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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Partner and female co worker

292 replies

Luciev · 14/10/2024 20:15

A short back story so you don’t think I’m weird - my previous parter of 12 years struck up a friendship with a women at work. I didn’t mind because I felt confident in our relationship. Fast forward 6 months - he left me for her. She was 15 years younger. I didn’t see it coming. Naive ? Maybe. So when my partner of 5 years struck up a friendship with a woman at work I felt a tinge of dread - but as they were just talking at work on teams I didn’t see the problem until he said he was meeting her outside work for coffee. I said I felt uncomfortable with that as I don’t know her, and after my last experience I felt it was a bad idea. I looked at their text exchange and she was asking him how tall he was , saying how much they have in common and he said he liked her and had a connection. He agreed not to meet outside work and also to cool it with the texting up and down, sharing selfies etc outside work. Fast forward 3 months , I went to Spain with my female friend of years, while I was away they met up for a two hour dog walk. He didn’t tell me , but I had a feeling he would do it so I asked him outright - he hesitated and then said yes he did. And that she also knew I was away. I find this duplicitous behaviour. So I said that if the friendship is so important then go for it but he can do it as a single man. Apparently I am hysterical and over the top. But honestly it brings back all the humiliation as before. So he has now told her he can’t see her outside work because it creates anxiety for me and this makes it difficult for him She was very disappointed and is keen to pursue the friendship and can’t understand what the fuss is about.
have I been unreasonable ?

OP posts:
wellicantseethem · 20/10/2024 05:36

Be careful.

He met up with her behind your back whilst you were away, despite knowing you didn't want him to!

He may well do it again!!!!

Treesandsheepeverywhere · 20/10/2024 08:09

He'll keep you and leave when it's convenient for him.

That's after he's locked in the new love interest.
That's why people say men don't leave to be alone, they leave when they have secured somewhere else to be.

On a seperate note, it's not just mums on here OP.

BeCoolDenimScroller · 20/10/2024 08:46

You’re absolutely not being unreasonable. Work ‘friendships’ are so much worse because they are more subtle than obvious fancying someone sexy, they seem innocent but basically when people form that kind of emotional connection it’s only a matter of time before attraction comes into it, then you only have to go through a bit of a rough patch in your relationship with him and he’s crying on her shoulder etc etc… We all know how it goes. It’s your relationship or theirs, he can’t have both. X

Feedthatgoat · 20/10/2024 12:22

They dont have to be younger or attractive. My ex was helping out a friends ex wife who had problems and before you know it they were an item. Did me a favour actually because 20 years on he is a grumpy old git and I have a lovely new husband. She is very welcome to him.

Bugbabe1970 · 20/10/2024 17:20

I’m sorry OP
They are having an emotional affair at least.
Dont put up with it xx

Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:15

buffyajp · 18/10/2024 08:27

There’s nothing cool about not being controlling. I’m sorry for you and the op for bad behaviour in the past but neither of you have the right to dictate partner’s friendship. Maybe before getting into other relationships you should have therapy to deal with trust issues as while it’s understandable it is controlling behaviour and will destroy future relationships. If the sexes were reversed people would go mad at a man dictating a woman’s friendship. There is no way I would let my husband tell me who I can and can’t be friends with. The previous partner’s infidelity is not the fault of the new one.

If you read my other responses , we were previously in Germany and he had female friends and it was not a problem at all - this feels different. That why I am asking. Thank you for response though - I will reflect on it.

OP posts:
Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:19

Betterthaneastenders · 18/10/2024 19:18

As with you did with your previous partner, it's all about trust, we all say we trust someone and then worry about them being with someone.
I was cheated on after 20 years of marriage and it was the boss where they had been working 15 years of us being together, so i can see why this has brought up all of those feelings again, but I feel you will push him into her arms by doing this and by telling him to stay away they are having secret meet ups, they could be totally honest and the only reason is because they are friends and he doesn't want to upset you by doing it with you knowing.
But to do it in secret is not good at all and will make the trust a lot worse, only you know what you have and how special it is and if it is worth keeping, if you feel it is then you have a choice to make, let him continue being friends with them, or stop him which could make things become a problem.
My advice would be to let the friendship continue, but ask to meet them, maybe all meet up for a drink and get to know them, explain what happened before to them and say how much it has reminded you of it.
Try and make friends with them, and it would even be better if you could both just have a girls night out, most times it's hard to cheat with someone when you know who they are cheating with, but it could also just show you her true intentions and whether she is just a friend or not.

I did ask to do this. I said let’s all meet for a coffee - he didn’t want that.

OP posts:
Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:29

GingerDoris · 18/10/2024 07:25

I'm quite laid back about stuff but this would have me reacting the same way. Sending selfies to each other too seems weird too. I wonder how he would feel if you were sending pictures to a younger male work colleague and meeting them behind his back. I think women have a good intuition about other women's intentions in situations like this, where men can be a bit dense. 🙈 I hope that you are OK.

