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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH friends want to discuss me, I want to be there, AIBU (TW)

740 replies

Anon8761 · 13/07/2026 23:25

NC.

This may be outting but I don't really care at this stage. It's also late so forgive any typos and I'm sorry if I forget anything and end up drip feeding.

TW: Mentions past sexual assault.

Me and DH married 5 years together 9.
DH has a friend group who meet weekly for food or a particular hobby they all enjoy. DH met most of these friends in school, they've been friends 30 years.

I was out one evening at a social event. I saw one of these friends sat on his own. We were at a bar type place. I text DH and asked if I should invite him to join me and friends. DH said of course, he even said he was happy friend (B) was there as if I became anxious or anything, he'd have my back. Sort of 'B is one of my people.. he'll look after you!' mentality.

I have PTSD. I was spiked and raped at 17 by 2 men. So social situations in bars can be difficult at times.
I'm 33 now, but still struggle quite a bit with flashbacks and things. I've worked immensely hard with EMDR therapy to try and overcome my difficulties. So, with that in mind DH was happy B was there.

I invited B over and almost immediately he said he was surprised to see me there 'because of what happened to me (the rapes)'
I was shocked. I didn't even know he knew.

He then proceeded to tell me the whole 'inner circle knew'. That DH had told them all.
Worse still, he carried on discussing my trauma at the table, at the bar, he wouldn't stop digging.

He even asked if DH satisfied me in bed.
He asked if I enjoyed sex more before my trauma or after. (He was unaware the age I was raped. But regardless. It made me VERY uncomfortable).

The list goes on... And on..
He said 'sorry if this is making you uncomfortable' mid way through but then continued?? So I don't think he was actually sorry.

This was ALL within ear shot of my friends, whom don't know my trauma, because it's private. Ultimately he made my whole evening about the worst time of my life, ever. He made me feel it defined me again, when I've worked tirelessly.. to be me and recover.

I end up leaving the social. A few friends text me to see if I am ok after as said I looked uncomfortable.
I told DH.

DH was angry. Has told his other friends. DH wants to never see B again.
However, other friends in this stupid inner circle now want some sort of meeting with them and DH and B.
To discuss this.. issue. To 'work through it' because it will make life difficult with their meet ups.

DH said to one friend, 'but what if it was your wife? And I'd said this, you wouldn't want a discussion would you?' And he agreed but still is pushing this, 'discussion' 'incase the friendship is salvageable'.

DH still wants to cut B off, but is willing to discuss because his friends keep asking him to.
But I'm so hurt, B attended our wedding etc.. he was supposed to look out for me that night, but instead made me feel unsafe and uncomfortable.

And quite frankly, why are these men planning on sitting around to discuss this? I feel vulnerable enough now. I feel upset enough.

So, I said to DH, if they plan on discussing this, I want to be there. DH said 'but I do have your back on this.' but I've asked DH to instead invite them to our house and I will send DC to my mums, because.. I don't know, I want minimum an apology before I ask B to leave.

DH said his friends are likely worried I will make them uncomfortable. But AIBU? I don't like the idea of them sitting and discussing it, especially B.

Sorry I'm a bit heartbroken.
Thanks.

OP posts:
ScupperedbytheSea · 14/07/2026 11:55

You've done the right thing OP.

B does not get to dictate how this is dealt with. He doesn't get to subject you to any more sexual abuse (that's what he did), or be in your company, or your house. He's scum.

You can't stop people discussing what's happened unfortunately, but you can step away and expect that your husband (and any friends you do still value) support you in this.

Passingthrough123 · 14/07/2026 11:56

Anon8761 · 14/07/2026 11:52

I'm very anxious now. I'm not a confrontational person. I'm worried about checking my phone. Or if DH now suddenly hates me.

Trying to remind myself if this were my daughter, I'd want her to do the same.

Why on earth would he hate you? Because you've dared to call out his friends? Honestly, he should be grovelling to you right now and begging your forgiveness. Do not let him turn this round and make it out like you've done something wrong.

Naunet · 14/07/2026 11:57

MajorProcrastination · 14/07/2026 09:57

You shouldn't make any decisions that take THEIR discomfort into account. B should be uncomfortable. He was way out of line in the bar.

It's your choice about whether or not you want to be present. This is your past, this is your present, you get to have some control.

I think your DH is coming from the right place with his approach after this recent incident in the bar but I completely understand why you feel he has betrayed your trust.

I'd guess that his sharing it with friends will have come from a place of wanting to protect you. We don't know in what situation he revealed it. He shouldn't have but from his response to this, I don't think it was in a gossipy way. It could've been a discussion about something in the news and he's snapped, it could've been a "oh God, I'm so worried for... because..." and it all tumbled out. Who knows. He still shouldn't have if you wanted to keep that trauma private.

