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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

So, my 100% reliable, trustworthy, devoted DP has been having an affair....

428 replies

BornToFolk · 15/05/2012 21:54

I've been with my partner for 12 years. We have a 4.5 year old son. We both work full time and DS is at nursery. I had a call from nursery today to say that DS was unwell and could I pick him up. I phoned DP, got his voicemail and left a message to say I was leaving work to collect DS (he normally does it). Picked a slighly poorly DS up from nursery, got the bus home and walking down the road, spotted DP's car in the drive. Very odd, as he hadn't told me he was working from home/unwell. He'd gone to work as normal in the am and we'd been emailing about various domestic things all day.

The front door was locked, with the key inside so couldn't open it. This was very weird as DP doesn't leave his key in the door. I knocked and then went in the side way. Came through the kitchen to find DP coming down the stairs saying X (friend from work) was there "helping him" as he had a back back Hmm I get the feeling that this was more for DS's benefit than mine as I immediately clocked what was going on from the look on DP's face. He told DS that she was in the bathroom but going in a minute and then said to me "we'll talk when she's gone". I took DS into the living room to read a book and she came down and left without me or DS seeing her. We set DS up watching TV and went to another room to talk.

DP immediately owned up to having "an affair" - his words. However, it had only been the second time. First time about a month ago apparently. He said he was sorry but didn't seem particularly apologetic. In face he almost seemed angry with me. He didn't seem surprised or upset weirdly. We had a chat which got quite heated (mainly on my part, DP just took what I dished out) and then I told DP to leave, which he did.

As background, our relationship has not been the same since DS was born. Our sex life in particular has taken a back seat to everything else and our communication got really bad a few months ago. We had a big row a couple of months ago, followed by a big, honest conversation about how things weren't going as well as we'd like and agreed that we'd like to make the effort to make things work. Since then I've been happier. Actually, really quite happy. We've been making plans for the future, holidays and days out etc, all happy family stuff. It was my birthday last week and DP bought me some lovely presents and took me out for a nice dinner where we had lots of fun and conversation about things other than DS. Admittedly, our sex life still isn't great but it's been better and something that I thought we were both working on.

But apparently it's not been enough for DP. He admits he's been stupid and selfish and went looking for what he was not getting at home. He's been exactly the kind of man I thought he wasn't. I had no clue this had been going on. I would not have thought he could ever do this. I feel utterly betrayed, humilated, violated (in my own fucking bed, for fuck's sake! Practically in front of our child!), disgusted and basically like a total fucking mug

What makes me feel most mug-like is that I miss him! I still want this relationship to work. I love him, even though I am utterly furious with him.

The plan is that he's staying with a friend. He's going to pick DS up from nursery as usual, bring him back here and then we'll talk more once DS is in bed. We've spoken on the phone tonight and he agrees he's been a utter shit. He doesn't want a relationship with OW (FFS, I never thought I'd use the term "OW" about my DP, or my relationship Sad) but is not sure about a relationship with me. He loves me, loves DS beyond anything and loves our family and our home. But somehow he's scared of talking to me and telling me how he feels Hmm I laid my cards on the table and said that I was prepared to try and make things work but only if he really wanted to, was prepared to try as hard as I was, we'd get some couples counselling and he was to cut all contact with OW.

Am I being a total doormat? I am so furious with him and not ready to forgive yet but I do WANT to forgive. I don't want to break up my family over this. Can a relationship survive something like this?

I am doing OK, in general. My sister came over for moral support and to help with DS (who has been told that we've had a row and daddy has gone away for a few days, which has made me sad, hence the tears Sad) I am just wiped out emotionally now. DS is fine, recovered from whatever was wrong with him at nursery and has gone happily to bed without asking for daddy, which is a relief.

I just need some wise MNer advice. What the actual fuck do I do now?

OP posts:
skyebluesapphire · 18/05/2012 20:39

I have had this with my 4 year old daughter. My H was putting her to bed twice a week when I thought we were trying to sort things out. When he turned nasty on me and ended it for good, I said that has to end as its just confusing her. If he put her to bed she would keep getting up to ask if he was still there, then every morning she would ask if he was still there.

Then the day after seeing him, I would have terrible problems, she wouldnt brush her teeth because her tummy hurt, she would cry and cry and said I want Daddy to come home so we can all be happy again.

Now he picks and drops at the door and she understands that he is not here as she sees him drive away.

