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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My dh has been messaging a colleague. Please can I have some practical and moral support

854 replies

PleaseVipersHelpMe · 22/07/2024 15:25

NC but been here forever. Not really sure why as he would recognise the whole thing in an instant but I need the help and I’d rather he didn’t know. Please can I ask for some support?

I’m on holiday and finally plucked to the courage to ask my dh to let me see his phone. Told him it’s because I was feeling jealous of this woman (true). He let me, but obviously didn’t realise that he has to delete his deleted messages from the recently deleted file and I found quite a lot but only up till about 3 months ago, nothing before. Him telling her that he misses her. Texting when he was away telling me how much he misses me. Telling her that she’s one of the greatest people he has ever met. That he wants her in his life. Then arranging to pick her up from her house on his mid-life crisis car that i stupidly encouraged him to treat himself to. I feel so fucking stupid.

I took screenshots of everything and send them to myself but he’s insisting that nothing happened, that she was just his friend and he’s crossed the line but no affair. I haven’t found anything in emails or what’s app either. Is there anywhere else I can check without alerting him. I have full access to bank accounts and nothing untoward there so far but we don’t have online banking for one account (I can check that when I get home).

I feel so betrayed but the fact that he’s lying to me is worse. He’s treating me like an idiot. He insinuated in the texts that he was going to get her a company car but is saying he hasn’t actually done it. Funnily enough emails seem to be missing re this. He’s clearly been deleting calls from his call log but I don’t know whew do look to find them and I’m pretty sure they will be all gone now if not before. I know he’s lying is there anywhere I can look to find evidence of this? He won’t let me have the phone without him being there now.

I know it won’t make me feel better but it will make me feel like I’ve outsmarted him a bit and I wave him to feel as on edge as I do. I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach and I’m trying to be normal for the kids but I’ve just been sick. I’m supposed to go out for fucking dinner with them all now and be normal. I‘m trying so hard to not upset the kids, they deserve better. This is horrendous. I’ve honestly told so many women on here what to do in this situation but I can’t believe this has happened to me. How could he do this. Any why does he think that shagging her is worse than lying to me? Thanks in advance for any help, and for reading ny ridiculous essay. I will respond to and replies as and when I can after dinner.

OP posts:
Laura95167 · 10/08/2025 22:36

The thing is even if they dont have sex he did have an emotional affair. Maybe he thinks its not bad if they weren't physical but its still cheating imo

Id ask yourself.. what do you want? Is this a marriage you want to fight for or escape from? Because you could get itemised phone bills, sent items, etc but I dont think it will help. I think your first Qn is what do you want from there you need a professional a counsellor or a solicitor

I hope youre ok. Hes been a pig.

Laura95167 · 10/08/2025 22:38

PleaseVipersHelpMe · 22/07/2024 18:32

I have confronted him. He was there when I retrieved the deleted messages. He’s still insisting it was just ‘flirting’ and an ego boost. He did admit that he enjoyed being the ‘big man’ to her but hasn’t admitted anything else. He is still swearing blind that he hasn’t touched her. It wouldn’t be worse if he had.

This might be true... but it hasn't ended. You've caught him.

Its his fault so his responsibility. What's he prepared to do to fix this?

Laura95167 · 10/08/2025 22:53

PleaseVipersHelpMe · 22/07/2024 19:27

If I’m being honest I really don’t want it to be over. We’ve been together 24 years and built a life. We were looking forward to spendings time together as the kids get more and more independent. I love him so much.

But I don’t see how I can get past this. I’m mortified at what a cliche it all is. I thought he was better than this but he’s just like all the other middle age fools. He isn’t the man I thought he was.

I think youre being hard on yourself.

"Get passed this"? Its been 5mins and its awful. But not being able to see the road ahead doesnt mean it isnt there.

And if you love him, I wouldnt jump to take advice from us MNs who know nothing of your DH bar this one piggish act. Because we all think you deserve better. But thats easy when we don't have feelings or history entwined.

If you love him, allow yourself to feel your feelings then think about what youd need from him to start forgiving him and trusting him again. Consider if counselling would help. Because the truth is you can work on this today and kick him out tomorrow or next week or if he doesnt agree to show you everything or wont get counselling.

What im saying is if you love him and you want to save this but are just angry and hurt thats valid. And theres nothing for you to be embarrassed about now or if you forgive him or if you leave him. Non of this is a reflection on you

wizzywig · 10/08/2025 23:08

Op it feels as though he is doing nothing to rectify this situation. Its all being led by you while he stands there lying and saying what else can I do?

And honestly he isn't very clued up is he? You've caught him out easily (which is great). I didn't know if you'd been managing him throughout your marriage in the way some women do as its easier. But now he's waiting for you to find a solution.

It feels like your desire to stay in the marriage is led by the length of time you've been married, your embarrassment and your daughters gcses.

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