I think the conversation with DH is separate to this B thing.

I'm assuming alcohol played a part in B's fucking awful performance but that doesn't excuse it at all.

I'm so sorry that your worst experience was pulled through the evening like that and that private information was shared with even more people.

The survival of their friendship is the least important thing here and I'd make it clear with his friend group how hurtful it is that that is their priority here. It's not your responsibility to pull them together again. This B blew up his own life and deserves to have some negative impact on his life.

Can we stop making excuses for the DH sharing this? He told SEVEN male friends about what happened to OP, without her consent and without letting her know he'd done it. What you and other some other women are doing is enforcing the idea that yet again, a man a didn't need her consent.

SusieMyersonAndAssociates · 14/07/2026 11:57

Anon8761 · 14/07/2026 11:32

I've written them a long message. Added all in a group chat.
End of..that's it.

I'm not saying another word.

Now I'll deal with my DH.

Well done OP.

Stand firm, hold your head high and remember what Gisele Pelicot says:

”Shame must change sides”

Aluna · 14/07/2026 11:58

Anon8761 · 14/07/2026 11:52

I'm very anxious now. I'm not a confrontational person. I'm worried about checking my phone. Or if DH now suddenly hates me.

Trying to remind myself if this were my daughter, I'd want her to do the same.

What business would he have to “hate” you?

In his place I would be more concerned about the damage he’s done to your marriage and your perception of him.

Naunet · 14/07/2026 12:04

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 14/07/2026 10:56

This is exactly it.

Its an uncomfortable truth.

They sound like children who dont want a mirror held up to their actions and views - its pathetic

I dont think they're scared or embarrassed, I think they just dont want OP getting jn the way of their more important man chat with her silly emotions. They're pigs.

Cycleaway · 14/07/2026 12:04

SummerPeonies2026 · 14/07/2026 10:59

B is likely to give a caveated apology along the lines of I am sorry you feel this way, he will minimise and reduce the situation down to make it look like you are overreacting op, because of your history and he was just showing ‘concern’ and ‘support’

He already has the backing of the group, and will enjoy seeing you squirm and suffer at the meeting.

I implore for you and dh not to attend. They can’t negotiate if no one is there. The only way your dh can really repair this is by protecting you fully going forward, he has failed to do this so far, and to eradicate the cancer that is at the heart of his group by refusing to engage with B any more and stepping back from the group. One or two friendships might survive if they approach dh to support him in his position.

Your needs should be your dh’s only priority here.

Edited

I agree - he’s already claiming to have any memory of what was said. I’d be completely prepared for the DARVO techniques that are about to be employed by B

SummerPeonies2026 · 14/07/2026 12:04

Where is Dh’s anger in this op? How has he allowed this to unfold?

Not only has he lost all sight of what loyalty looks like, his lack of response towards B is an answer in itself. Please do not doubt yourself op. This is your life and story not his.

godmum56 · 14/07/2026 12:05

Anon8761 · 14/07/2026 11:52

I'm very anxious now. I'm not a confrontational person. I'm worried about checking my phone. Or if DH now suddenly hates me.

Trying to remind myself if this were my daughter, I'd want her to do the same.

You are absolutely right about what you'd want for your daughter. All of us are here sending handholds and cheering you on. If DH "hates you" it will be because you have held up a mirror to show him what a useless failure of a human being he is. I mean there may be mitigation. Does he have a history of being bullied? What were his parents like? You will notice I say "mitigation" and not excuse. In any case you are the important one now. You are a strong woman.

SummerPeonies2026 · 14/07/2026 12:07

Your daughter would want you to protect yourself, she would want you to speak out and call out those that harm women and girls You are an equal to her father, of value, importance and authority.

holidayhelpneeded1 · 14/07/2026 12:14

Anon8761 · 14/07/2026 11:52

I'm very anxious now. I'm not a confrontational person. I'm worried about checking my phone. Or if DH now suddenly hates me.

Trying to remind myself if this were my daughter, I'd want her to do the same.

Honestly why are you worrying about your Husbands feelings in this, he didnt care about yours when he used your trauma as gossip and entertainment for his friends. You should be furious with him, not worrying about how he feels!

I think he is the biggest issue in this, the others you can just block and ignore but he created this and he has allowed it to continue. He caused all of this.

SummerPeonies2026 · 14/07/2026 12:18

Pay attention now op, your dh’s response is going to tell you everything you need to know.

I suspect that’s why you are feeling nervous.

You are just about to find out who he really is.

Anyahyacinth · 14/07/2026 12:18

I think your DH used this as currency to titillate your friends...as if it somehow made him more interesting.

