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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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I know his secret…. Thread 3

1000 replies

Waffletots · 10/12/2024 18:35

Starting another thread because the last one is full.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5226374-i-know-his-secret-but-how-do-i-play-this?page=1

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5226809-i-know-his-secret-thread-2?page=1

Thank you so much everyone for your messages, I appreciate them so much and you have truly helped me this past crazy few days to know I have so many people supporting me.
I’ve seen a solicitor this afternoon who has given me some good advice regarding finances and the legalities when it comes to our jointly owned home, a lot to get my head around but I feel a lot more informed now!
I’ve missed two calls from my husband since I last updated, I’m worried he’s going to come to the house to try and speak to me but hoping he may think my brother is still here and not bother!

I know his secret but how do I play this? | Mumsnet

I have been married for five years to who I thought was a wonderful man, we have a child and one on the way. Last night I received a text from his fe...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5226374-i-know-his-secret-but-how-do-i-play-this?page=1

OP posts:
pomers · 11/12/2024 08:58

Arlanymor · 10/12/2024 19:52

You're doing so well, your children are fortunate to have such an amazing and strong role model in you.

I probably would reply but keep it icily polite so as not to invite speculation on his part, so something like: "As you will appreciate I am preparing for the arrival of the baby and so am focused on practical matters. Speaking of which, if you need anything from the house please contact my brother and he will arrange this." I wouldn't even mention your other child as (a) he hasn't and (b) that would be an avenue in for him to carry on the conversation. If he mentions your other child then of course you need to respond, but while he's not even bringing it up then there is absolutely nothing wrong with you doing the same.

You have totally got this - stand in your power.

This ^. Do not give him any openings or opportunities to try and worm his way around you

namechangeGOT · 11/12/2024 09:01

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Some people aren't as pappy as others are. Perhaps, just perhaps, OP has got a spine and doesn't fuck about moping over a wank husband and his side bitch?

shortoedtreecreeper · 11/12/2024 09:10

Hoping Bastard, has a terrible christmas, alone and miserable.

MissLeToe · 11/12/2024 09:15

Sandwichgen · 10/12/2024 19:01

Ask your brother to put bolts on the inside of the doors

You can't legally lock someone out of a home they jointly own.

It's also dangerous to have bolts in case anyone needs to get to you in case of an emergency- OP is 38 weeks pregnant. If she was ill and couldn't answer the door they'd need to break it down.

Combattingthemoaners · 11/12/2024 09:17

This reply has been deleted

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What is there to say? Maybe some women don’t need to speak to a pathetic excuse for a man to know their worth and what they need to do next. Take your negativity elsewhere.

BobTheBobcatsBob · 11/12/2024 09:19

I can't believe his messages to you- no remorse, no shame, no concern for your welfare or asked about his dc. He's an utter disgrace. I'm so sorry for what you're going through, OP.

Alondra · 11/12/2024 09:21

Waffletots · 10/12/2024 19:39

Yes I do need to open up communication I am just unsure of what to say for the best, I want to keep it short and to the point without being petty or showing any weakness! Not much to ask surely 👀

You are a wise woman OP, I take my hat off to you how you are dealing with this shock. You are 38 weeks pregnant, have a toddler and learned through the OW that your husband has been, effectively, living a double life. Mate, you are a diamond.

If you are unsure what to say for the best, say nothing. Unless your H asks specific questions about finances, the house, or seeing your child, you don't need to engage. Don't mention divorce, seeing a solicitor or your birthing plans. Keep this information to yourself without showing your hand.

I agree with many posters that it'd be good if a member of your family stays with you until after the birth. If your H needs clothing, agree with him in a short message and tell him a member of your family will contact him directly to arrange it. Don't sound antagonistic - say you are not emotionally ready to see him and need to focus on the well being of your unborn baby. The guiltier he feels, the best for you. He'll leave you alone.

Going forward, you need to talk with your solicitors what's the best way to communicate without too much stress on you. Usually is through solicitors but that's a conversation you need to have with them and your family.

Cheering you on OP.

Jellyslothbridge · 11/12/2024 09:21

I am gobsmacked he has not asked about you and your DD,s welfare. Has your DD asked after him? It may be worth thinking about how best to grant some access so he doesn't use that as you being unreasonable.

Haggia · 11/12/2024 09:24

shortoedtreecreeper · 11/12/2024 09:10

Hoping Bastard, has a terrible christmas, alone and miserable.

He would probably just move back in, if that were the case. OP’s legal standpoint at the current moment is not particularly strong. I’d be interested to know what the solicitor advised.

A relative of mine had to co-habit with her ex for best part of two years. He refused to leave and refused to sell it, also refused initially to co operate with the divorce. Only once that was finalised, did they sell. It was absolutely hellish.

Only mention it because it’s not helpful for people to yell about bolting doors and changing locks etc. Also ofc he would have every right to see his toddler and newborn.

Being an adulterous twat changes nothing legally, unfortunately.

MildredSauce · 11/12/2024 09:29

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

No advice for you @Waffletots as you are doing amazingly. I hate that the press are on it; I hope that it won't cause you any worries or concern for being outed and equally I hope the focus on your threads don't shifts from a supportive group of women around you, to a side show.

But with the crap below, like this, I'm not so sure. @TimeForWine1 has a habit of posting stuff that's just not worth opening their gob for. It can be quite amusing, showing yourself up on slower and less important threads, but here my opinion is that they should can their sour and unhelpful, designed-to-be-controversial views.

All love and luck to you and your awesome family, Waffle! x

NeedToChangeName · 11/12/2024 09:47

MuddyPawsIndoors · 10/12/2024 19:19

What's the point in that?

He'll then have to call the police who'll make OP remove it so he can enter his home 😳

I'm pretty sure she doesn't need the extra stress and hassle of that.

Keys in the lock just means he needs to ring the doorbell to gain access, rather than wandering in. I think that's OK. It's a sensible precaution against burglars too

If he phoned the police instead of ringing the doorbell and asking to come in, I'm sure he'd get short shrift. And, in any event, I doubt police would get involved. They'd probably advise him to seek legal advice as it's a civil dispute

Agree with PP that he's legally entitled to come into the house (much as OP might prefer he didn't)

Tryingtodobetter82 · 11/12/2024 09:49

I am so so sorry you are going through this, what an absolute shit!

I’m amazed he hasn’t asked after the kids or how you are, he is clearly a me, me, me sort of person.
the way you have handled this has been nothing short of amazing. Nothing could be held against you, composed and put together, even if underneath you feel like falling apart.

Please keep all your friends and family around you, but you will absolutely smash it as a single mum.

I would hope and pray if I were in your situation I would behave the same way but I’m not sure I would have it in me. You are amazing ❤️❤️

NeedToChangeName · 11/12/2024 09:51

twinklystar23 · 10/12/2024 19:36

In cases of domestic abuse vi tims can apply for a non-molestation order with an occupation order attached. Though whilst he hasnt been physi ally abusive he has caised emotional harm. It may be worth contacting womens aid for advice given ops vulnerable position.

I'm very sympathetic to OP but distress following an affair is not evidence of domestic abuse

NeedToChangeName · 11/12/2024 09:59

ByQuaintAzureWasp · 11/12/2024 00:29

I think his messages are extremely uncaring and cautious because he is hedging his bets. Doesn't want any messenges which might endanger his relationship with OW being forwarded to her. I can't fathom any other reason for his lack of apology, regret, sorrow, guilt.
He's a fuckwit.

@ByQuaintAzureWasp I think you're on to something there

Waffletots you are an absolute legend

Alondra · 11/12/2024 10:03

NeedToChangeName · 11/12/2024 09:51

I'm very sympathetic to OP but distress following an affair is not evidence of domestic abuse

When has the OP mentioned domestic abuse?

I hope the OP agrees with the thread being moved to Relationships. Soon some posters will begin to blame her for things she hasn't said.

NeedToChangeName · 11/12/2024 10:14

Alondra · 11/12/2024 10:03

When has the OP mentioned domestic abuse?

I hope the OP agrees with the thread being moved to Relationships. Soon some posters will begin to blame her for things she hasn't said.

@Alondra my point precisely!

I was responding to @twinklystar23 's advice that OP should claim her STBX has been abusive, in order to seek a court order preventing from entering the house. And I was saying that's daft advice

Margorett · 11/12/2024 10:19

No words, just want to say, you have been on my mind daily since your first post, and I want to send you a great big hug and say you have got this girl, show the cowardly pig you are so much better than he ever deserves 😘

Alondra · 11/12/2024 10:22

NeedToChangeName · 11/12/2024 10:14

@Alondra my point precisely!