AThingInYourLife · 18/05/2012 21:18

I'm sorry Bornto :( that must have been harrowing.

I think you're right not to have DP there at bedtimes for now. It's obviously very unsettling for your little boy.

knitknack · 18/05/2012 21:41

How can he live with himself?

saffronwblue · 18/05/2012 22:32

Oh Bornto, that is so tough. I really hope you can go on the holiday - it will give both you and DS a break from normal routines and expectations.

mathanxiety · 19/05/2012 05:44

It's very self centered to think he can continue as if nothing has happened between him and the DS, and do bedtimes. Also very disrespectful to the DS, who knows something big has happened -- even small children sense when the wool is being pulled over their eyes and when their feelings are not being honoured. Doing bedtimes is just for him, so that he can feel he hasn't done something awful to his child.

You might find visiting friends and family very trying under the circumstances. I would be inclined to go on the holiday and get away form it all. The conversations you are likely to be having with your friends and family would perhaps be distressing for your DS too. I would resist the temptation to give the DS a big toy or anything out of the ordinary. What he needs is your company and love and his routine -- just his simple life and his mum.

ChildofIsis · 19/05/2012 09:05

9 months on from my split and DD has got used to daddy not being here, but doesn't understand why she can't see us both together.
stbxh works away alot so he was never here every night anyway, I think that's helped.

I too have encountered the minimalising behaviour, stbxh seems to want to legitemise what he's done by being all happy and jolly.
He thinks because everyone knows we've split that what he's done to us is ok. It will never be ok, we've learned to accept it and move on but quite how he lives with himself I'll never know.
I thought he was the world's most trustworthy man.

I'm at the 'thank god he left' stage now and have started dating.
So I can say that life does get better, much better.

You are doing so well with all that's going on for you.
Just remember that you are a strong, couragoeus woman who is worth more than what you're having to go through right now.

Proudnscary · 19/05/2012 09:16

Oh gosh, I am sat here in tears.

So sorry this selfish man has caused so much and upset to your son. Makes me so mad and so sad.

And to all of you who have been where OP is, struggling to help their children to adapt (and succeeding - bloody well done), it's wonderful the way you are helping and supporting Born through this.

Thanks to all of you x

ifeelloved · 19/05/2012 09:45

Again your response, you already have would have been entirely appropriate, because he has and he needs to face up to it

Oy you can know if your relationship is salvageable but from what you have said so far, you've been amazing.

mrspepperpotty · 19/05/2012 09:51

Oh your poor little DS, how very distressing for you both Sad

mrspepperpotty · 19/05/2012 10:03

Sorry, by you both I meant you and DS, not you and DP.

(Although it probably was distressing for DP too, but who cares really?)

chocoraisin · 19/05/2012 10:04

I second ChildofIsis - my STBXH behaved as though we could go from married to jolly co-parents within weeks. I think it's bizarre and initially upset me hugely to see him arrive cheery as chips for a playdate with DS. Now I just see him (in my own head) as a Satur-dad and practice being grateful for handovers not being awful and distressing for DS. I will never, never respect him or condone his behaviour. I will never understand how he can chat to me as if we're the best of friends, like nothing has happened. I am beginning to realise I'll likely never get an apology either... the point is, I can't change him, or the facts. But I get through it knowing the I have integrity where he has none. And that alone gives me a bit of strength.

You are doing amazingly well, I know only too well how hard it is for you right now. But you are putting your DS first, taking your time, not screaming or slagging him off or breaking his belongings or emptying your bank accounts - you have a LOT to be proud of. In time, your pride in how you have handled things will only grow and as you get stronger, your P will have the gradual realisation that you are not only a stronger person, but a better person and parent than he ever will be. Thanks for you x

glastocat · 19/05/2012 11:10

You sound wonderful, you husband sounds like a total prick.

Abitwobblynow · 19/05/2012 14:00

Don't worry Choc - OW will get to see this side of him, one day.

MrsWorrier · 19/05/2012 17:20

Hi BorntoFolk - I'm fairly new to Mumsnet and have been reading your thread with interest. I started one last night 'On my own after 16 years' because my 'D'H has been arrested & charged with downoading child pornography...It's such a shock for me and our DC (got an 8yr old DD who was in bits but is gradually adapting to life without Daddy around). Luckily for me he's not allowed to see the DC - it's been horrendous for me but at least I don't have to worry about him turning up all happy and smily etc. But one day I'm going to have to tell my DD (&DS) what their beloved Daddy has done - I wonder how they will react...? Your thread has given me enormous strength and encouragement that I've made the right decision to not want him anymore. Well done you and keep up that strength for your DS xxxx

ValentineBombshell · 19/05/2012 20:25

My solicitor gave good advice re the children which was they need to get used to the new situation, which is seeing their father without you.