Absolutely disgusting. A veil has been removed now. The friends make rape jokes and are pervy to someone who endured that...this is a nasty group of men including your husband.

Your tell on that is that your husband hasn't completely rejected B for getting his kicks about rape...why the ambivalence? There. Is. No. Excuse.

PinotandPray · 14/07/2026 12:19

Anon8761 · 14/07/2026 11:52

I'm very anxious now. I'm not a confrontational person. I'm worried about checking my phone. Or if DH now suddenly hates me.

Trying to remind myself if this were my daughter, I'd want her to do the same.

🩷 you’ve done the right thing OP and it’s your story nobody else’s. You’re incredibly brave and strong don’t forget that!

Glockenspock · 14/07/2026 12:22

Anon8761 · 14/07/2026 11:52

I'm very anxious now. I'm not a confrontational person. I'm worried about checking my phone. Or if DH now suddenly hates me.

Trying to remind myself if this were my daughter, I'd want her to do the same.

In your position I'd stop wondering how DH feels about me and start wondering how I feel about hiim - especially if in addition to:

  1. Him sharing your private information with a crude bunch of rake joking idiots who
  2. had no business knowing it, then
  3. DH is joining the rallying cry that you must all meet
  4. at the behest of the aggressor who had the audacity to rake over this in the most disgusting way, then
  5. minimise/deny it, if DH is now
  6. holding this against you when NONE OF IT IS YOUR FAULT

...then it is time to consider LTB.

Anyahyacinth · 14/07/2026 12:23

SummerPeonies2026 · 14/07/2026 12:07

Your daughter would want you to protect yourself, she would want you to speak out and call out those that harm women and girls You are an equal to her father, of value, importance and authority.

OPs daughter deserves a father who treats a rape survivor with respect and honour. Who changes the world she will grow into.

The longer I live I see (most) men use women's bodies / labour and the love they seek is from other men..hence using OP s experience as titillating currency 🤢

SummerPeonies2026 · 14/07/2026 12:23

Anyahyacinth · 14/07/2026 12:23

OPs daughter deserves a father who treats a rape survivor with respect and honour. Who changes the world she will grow into.

The longer I live I see (most) men use women's bodies / labour and the love they seek is from other men..hence using OP s experience as titillating currency 🤢

I agree it’s absolutely sickening

shhblackbag · 14/07/2026 12:24

Passingthrough123 · 14/07/2026 11:56

Why on earth would he hate you? Because you've dared to call out his friends? Honestly, he should be grovelling to you right now and begging your forgiveness. Do not let him turn this round and make it out like you've done something wrong.

All of this. He's the one who, putting it generously, fucked up entirely.

Icecreamisthebest · 14/07/2026 12:28

@Anon8761 sending you a handhold. You can be proud of yourself. This situation was forced upon you and you’re handling it the best way you know now. Reach out for RL support if you feel you need some. And focus on yourself. Your needs are the utmost priority here.

MissFancyDay · 14/07/2026 12:38

You have behaved IMPECCABLY Op. You've held your head high and drawn a line in the sand.

I am so sorry that you are feeling anxious, I know the feeling well. Could you just put your phone in a cupboard and go and treat yourself to a coffee or something. The fact that bastard men are making you feel like this quite frankly sickens me.

If your Dh blames you in any way he is a... I am struggling to find a word. I would also be tempted to confide in MIL if she is loving.

DandelionsMakeMeSmile · 14/07/2026 12:41

I have just come across your thread and I wanted to offer you some support. I am sickened on your behalf, by everything you have been through, by your husband and his awful friends, and for how you have been so badly let down.

You must be devastated right now so sending you strength, and I wanted you to know that I see how brave you have been, and how much this has hurt you.

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 14/07/2026 12:48

Well Done OP.
Agree strongly "shame needs to change sides"

Dont be surprised if they dont respond at all.
It wouldnt surprise me if they just crawl off to make their excuses in their own side WA groups and send message via DH that they are "sorry you feel like that"

Dogladycrazy · 14/07/2026 12:51

Sending you lots of love and strength OP and so sorry you’re having to go through this 💕 xx

BuckChuckets · 14/07/2026 12:53

Oh @Anon8761 I'm so sorry. As someone with a history of trauma myself, I'd feel violated all over again, yes by the friend(s), but mainly by DH. The thought of someone who is supposed to love me sharing those details with friends for, what? Sympathy? Laughs? Titillation?? The thought makes me feel ill.

SylvanMoon · 14/07/2026 12:55

I wouldn't agree to meet with them in a public place as it will restrain how you might want to express your anger. I would hope your DH would agree with you and demand that either the meeting is hosted at your house or some other private venue, especially as B's offence happened in such a public place.