Literally hundreds and hundreds of texts over the past 4 months. Wish I could show them to you all. All personal stuff no work stuff at all. We both work at home and I know when he is calling her on teams because he shuts his door. I usually walk in and there she is. Frequently the calls ago on for well over and hour. It’s intense.

I have had it out with him , asked if I could meet her - the answer has been “not necessary “ because they are no longer friends.

So, this weekend he has told me he is going into the office Tuesday. For the past 4 years he has never gone in - only for team meetings. Now suddenly he needs to go in once a week. I am actually more irritated that he must thinks i’m an idiot. It’s not convenient for me to kick him out ( this is my house ) but I know it will happen by the end of the year.. I’m not afraid of it - just need to find the best time for me.

OP posts:
Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:33

Jack80 · 19/10/2024 20:29

Can you meet up with them and see what she is like. I get its not nice as you have been hurt by an ex. I would feel the same if I hadn't met her. I don't agree him speaking about your anxiety to her

He said it’s not necessary as he is no longer continuing the friendship.

OP posts:
Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:36

August1980 · 19/10/2024 22:02

I don’t know… I get how this could open up a can of worms. Bringing up the old feelings, hurt etc but if the only way to keep him is by preventing his other friendships then it’s only a matter of time before he does leave you. Do you have a good relationship otherwise?

i just think if he wants to go he will..

We do yes. I am step mum to his kids. They live abroad and spend quite a bit of time here. We go out, do things together and with the kids. He had female friends when we were in Germany and I wa totally cool with it. This, I’m not because of the texting up and down , the long chats with the door closed - not making an effort to have us meet up. And then then going out with her when I was an away. It feels secretive and I don’t like secretive.

OP posts:
AlertCat · 20/10/2024 18:37

Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:29

Literally hundreds and hundreds of texts over the past 4 months. Wish I could show them to you all. All personal stuff no work stuff at all. We both work at home and I know when he is calling her on teams because he shuts his door. I usually walk in and there she is. Frequently the calls ago on for well over and hour. It’s intense.

I have had it out with him , asked if I could meet her - the answer has been “not necessary “ because they are no longer friends.

So, this weekend he has told me he is going into the office Tuesday. For the past 4 years he has never gone in - only for team meetings. Now suddenly he needs to go in once a week. I am actually more irritated that he must thinks i’m an idiot. It’s not convenient for me to kick him out ( this is my house ) but I know it will happen by the end of the year.. I’m not afraid of it - just need to find the best time for me.

Edited

I’m so sorry. He is taking you for a mug and being a complete arse.

Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:39

Builtforspeednotcomfort · 18/10/2024 22:48

So have you ended it? It would be interesting to know if they've got together, if not, just maybe your past got in the way of your future. Whilst I get it, and agree it looks shady. There is a possibility that it was harmless banter and mild flirting, which I wouldn't class as cheating. That said, him saying you were feeling anxious was a convenient way of blaming you for their 'friendship' ending!

no not yet. I am playing my cards close - watching out for duplicitous behaviour and I think it’s coming. So for 4 years he has worked remotely going in once a month for a meeting. Now he needs to go in weekly - so I feel they will be meeting up in secret but I don’t want to second guess anything.

OP posts:
BUILTFORSPEED · 20/10/2024 18:39

Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:29

Literally hundreds and hundreds of texts over the past 4 months. Wish I could show them to you all. All personal stuff no work stuff at all. We both work at home and I know when he is calling her on teams because he shuts his door. I usually walk in and there she is. Frequently the calls ago on for well over and hour. It’s intense.

I have had it out with him , asked if I could meet her - the answer has been “not necessary “ because they are no longer friends.

So, this weekend he has told me he is going into the office Tuesday. For the past 4 years he has never gone in - only for team meetings. Now suddenly he needs to go in once a week. I am actually more irritated that he must thinks i’m an idiot. It’s not convenient for me to kick him out ( this is my house ) but I know it will happen by the end of the year.. I’m not afraid of it - just need to find the best time for me.

Edited

So go to the office on Tuesday. Either he's there and you can say you thought you'd surprise him and take him for lunch. Alternatively, he's not there, ask when he'll be back, someone will say 'we're not expecting him in today' or 'he's nipped out'. I'm covering all of his potential excuses. Finally, he gets home ( act dumb), ask him how his day was...then watch him drop himself right in it.

Of course, if he was at the office... that's a whole different story. However, get the sense that he is up to no good. You need to know for sure, either way!

Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:39

BUILTFORSPEED · 20/10/2024 18:39

So go to the office on Tuesday. Either he's there and you can say you thought you'd surprise him and take him for lunch. Alternatively, he's not there, ask when he'll be back, someone will say 'we're not expecting him in today' or 'he's nipped out'. I'm covering all of his potential excuses. Finally, he gets home ( act dumb), ask him how his day was...then watch him drop himself right in it.

Of course, if he was at the office... that's a whole different story. However, get the sense that he is up to no good. You need to know for sure, either way!

