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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Just found out my husband of 3 years has been cheating for the past 18 months

568 replies

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 02:37

Long story short. On holiday with hubby; this is our first day of a two week holiday. It didn’t start great as his luggage was lost at the airport, so a bit cranky because of it. Trying to help him trace his luggage whilst he was in the pool only to find hundreds of messages, videos, suggestive pics of my hubby and one of his older former colleagues. This has apparently been going on for the past 18 months, whilst we’ve been married for 3 years and going through IVF in the past year. I’m absolutely devastated. I’m struggling to process what’s going on; feeling quite emotionally detached from it all - maybe it’s the shock. Things have not been perfect with IVF and miscarriages but this started way before that …. The messages broke me with I LOVE YOU being said on a daily basis. I’m reading through them and I don’t recognize my marriage; I feel like we’ve been living 2 different realities. He says he loves me but then allegedly he’s infatuated with her… but doesn’t want to break up. I can’t even process what’s going on ….

OP posts:
Scottishskifun · 24/03/2026 08:21

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 07:00

Oh no, she knows/knew. Everyone in the office knew he was married. We got married whilst working there and getting a wedding present… this is risible now that in writing it. Don’t think she cares. They both got what they wanted out of it I guess! She did agree to talk to me today. It’s 2am here, 7 am in the uk I guess. Though now I’m questioning why I should talk to her. There’s nothing to say really

She will probably agree to anything as you have the ability to blow up her life should you wish!

I'm sorry your going through this OP. Cab you afford another hotel whilst on your holiday?

Noshowlomo · 24/03/2026 08:21

Well isn’t he a manipulative little cheater. Hope you’ve managed some sleep. Let him have his panic attacks. Just laugh and walk away

QuintadosMalvados · 24/03/2026 08:22

Sparkletastic · 24/03/2026 08:17

There’s no point talking to him or OW. What could they possibly say to make it ok?

Agreed.
Plus I seriously doubt she wants to be taking on the permanent role of mothering him as well as her children.
(tucking him in, good lord).

This has probably made her come to her senses and realise that she needs a husband not a manchild so let her be.

You don't need to cite infidelity for divorce nowadays anyway.

PollyBell · 24/03/2026 08:24

Yasmiinn · 24/03/2026 08:19

Oooh I’ve had another idea OP.

If your DH does decide to surface then I’d show him what he’s going to be missing out on. Assuming it’s a pool/beach type of holiday - get to the local shops and find a really skimpy bikini - one of those thong ones ideally.

He’ll soon feel stupid when you are strutting around poolside in that!

How on earth is that going to change anything this makes no sense whatsoever

QuintadosMalvados · 24/03/2026 08:24

Noshowlomo · 24/03/2026 08:21

Well isn’t he a manipulative little cheater. Hope you’ve managed some sleep. Let him have his panic attacks. Just laugh and walk away

Yeah fuck him.
Let him learn to 'self soothe.'

May make him grow up a bit.

God I hate menchildren.

Farewelltothatid · 24/03/2026 08:24

Diosmonet · 24/03/2026 08:08

The OP wrote:

This was the typical I’m 43 and need to feel sexy again whilst my just as doesn’t notice be anymore and I take care of my kids, it’s his fault and his fault only for betraying me

It is probably too early for me, as I read this as OP referring to herself. Triple checking and she might be speaking about the OW. Understandable it isn't clear given the shock she has had.

Sorry . I totally missed that

MyOtherProfile · 24/03/2026 08:26

This is awful. I really hope you can stand firm and not pander to him or to her. I would ask her why she wants to speak to you but I certainly wouldn't have a call with her.

CarbGoading · 24/03/2026 08:29

The only thing I'd be saying to OW is "He's in a bad way, with panic attacks and threatening self harm. Because of what I've just found out about the two of you, I am not emotionally strong enough to support him properly, so I'll let him know to call you when he needs help."

Maray1967 · 24/03/2026 08:30

CameltoeParkerBowles · 24/03/2026 07:41

Why would you talk to her? What is there to say?

