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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:
dictionarydiva · 16/05/2012 17:05

sternface fair play there.... I agree and can't argue there. And I hope he is someone just acting totally out of character and that he proves himself to be good after all for OPs sake.

Look after yourself OP. You are as L'Oreal are so fond of telling us, worth it. Hope that you are not suffering too badly.

gettingeasier · 16/05/2012 17:09

Hi no advice to give really apart from I guarantee you will feel very differently in 7 days time .

Dont worry what you say to him tonight you can change your mind

I hate to add to your worries but being unmarried leaves you very vulnerable, I would be seeing a solicitor sharpish .

Also sorry but agree with posters who say its been going on longer as someone just said no way would they be meeting at your house for only the second time ever

BornToFolk · 16/05/2012 17:12

And the ow calmly walked down your stairs and out your door - do you have any idea how that would make any straight thinking women behave?

She scuttled out while I was reading a story to (ill, don't forget) DS in the living room. I hope she feels like the scum she is. I did look her up on Facebook. I am tempted to send her a message but I know that would not be a good idea.

Does anyone know where I stand, legally? We're not married, the house is in both our names. Everything has been 50/50. Who do I ask?

My sister's coming over later, when DP has gone and she's staying over too. She was a bloody superstar last night. I'm very lucky to have supportive family around me.

My plan for the talk tonight is to ask some questions - mostly I want him to say again how long it was going on. I want to judge if he's lying. I want to ask him if he'd planned to see her again after yesterday. He was doing extra sessions of his hobby this week and I want to ask if that's a cover, or has ever been a cover as that was one of the things we argued about (ie. the amount of time he spent on his hobby) and it would somehow hurt even more if it had been a cover for seeing someone else. His parents are supposed to be coming over tomorrow eve so I want to make sure he's cancelled that. Oh and I want to ask if there's ever been anyone else in the 12 years. And what he intends doing about the holiday we've got booked. I don't really want/need to know now but I want to twist the knife a bit as it was a special holiday that both DS and I were very excited about and it's just another way he's let us down.

We also need to talk about childcare over the next few days, although with my mum coming back from holiday, we are now covered until next week so he can do what the fuck he likes (for a change, ha!)

Once I have the answers I want, I will ask him to leave and phone my sister and ask her to come.Then I have a Tesco delivery booked which does contain wine, of which I will drink one glass and no more (hardly eaten anything today)

I will try and avoid any full on discussions about the future. You are all right. It's too soon.

Sorry for the essay! I need to clarify my thoughts, they've been all over the place today,as I'm sure you can appreciate.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 16/05/2012 17:21

BTF, I can see your thoughts organising even as you type

I can tell you are a great person. It's very easy to see from just a few posts here.

Keep leaning on theat RL help. Get the official advice you need. CAB will help with that.

Take it one tiny step at a time.

Tell him nothing about your plans.

See him tonight if you must, but I don't recommend staying in close contact. If he is checked out of your marriage, there is little you could have done at the time and even less you can do about it now. When you accept that (and it is very hard to accept) things will start to fall into place

TheLastNameLeft · 16/05/2012 17:22

OMG bornto what a horrible thing to come home to and discover!

I didnt think my exH would be capable of doing anything like this either but he did, and Im pretty sure she was in our house too as she turned up there in tears one night after he had tried to finish it. He denied anything ever happened between them other than she tried to kiss him at a works do and he pushed her away...yeah right! Hmm

I remember that feeling of bliss (we had been married less than a year at the time) being suddenly and gut-wrenchingly ripped out my chest.

Arsehole exH has since married again and continues to cheat on his current wife, I know this as he once phoned me when we were at the "friends" stage a few years down the line to ask my advice about what to do about this other woman, his wife was pregnant at the time too. Absolute Bastard Angry

Im not going to offer any advice as to what I think you should do, I wish you well in your talk tonight, my heart goes out to you sincerely X

perfumedlife · 16/05/2012 17:22

BorntoFolk that sounds like a good plan and I wish this wasn't happening to you but you will surprise yourself with the strength and dignity you have at such a hideous time.

All the best xx

fabulousdarling · 16/05/2012 17:22

It seems like you're going to speak to him tonight O.P., so here are some responses your DH might give you that indicate my above assessment about his actions are correct, or that he is insincere in wanting to make things work.

'I'm actually relieved that you've found out because now it's in the open/I felt really guilty about it/it means we can work on things.'

Translation: I was doing this spitefully to get your attention. I felt really guilty but not guilty enough to do anything until you caught me. If you hadn't caught me I'd still be shagging her.

'You've got to admit that things haven't been right between us for a while etc'

Translation: You've been neglecting me. This is partly your fault. If it hadn't been for you neglecting me, I wouldn't have had to shag another woman, but you left me no choice. I had no choice over the matter.

'So what do you want to do now?'

Translation: I want out, but I haven't actually got the balls to go ahead and do it. I don't want to take responsibility. You have to end things, then I can justify moving on.

I'm sure other people who have been through it can come up with more. I hope he starts apologising straight away and makes no excuses- that would be good.

BornToFolk · 16/05/2012 17:27

'So what do you want to do now?'

Oh yes, he will definitely ask that! And I will say "well, DP what I want to be doing now is having a nice chat with you about our days and our lovely son and what colour we are going to paint the dining room. What I don't want is to be sitting here discussing how you fucked another woman in our bed. Beyond that, I haven't the slightest clue what I want as I've been in possession of this knowledge for little more than 24 hours. You gigantic fuckwit".