Edited

She works in that office so I am sure he will be there 😂

OP posts:
Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:42

AlertCat · 20/10/2024 18:37

I’m so sorry. He is taking you for a mug and being a complete arse.

I don’t feel a mug because I know things don’t look on the level. I am aware of the situation. I am being cool because now is not a great time but I am ready to boot him out - I’m going through that again.

OP posts:
Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:46

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 18/10/2024 12:03

This is like my ex from ten years ago... cheated with a woman from work that was not on my radar as a 'threat' at all and she had hung around me like a fan girl turning up at the bar where my birthday drinks were etc all why eying up my man! I think they're still married over a decade later

Very similar to my past experience. I was 10 years older than my partner - but successful , solvent and not too shabby. I was a confident woman - trusted him 100% because I felt loved. I found out that she pursued him relentlessly - just laughed at all his jokes and she was much younger than me. He married her - and they have a child now.

OP posts:
AlertCat · 20/10/2024 19:20

Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:42

I don’t feel a mug because I know things don’t look on the level. I am aware of the situation. I am being cool because now is not a great time but I am ready to boot him out - I’m going through that again.

Sorry if I made it sound like you are a mug. Obviously you’re not. I meant to condemn his attitude, not blame you, so apologies if it came across wrongly.

Luciev · 20/10/2024 19:39

AlertCat · 20/10/2024 19:20

Sorry if I made it sound like you are a mug. Obviously you’re not. I meant to condemn his attitude, not blame you, so apologies if it came across wrongly.

I know what you mean. No need to apologise. Thank you for commenting. These comments really have helped a lot !!

OP posts:
Builtforspeednotcomfort · 20/10/2024 19:52

Luciev · 20/10/2024 18:39

She works in that office so I am sure he will be there 😂

If I were you, I'd get creative, voice activated recording device hidden under his seat. Check the mileage on his car in the morning, and when he comes home. Google the miles to his office, if there is a big discrepancy why? Are there multiple exits out of his office? Or do you know where to wait and hide, to watch them leave the office? If you can't, for say childcare, do you have a friend or relative that could watch them, and if they leave together follow them? Check his car for items like condoms...

Luciev · 20/10/2024 20:04

Builtforspeednotcomfort · 20/10/2024 19:52

If I were you, I'd get creative, voice activated recording device hidden under his seat. Check the mileage on his car in the morning, and when he comes home. Google the miles to his office, if there is a big discrepancy why? Are there multiple exits out of his office? Or do you know where to wait and hide, to watch them leave the office? If you can't, for say childcare, do you have a friend or relative that could watch them, and if they leave together follow them? Check his car for items like condoms...

I actually don’t think they have moved that far that they are actually having sex. I think it’s like someone else said here, it’s laying the groundwork- it’s a the getting to know you phase. I can’t be arsed to do all that. I might wander past at some point and see if I can see his car 😊 but she is working In that office so I am sure he will be there. You should be an investigator!

OP posts:
CR27 · 20/10/2024 20:16

The fact she asked how tall he was obviously means they’d never met before exchanging numbers. So wrong. She’s a tw&t, he’s obviously not on the same planet as normal people. Stick to your guns. You’re the one in the right here, 100%.

But you’ve got to do right by you at the end of the day, whether that’s chucking him out or seeing it through and hoping it was just a stupid blip. Your decision, and don’t be pushed into doing something you might regret long term.x

Spaceracers · 20/10/2024 20:17

Ugh men are awful and so transparent. In my experience you can always tell.

Luciev · 20/10/2024 20:24

CR27 · 20/10/2024 20:16

The fact she asked how tall he was obviously means they’d never met before exchanging numbers. So wrong. She’s a tw&t, he’s obviously not on the same planet as normal people. Stick to your guns. You’re the one in the right here, 100%.

But you’ve got to do right by you at the end of the day, whether that’s chucking him out or seeing it through and hoping it was just a stupid blip. Your decision, and don’t be pushed into doing something you might regret long term.x

Absolutely - it has to be right for me. I will bide my time and n sit back and watch what happens. Now he has to go into the office all of a sudden - it may accelerate. I’m ready. I obviously love him , but I value myself and my emotional health more.

OP posts:
Luciev · 20/10/2024 20:27

GingerDoris · 18/10/2024 07:25

I'm quite laid back about stuff but this would have me reacting the same way. Sending selfies to each other too seems weird too. I wonder how he would feel if you were sending pictures to a younger male work colleague and meeting them behind his back. I think women have a good intuition about other women's intentions in situations like this, where men can be a bit dense. 🙈 I hope that you are OK.

Thank you for asking - I am okay. I just wanted to find out what others who don’t know me would feel about this situation. I have my answer 😊

OP posts:
Luciev · 20/10/2024 20:29

No they had not met in person - they first met in program whileminwa in Spain. These WhatsApp’s have been going up and down for four months.

OP posts: