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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

The next 12 hours

535 replies

Halloqueen · 11/11/2010 12:24

Today my dp ends his 3 month emotional affair with a woman he met at a business meeting. They exchanged numbers, he was bored one day at work, text her, met for lunch, found out they had much in common and they clicked.
His relationship with me never faltered only that he worked a few extra hours every couple of days. Which was nothing out if the ordinary. He admitted all this to me when she started demanding more and more of his time and he realised things had gone way further than he'd intended. He says he loves me as he always has, wasnt unhappy at home...it just happened. He promises he intended no more than friendship but knew he'd started having feelings for her.
So today after work he's meeting her for drinks to tell her he loves me and 3dc's and they can't carry on any further. He says he owes her more than a ten minute see ya have a nice life because she is a nice person and he has to do this 'his way' but promises me he will cut all contact tonight.

It was hard enough to accept he'd do this and to have the strength to stay but he's a good man, me and 3dc's are his world and I know he will work hard to provd this but still the thought of tonight scares me. The thought of him meeting her...
He's set off to work looking smart and I have to sit here knowing he's meeting her after work, not sure if he'll be an hour late or if it'll be a few hours and just twisting myself up worrying she'll manage to change his mind. Will he kiss her 'one last time' will there be a long tearful goodbye? My brain won't let me stop thinking. Need to get thru next 12 hours. How do I do it without going insane???

OP posts:
PBGirl · 12/11/2010 14:09

Sorry, I meant to say 'love' not 'loved'.

AntonDuBurk · 12/11/2010 14:12

Hallo Although there is a line of MNers wanting to kick your husband in the balls I think many of us can equally understand that you are not a "confrontation" person. And that you want to keep your marriage.

But you can feel justifiable anger at how he has behaved without shouting at him.

And you can be assertive without being confrontational.

And you need to get your marriage into a place where it's worth keeping and is stable enough to withstand the next difficulty that life throws at one or both of you.

In very different ways, and with different strategies I think everyone is saying the same thing.

You need to ensure that there is to be no more contact with the OW. Whoever instigates it. She can be as persistent as she likes but there are ways to stop it as long as your H cooperates fully. He needs to work with you to give you the proof that you need that this is the case.

You need to ensure that your H knows that he has acted very, very badly and is at risk of losing you and the DC if he doesn't wake up to this fact and put his all into repairing the damage that he has caused.

You need to communicate. As much talk as you need. On your terms. At your instigation. Perhaps also with a counseller?

If necessary, would you consider writing him a letter to lay out some of your feelings and requirements?

Again, take care of yourself. You've done nothing wrong.

TracyK · 12/11/2010 14:12

I found out about an ex's affair many/ many years ago and after a few arguements - put it to 1 side.
When we split it up - my 'complatency' was cast up as it 'showed' that I didn't care that much about him.
So be wary of not putting your foot down about things.
Also - there really is no point in 'demanding' to see phones/evidence etc.
If he wants to have an affair - then he will - you can't 'make' someone stop and love you again.
Spell the consequences out to him and leave it up to him to make up his own mind to what he wants. Don't be a fish wife!

billybunter · 12/11/2010 14:17

dear oh dear. OP you can't see the wood for the trees.

I don't want to be harsh, but to spell it out - the reason why he's lying in baths and staying in bed is because he's avoiding you. He wishes to hell he could be with that OW, but has chosen his wife and family as is his duty. But that doesn't mean he's come rushing back to your arms.

Your one and only chance here is to tell him, quietly and calmly if that's more you, that you want that woman gone, you want full disclosure otherwise he's out the door.

He might then recover a modicum of respect and attraction for you.

perfumedlife · 12/11/2010 14:18

I disagree. I think there is every point in seeing his phone. First, his reaction to the request will speak volumes. Second, if he is still texting ow, it puts op in a position of power, knowledge is power. Then, and only then, will she have proof it is over or not as clearly her h is stalling and avoiding her, no doubt lying too.

I agree he will have an affair if he wants, he already did. This is now the op trying to find out if she has a relationship to hang on for, he is being obstructive.

I agree you cant make someone love you, but you damn well can make them sit up and take notice, and respect you.

Lolass · 12/11/2010 14:19

The letter is a good idea. Write it out in rough first. it will help clarify your feelings.it's a tall order with three kids, I know.

FIMBOfedupofrandomfireworks · 12/11/2010 14:24

Hallo, you are definately more generous than I would be. I would have been dragging him out of that bed screaming and shouting at him, but then I do have fishwife tendencies!

You have to get him up and talking, you have no really evidence that he has indeed given the o.w. up. My fear is that he is going to string you along and keep seeing her.

perfumedlife · 12/11/2010 14:28

Smile Totally agree about no fishwife screeching right enough. I always find anger is best expressed quietly.

Hallo, the concensus is that doing nothing is not working. If anything, it is damaging your marriage further, in sofar as the respect you have for each other is taking a battering , for different reasons.

I have a bad feeling about this.

Lolass · 12/11/2010 14:33

He will get her out of his system (I hope!). It was all just a fantasy, your relationship is what's real.
He has to know that there is a real danger here of destroying what you both have.
Ask him is she really worth it, he hardly knows her,afterall.
When he comes to his senses he will be shocked at what he could have lost. Help/make him see that.

Halloqueen · 12/11/2010 14:44

He is up and we are going out for some lunch and a good talk. His love and attraction for me have never been in question, his affection and attention has never faltered throughout which is why I never suspected anything I suppose. I'm assuming she has been in touch I heard his text alert couple of times but could have been anyone I'm just jumping to conclusions there. I know he wants to remain friends and I think he's hoping I'll suggest that. It's not going to happen I'm afraid. He promised to cut all contact saying his future is with us and I need to see him follow up his words. I will try and update later, Thanx again x x

OP posts:
CakeCuresAll · 12/11/2010 14:47

How did you find out about it?

Enjoy your lunch. Be firm and don't compromise on what is important to you - your self respect will suffer if you do.

Lolass · 12/11/2010 14:50

Good girl !
Cutting contact is the only option if you two are to have any hope.
My DH always loved and fancied me but she gave him her undivided attention., unbelievable compliments , treated him like a king. We have 3 kids too and I did always put them first. But they are teens now.It's harder for you , yours are young and needy, especially bfeeding !
He has to understand that.

emmyloulou · 12/11/2010 14:51

This relationship I think is doomed tbh, sorry but it's all unravelling.

At 3 o'clock he is taking you out to lunch and you know he is hoping you let him remain friends with OW as that is what he wants.

Shock

This man has no respect for you as his wife, he is doing this out of duty not because he wants to or to save your feelings. This is not a nice family man who has screwed up or has any intention of doing right by his wife, sorry Sad

Bonsoir · 12/11/2010 14:56

You are letting him indulge in a romantic adieu. Hmm.

You should probably show up in the middle so that he cannot be left with lingering memories.

AllOverIt · 12/11/2010 15:02

I'm so shocked that he wants to remain friends with her Shock

OP - you seem so lovely, but you deserve so much better than this selfish horror of a man.

Stand your ground. Be firm. Good luck - you're going to need it.

dignified · 12/11/2010 15:06

I would watch out for him pushing this to ridiculous limits . Some men will not be seen to abandon their families , but will push and push until their wives cant stand it anymore and kick them out.

Considering his behaviour today , id be very cautious.

Lolass · 12/11/2010 15:08

What sort of person persues a MM ? Really !
When I was unmarried a MM tried it on with me , as soon as I knew he was married, I ' ran for the hills ' ! I thought he was sad and a figure of fun really. I told him to get out of his marriage if it's that bad or sort it out but hitting on women while still married is a joke . There is nothing to respect in it. Only insecure, lonely women respond to MM !

higgle · 12/11/2010 15:15

Thhis is all so high intensity - whilst he has behaved very badly the fact of the matter is that he has been involved in an infatuation and is finding the come down very difficult to cope with. I've no doubt the OW will be feeling exacty the same and although there were drawbacks to his plan to meet her to say "goodbye" at least that way there might have been a formal closure for them which would make it easier for him to move on.

He might not deserve it but I think you need to give him a little bit of space to get back into the real world.

Halloqueen · 12/11/2010 15:25

We never made it out to lunch. I am livid. He has only partly cut contact with her and intends to do it his way. I have no right to put any demands on him and he is angry that I've raised it as an issue. He says so far he has done all the giving and that he is seriously thinking of ending our relationship if I carry on. This is shockingly out of character. I have given him space despite feeling we should be working on 'us' and now he has disappeared into the bath. Trying very hard not to cry as I refuse to let dc's see me in tears. He is playing badly done to I can see that.

OP posts:
perfumedlife · 12/11/2010 15:27

higgle I don't think it's incumbent on op to make it easier for her h to move on from ow. He either wants his wife and marriage or he doesn't. Her discovering the betrayal weeks ago would have been the time to decide what he wanted, or more importantly, what op wanted.

I would say from the evidence of the nicely softly approach that my way works. It's respect or die in relationships.

AntonDuBurk · 12/11/2010 15:28

Hallo. I'm so sorry for you. His behaviour is just awful.

I think he needs to move out. Give you both some thinking time. Let him really think about what he's threatening to give up.

perfumedlife · 12/11/2010 15:29

So sorry Hallo, its what we all expected.

I think becuase you were holding on to the nice guy you know and love, we knew you were not seeing this clearly.

Nice h left the building when he started the affair. This is all about him and what he wants, and that is why we implore you to stand up and demand action. If he does not call her and end it today, right now (drag him out that bath ) you have your answer. He is doing nothing to make you feel valued.

I think he must pack his bags, or i will come and pack them for him,.

Xales · 12/11/2010 15:30

Not surprised. Sorry /-:

He wants out but is too coward to do it.

He has chosen her and is threatening you now that he will end your relationship if you don't shut the fuck up and play the good little wifey and let him carry on doing what he wants and screw you.

Oh and then fucked off to the bath to hide and text her even though you feel crap.

You have every right to make issues and demands.

First one should now be pack your bags and go. I shall see a solicitor and we will draw up when you can see your children and finances.

Please don't be a doormat to this really kind sweet man any more......

DryYourEyesMate · 12/11/2010 15:30

Have his bags packed when he gets out of the bath

Hes being a total prick Sad

dignified · 12/11/2010 15:31

Im sorry to hear that Hallo .
I think i would give him what he wants and tell him to just go .