I would tell her calmly and clearly that I am informing her husband and her colleagues.

Yasmiinn · 24/03/2026 08:32

PollyBell · 24/03/2026 08:24

How on earth is that going to change anything this makes no sense whatsoever

Re-read what I said - obviously nothing will change what happened. It was a suggestion to make her feel better about things in the meantime.

Dery · 24/03/2026 08:36

OP - that’s appalling. Of course, you are devastated.

As a PP said, maybe after 20 years at the coalface of work, bill-paying and perhaps children, you could understand a fleeting escapist dalliance with someone else. But this has happened out the outset of your marriage and while you are trying for children and incredibly vulnerable.

Don’t let him parentify you. It’s not your job to protect him from the consequences of what he has done. You are the injured party here. Please look after yourself. Get yourself home. Speak to people you can trust in real life. If you speak to her, don’t promise anything. If you have a joint bank account, transfer half to yourself.

Don’t inflict acts of revenge at this point. You’re clearly not a person who will take joy from that.

If he threatens more panic attacks, explain that you’re not the person who can help him here but that you can contact someone appropriate (eg his parents/siblings/close friends) to support him if he wishes.

Focus solely on yourself, OP.

PotatoHeading · 24/03/2026 08:36

I would tell OWs husband. He'll need to get checked out for STIs if nothing else.
So sorry you're going through this. What a prick. I hope you have the strength to leave. You're sounding really switched on.

CautiousLurker2 · 24/03/2026 08:38

So sorry this is happening to you - but please don’t allow his histrionics to distract you. He us a selfish, lying, immature and vile human being who has utterly betrayed you and is probably afraid of the consequences of his actions - divorce, splitting assets, everyone finding out he is a a selfish liar. I suspect his parents never made him face consequences, so this will be a novel experience.

I would absolutely pack my bags and leave. Either to find another room at another hotel while you regroup or - and tbh this is what I would do - to fly home early and start sorting my life out (and see a divorce specialist).

It is cruel and unreasonable to expect you to carry on where you are staying as if nothing has happened. I’d block him on everything and tell him to communicate via your solicitor going forward.

SadSaq · 24/03/2026 08:43

How long is left of this trip?

ShmurpleRain · 24/03/2026 08:43

Yasmiinn · 24/03/2026 08:19

Oooh I’ve had another idea OP.

If your DH does decide to surface then I’d show him what he’s going to be missing out on. Assuming it’s a pool/beach type of holiday - get to the local shops and find a really skimpy bikini - one of those thong ones ideally.

He’ll soon feel stupid when you are strutting around poolside in that!

FFS this is the stupidest and cringiest “advice” I’ve read on this site 🙄

WE ARE WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN OUR BODIES!

OP: Just concentrate on trying to process this nightmare. Get away from him. Make him book himself another room if any available, failing that make him book himself a separate hotel.

IsawwhatIsaw · 24/03/2026 08:45

what an awful shock for you, worse as say from home.
I’d let him have his panic attacks to his hearts content.
you sound impressive frankly. Can you change rooms, leave him to it and end things once you get home ? Let them be together, imagine she will back off sharpish.

SunnyCloverBrick · 24/03/2026 08:45

"Panic attack". Tell him to pull the other one. Laugh in his face and if he keeps up the act go and tell reception there is a suicidal man in room # whatever and see him drop it fast.

Get away from him as soon as possible and start planning your exit. Grey rock. You owe him nothing and he is now an opponent.

thewonderfulmrswatson · 24/03/2026 08:47

Aaa, the old switcheroo "i am in the wrong let me harbour sympathies quickly with a fake medical episode / injury"

My step dad used to clutch his chest and act like his "bad heart" was playing up everytime my mum found out something he did.
If she ignored it, she was the bad one she didn't care, nasty ect and he focused on that rather than what he had done.
If she tended to him, he got what he wanted the attention away from what he did. Master of manipulation.
She always forgave. She never left. He ended her life in 2022.
They never change. They just get smarter and hide it better. Do not let him gaslight you or make this your fault. Sending you the love & strength to do what you need to do 💐

QuintadosMalvados · 24/03/2026 08:48

I sometimes think that it's not just the infidelity that makes women divorce cheats but the lack of ownership they display when caught.

Unless a man said, 'Yes I cheated. This is not about you, I just wanted some extra sexual fun. I'll leave you to decide if that's something you can live with. If not, I'll understand and of course I'll leave' he could fuck right off.

Own it, you muppet would be my advice to him but then if he did own it it he wouldn't be a manchild, anyway.

Sassylovesbooks · 24/03/2026 08:50

The OW will only want reassurances that you aren't going to tell her husband. Preserving her marriage and lifestyle will be her priority. Personally, I wouldn't speak to her, what is there to say? If you do decide to speak to her...give zero information away, because she'll be on the phone to your husband, the minute you put the phone down! As for her marriage, I certainly wouldn't reassure her that you won't tell her husband. A generic 'It's been a huge shock and I need time to process it' will suffice.

If you're in a position to do so, I would book a flight home. Leave your husband a note and head to the airport. Staying means, having to listen to a lot of self-pitying, bollocks for 2 weeks. Your husband is a man-child, but he's a highly manipulative one, and if he senses he's loosing his grip on you, it's possible he could turn nasty. He's perfected his persona around you, 'little boy lost', but actually he's manipulated you into doing absolutely everything for him, and always prioritising him and his needs. He's actually controlling, and controlling, manipulative men, who suddenly realise they are loosing that control, can become unpredictable.

The fact he refused tests, prior to going though fertility treatment, speaks volumes. He either is hiding something? Doesn't really want a child? Doesn't want a child with you? Or couldn't bear the thought of him being the 'problem'?

Don't cover for him. Tell his parents. Tell your own. Please remember, your husband is no longer on your team, he doesn't have your best interests at heart (and in truth, probably never has). His parents maybe utterly horrified by his behaviour, but they are his parents and will ultimately stand by him. Don't tell them any of your inner thoughts or plans.

You don't have children with him. As much as that might hurt, now knowing what you do, that's a blessing in disguise. Once you divorce, you don't have to see/have anything to do with him again. Imagine trying to co-parent with such a person?

Endofyear · 24/03/2026 08:50

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 05:09

Don’t know what to do. We’re 14 hours away from home and yea refusing to call reception whist not being able to breath and taking about killing himself. I’d rather just go through the night and talk like adults tomorrow - if that’s possible at all

There's really nothing to talk about - he's been messaging another woman telling her he loves her and wishes she was with him instead of you! That's really all you need to know. Leave him to his 'panic attack' and get yourself another room. Tomorrow you can book yourself a flight home and see a solicitor, get some support from family and friends. This relationship is over.

Steeleydan · 24/03/2026 08:52

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 02:53

Yeah agree. Best part of the story is that she’s 10 years older, married with two kids…

Let her have him, once a cheat always a cheat. The grass won't be greener, but hell find that out. Get rid of him ASAP youre worth so much more

Imdunfer · 24/03/2026 08:54

I'm just baffled why a woman of your income is still at that hotel with him, never mind comforting him through a panic attack!

There's a door, use it.

YourLoyalPlumOP · 24/03/2026 08:55

Gobsmacked39 · 24/03/2026 05:07

Don’t want to ruin someone else’s life. She has 2 kids; nice family, financially secure. It’s his fault and his fault only. He had committed to me not him. I can have any feelings towards her but doesn’t change the fact the person who promised to love me betrayed me in such a horrible way. Her life will just go one I suppose. This was the typical I’m 43 and need to feel sexy again whilst my just as doesn’t notice be anymore and I take care of my kids, it’s his fault and his fault only for betraying me

Wow. You’re a better person than I am! That’s phenomenal that you could do that. You’re a real catch thinking like that op! ❤️❤️❤️❤️. He’s really screwed up!

nutbrownhare15 · 24/03/2026 08:56

You know it's over so in your shoes I'd find somewhere else to stay and just leave him to it.

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