I was responding to @twinklystar23 's advice that OP should claim her STBX has been abusive, in order to seek a court order preventing from entering the house. And I was saying that's daft advice

Edited

I shouldn't have quoted you @NeedToChangeName. Please accept my apologies.

I wanted to respond to @twinklystar23, giving a voice of warning about how introducing DV in the conversation can turn against the OP by posters with their own agendas in AIBU.

RegimentalSturgeon · 11/12/2024 10:25

OP , you astonish me - not least in your ability to get an appointment with a solicitor so quickly. The solicitor will of course have advised you that your husband has a right to enter his home and have free access to his possessions, documents and so on? Only, you’re getting some poor advice about that on here.

TwinklyAmberOrca · 11/12/2024 10:38

@Waffletots sorry you're going through this.

Communication is going to be challenging at the moment, but I would just send him a short, unemotional but practical message.

e.g. "I am angry and disappointed that you chose to be unfaithful. I cannot see a way forward as the trust is gone. I will let you know once the baby is born and will arrange a time for you to meet the baby. Understandably you are not welcome at the birth. If you would like to collect your belongings, please message me to arrange a collection time. As the birth of the baby is imminent, please do not contact me unless it is as mentioned above. My priority is the wellbeing of our toddler and unborn child."

I'd see if your brother can be at the house when he collects his stuff or even change the message to say to contact your brother.

Put yourself first and be kind to yourself.

MissMoneyFairy · 11/12/2024 10:54

I wouldn't bother contacting him, what's the point, all conversation can go via the solicitor now. If op does want a face to face maybe have someone else there or via 3 way zoom. I'm sure op knows he can enter the house, she seems pretty clued up and won't make things difficult which he'd use against her.

LockStocknRock · 11/12/2024 11:00

His behaviour so far has been shockingly cold, unfeeling, and calculated. It reveals a man who is controlling, highly manipulative, and comfortable with deception. By standing firm and taking back control, you’ve disrupted his plans, putting him on the back foot. It’s likely that he wasn’t expecting the ow to expose him and hadn’t finalised a plan to fall back on. I would be very very wary of him.
Even now, he hasn’t shown any genuine remorse or real effort to repair the damage he’s caused. His next moves will be driven by self-interest, not remorse. If he seeks reconciliation, it’s likely on his terms, using guilt, manipulation or financial pressure. On the other hand, he could be more worried about the potential professional fallout from being exposed, rather than feeling any true regret for his actions. Stay firm in your boundaries and remind yourself of the strength you’ve already shown
If I were you, I’d avoid face-to-face interactions with him for as long as possible. If meeting is unavoidable, ensure you’re not alone. Communicating in writing is much safer and allows you to maintain clarity and boundaries without giving him the opportunity to manipulate or pressure you in the moment.
It’s also possible that he’s been actively preparing to leave for some time. He may have been setting aside funds: can you check for unexplained transactions, unusual withdrawals, or accounts you’re unaware of? This is money that belongs to you and your children.
He might have already rented or bought somewhere else. (where is staying now? other than what you’ve given him, are any other clothes etc. missing? – he could have been clearing out by stealth. This happened to a friend of mine whose husband walked out with nothing, but had in fact set up a whole new life without her knowledge)

The screenshots from the other woman, while deeply painful, are tangible evidence of who he truly is: someone capable of sustained deception and manipulation. This wasn’t a momentary lapse—it was a deliberate, ongoing betrayal while you were carrying his child and building a life together. You do not know this man at all.
Hold on to the strength you’ve already shown—it’s remarkable. In the face of unimaginable hurt, you’ve taken decisive action to protect yourself and your future. Trust that this strength will carry you through. You’re handling this with such integrity, and in time, you’ll look back with immense pride at how you navigated this storm

luckylavender · 11/12/2024 11:03

You're being amazing OP.

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 11/12/2024 11:14

It's in the Daily Mail.

Sorry if this has already been mentioned.

SpryCat · 11/12/2024 11:19

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 11/12/2024 11:14

It's in the Daily Mail.

Sorry if this has already been mentioned.

I don’t think many people read that rag, and very slim chance anyone would put two and two together and guess who they are. They are very lazy journalists or should I say guttersnipes x

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