Initially, I too, was letting exH into the house to maintain access for the dc, thinking that their world had been turned topsy turvy, it would be a security for them...bedtime routines blah blah. But actually it just upset them, 'why couldn't daddy stay?' and matters were so obviously strained for me, that it delayed them getting used to the split. It also stopped exH getting used to it too Hmm and had some pretty 'off' behaviour from him that didn't help matters at all.

Dcs got used to seeing their father away from the home very quickly and settled into a routine.

ValentineBombshell · 19/05/2012 20:27

I think too, for your own sanity, you don't want DP in your space or face.

iwantbrie · 19/05/2012 20:50

Read your whole thread & really feel for you xx
Re the holiday, i think you should go, it sends him a really strong message that you're not hanging around waiting for him & that you're strong (even if you don't feel it!)
As for FB, I can defriend/friend on my phone & it's not even remotely smart, just a bog standard cheapish one.

BornToFolk · 20/05/2012 10:58

DS is with DP. He picked him up and 10 and took him to his parent's house to play. Meanwhile I'm making appointments with the GUM clinic and a solicitor.

Yesterday was actually not too bad. DS and I hung out here and had some fun, then DS went to mum's for a bit while I cooked dinner and they both came back so we could all eat together. He was fine at bedtime. However, he was up 3 times during the night, complaining of a tummy ache and then had the squits. He was really cross and upset this morning too, first thing. I think he was just tired and upset and it all came spilling out. He calmed down though and was happy to go off with DP.

I've given DP instructions to bring him back if he's unwell or upset. He says he will. He's going to be back by 2pm whatever happens. He originally said 4pm but I said that was too long for DS. So far, he's doing exactly what I ask.

DP's coming round later after DS is in bed as he wants to talk. I've said I'm not up for a heart to heart but if he wants to tell me anything he can. I feel like I have to keep lines of communication open. I sent him an email outlining the plans for next week (ie he picks DS up from nursery, brings him here and leaves when I get in from work) and he agreed to that. I don't know how it's going to be, having him here with DS but at the moment it seems like the best solution. DS and I will have an hour together before bedtime and he still gets to spend a bit of time with daddy.

Mum says she'll come on holiday with us. She's suggested moving the booking till Aug (it's for early July at the mo) for now and then changing the names later, if possible. I know she hopes we'll reconcile and DP will be able to come with us. I just can't see that happening. But her suggestion is a good one, it won't hurt to change the dates for now, to avoid losing any money and then changing the names later. I'll just have to put up with DS's endless questions about "are we going on holiday soon? How many days?" for a bit longer!

OP posts:
something2say · 20/05/2012 11:49

How are you doing in yourself, Born?

I have been checking in on your thread every day, I think a lot of people have x x x

BornToFolk · 20/05/2012 11:55

I appreciate the support of everyone on this thread.

I'm doing OK. Just catching up on a few chores and trashy TV while DS is not here.

I don't know what I'm feeling really. Have been looking up numbers of some counsellors though, so will get in contact next week.

I'm concerned about what DP is going to say tonight. But that's out of my control.

I'm just putting one foot in front of the other for now. Feeling pretty good about myself though, I think that's what's keeping me going. I know this is not my fault and I am proud of how I'm coping.

OP posts:
Leverette · 20/05/2012 12:11

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something2say · 20/05/2012 12:11

Well there are a lot of concerned people watching out while you go through this. Good luck tonight. Would it be out of place for me to suggest looking stunning?

cornflowers · 20/05/2012 12:16

I simply have to say, I am absolutely in awe of the dignity, strength and courage with which you are handling this situation. Your ds is clearly very, very lucky to have you and I wish you all the best.

MadAboutHotChoc · 20/05/2012 12:16

I can imagine how you must be dreading the talk tonight.

Remember don't take any blame, he made these choices without thinking of what is best for his family. Also if he wants a response, you can say that you need to go away and think about it before giving him an answer.

So pleased you will still go on holiday although it's been delayed to August. You will need to get away from it all.

BornToFolk · 20/05/2012 12:40

something I always do! Grin

OP posts: