knows you’ll stop his fun. At the least he’s selfish and entitled and wants to cake eat (causing you a huge amount of anxiety in the process) at worst having an emotional or physical affair.

You state all this as fact. How do you know what has gone on and what his intentions were? Are you OP's husband or do you know him personally?

Spirallingdownwards · 16/06/2023 18:21

5128gap · 16/06/2023 18:13

What about the attractive over 55 year old women in accounts?
I'd stop digging if I were you!😂

or even the unattractive of any age but who are otherwise lovely and therefore just as likely to be valued by someone

Susieb2023 · 16/06/2023 18:28

He hurt @Bcakes by previously behaving like this. Instead of being open transparent and thoughtful to her he CHOSE to hide a lunch meeting from her, when questioned he lied about it. When found out he then claimed it was to stop her being hurt. Honestly, this is text book behaviour from someone up to no good. Believe me, don’t believe me, but I’ve seen this pattern more times then I’d care to say.

Thepeopleversuswork · 16/06/2023 18:36

As others have said, either the emotional affair has come to an abrupt halt or they have gone underground to avoid detection.

It’s irrelevant really which scenario has played out. He’s lied to you, he has form for cheating (or trying to cheat) and you don’t trust him. At best he is a line crosser who likes flirting with other women. At worst he’s actively having affairs. Your marriage is over.

BeverlyHa · 16/06/2023 18:41

If my husband did this - to run in my own house and grab a phone to talk excitedly to another female, I don't care who, for me it will be a deal breaker. And no, I do not accept a man to have a female friendships who call, message and occupy his personal time which is solely to be dedicated to the family. Male friends, golf or couples activities or he went to visit his male friend and met his wife - that is another story. The story described here is off putting.

daisychain01 · 17/06/2023 07:51

From everything you've described, @Bcakes your DH doesn't come across as someone who only has eyes for you and is focussed on his marriage and relationship. He sounds inadequate, seeking constant validation of his ability to attract the opposite sex.

It's tedious and exhausting for you and is draining to your self-esteem and happiness. Funny how any phone calls and texts are always from a woman, what a coincidence.

Floppyelf · 17/06/2023 07:54

EsmeSusanOgg · 16/06/2023 14:18

So, about a decade ago I was chatting (mostly online as we were in different cities at the time) to someone I thought was a friend/ friendly professional contact. Nothing flirty, I was writing up my dissertation, the guy worked in the industry. He said he was procrastinating at work and to pick his brains if needed. Most contact initiated by him. I was friendly with his wife too, and excited about an upcoming date with my now husband. Conversation was friendly, but nothing untoward and I was equally chatting to other friends whilst wrapping my head around some of the technical aspects of my final project and dissertation.

He and wife lived in X city, but used to live in city where I was studying (both good for jobs related to my Masters and in his field of work).

I was nearly finished with the practical part of my final project. He said he was coming up for a work networking thing, if I wanted he could give some feedback before I submitted. Seemed friendly enough.

TW.

Long story short, he raped me. Blew up his marriage because he had been having an unreciprocated emotional affair in his head. Despite me spending every moment chatting talking about my now husband and showing no interest beyond friendship and professional networking.

Awful, deluded and manipulative man who seemed to think that polite casual chat with a woman meant they would have sex with him.

Now, I don't think this is necessarily what has happened here - mine is an extreme example. But could your husband have made an inappropriate pass at his work colleague? When she was not interested and just thought they were colleagues/ work friends?

Please tell us you reported him to the police

Mazup · 18/06/2023 20:09

Bcakes I'm so sorry you must be going crazy with all of this. I think as soon as people male or female check and go into partners phone trust is gone. If you have to look through and read messages because you don't trust what your partner is saying that isn't right.

If it isn't this woman you will be back in this situation again and again. You need to think about yourself and your mental health. Look he could be doing this and that but care about yourself first. You can't keep doing this right? The question I would put to you is what outcome do you want.

He's saying nothing is happening and yet is withholding info. If you find out he's telling the truth then great but this will happen again. If you find out he's lying then what's the next move. Do you want the answer? I think you need to figure out what you want and out yourself first. Your awesome and no one should make anyone feel lesser than.

MsDogLady · 19/06/2023 07:09

Yes, this is an emotional affair at the least. He’s been at it again, building another illicit connection.

Bcakes, even after you rumbled his lunch-date lie and set a boundary, he
”continued to talk almost everyday…He even rushed me off the phone, saying it was a male coworker ringing, it was her.” He paid lip service to you and then kept lying. He sounds obsessed.

If he were truly remorseful about his prior faithless behavior, he’d have prioritized honesty and transparency, and would have strengthened his boundaries to protect his fidelity. He would not be investing in: lying, subterfuge, mentionitis, over-frequent contact, over-familiarity, 1:1 meet-ups, rushing to another room to chat, etc. His blaming his dishonesty on your previous upset is a manipulative tactic.

Has he ever acknowledged the constant contact? Did you tell him that you knew?

Their current decreased contact suggests a backing off or taking things underground. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that he opened a window to OW and brought her into your marriage. You don’t have the full story, and you can’t move forward with him until you do. His weak character flaws are still present, so he will repeat this pattern. It would be game over for me.

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