Or maybe not. But he is not going to push the responsibility onto me, I promise.

OP posts:
MadAboutHotChoc · 16/05/2012 17:31

:) sounds like you are doing well - make the most of this phase as everything will hit you later on and you won't feel like doing anything.

Yup, you need specialist advice from CAB and also I would phone around to look for a couple of free half hours solicitors, make a list of questions and visit them.

Good luck with tonight's talk - we're here for you if you need to offload or need more advice x

ifeelloved · 16/05/2012 17:35

Born. I think that is a perfect thing to say. Good luck

EclecticShock · 16/05/2012 17:36

Agree with those who say get some space from him and consider how you feel... Trial separation. You really need to get away from him and the situation to get your head straight. Must be such a shock and you really need some space.

PostBellumBugsy · 16/05/2012 17:37

Good luck Bornto.

ChrissieLC · 16/05/2012 17:41

You are not going to want to hear this, but I have worked in male dominated environments for a long time and know how men work when they are not at home. For every 30 men there are only a couple that are not likely to have an affair if orffered one. Thats in myindustry though which is very sales / Banking based. It mayh be different in other industries. But the amount of men I know that seem so nice and family men and their wives think they are loyal when I know what they really get up to....he done it once he will do it again. Generally men are different from women on this, they just dont learn. Sorry, its awful I know :-( I really hope it turns out better for you and that I am being far to scathing.

skyebluesapphire · 16/05/2012 17:43

Im not in your position exactly, but my husband did walk out on me a few weeks ago.

I have had some good advice here, didnt listen to all of it, but that was my choice... people here are very supportive and know how you are feeling. Nobody says I told you so...

Good Luck for tonight, but keep your distance from him.

PullUpAPew · 16/05/2012 17:51

I think your last answer sounds ideal. Don't be pushed into anything, he owes you all the time you need to think things through and take care of yourself.

Personally, I'd be very skeptical about 'only twice', he could say that so easily. He has already been proved a liar Sad.

Take care and hope tonight goes as well as it can.

Kaloobear · 16/05/2012 18:03

God. I'm so sorry. My stomach churned when I read your OP. You sound amazing. Keep breathing.

fiventhree · 16/05/2012 18:13

That all sounds sensible. I really am glad you dont plan to take the blame.

Even where marriages are in a very difficult spot indeed, it is not a reasonable excuse.

If he was unhappy he could have discussed it, or arranged counselling, or in fact chosen to leave.

He didnt. He chose to lie and cheat, as it was more convenient for him.

I too believe that it is MOST likely that some of your problems and difficult patches can be traced to the time when he began to take an interest in this woman. He most likely already started to detach, because of this, and therefore there were further issues and disputes. They couldnt be resolved, of course, as he didnt care enough, or have commitment, since his mind was elsewhere, on her.

I could not have said this 6 months ago, when I was in your shoes. But not only is that my story, but on almost every infidelity thread on mn, once people begin to piece all the dates and the past together.

This may take some time, as most of the books on infidelity note that most people do not tell the truth, immediately on discovery, and that more will come out over at least a fortnight.

lumbago · 16/05/2012 18:15

bornto

have yu snooped on his phone etc? i fear it might have been going on a lot longer

DPrince · 16/05/2012 18:21

I am so sorry. Can I ask was he with her in your bed? To me that's ultimate disrespect. The rest is disrepect, but for me in your bed is another level. I cannot believe you kept calm and didn't confront her. Well done.

BornToFolk · 16/05/2012 18:23

I've not had a chance to snoop. He's here now though, watching Octonauts with DS and will prob put him to bed so I could snoop then. I've never done that before, I would not have crossed that line. Sad Of course, I'm not sure I can work the bloody thing..

It's very weird. It feels so normal yet we are not talking to each other and I did not make him a cup of tea. Ha! Take that! Grin Broke my heart to see him playing with DS though.

Staying strong, will report back later if I can.

OP posts:
PullUpAPew · 16/05/2012 18:25

I think sometimes little things like not making tea are helpful ways to remind yourself and him that it is not just business as usual and you are relating differently.

Take care.

BawdyStrumpet · 16/05/2012 18:25

bornto, I just wanted to wish you luck tonight. We are all behind you. If he grovels and you waver, just imagine the MN army behind you, sharpening pitchforks/knitting needles etc. He has really been the worst kind of cunt. You deserve SO much better, no matter how much you love him and no matter how hard this is to endure at the moment. Be strong!

sassy34264 · 16/05/2012 18:30

i cant tell you how much i hold you in high regard, for reading to your ill son while she skulked down the stairs.

i take my hat off to you. i would have been standing at the bottom, asking her to tell me where she left her twat juices, so that i could make sure OUR innocent child doesnt touch or lie in them. what a skank.

im so sorry that your husband has zero respect for you. for me, he might as well have spit in your face as this is the same imo.

i think when he says he cant tell you about how he really feels, it is because he wants out of the relationship.

im hoping you feel the same by next week.

good luck. x

ChildofIsis · 16/05/2012 18:34

Whatever you do get a new mattress and charge it to his account.

Alibabaandthe40nappies · 16/05/2012 18:34

I think that answer sounds perfect!

OP what a horrible, horrible situation to find yourself in :(

Remember that he has lied to you, so he can lie again. Take everything with a huge fistful of salt.

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