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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:
Helltotheno · 16/05/2012 21:36

Well done OP :) At least you have some time now to get your head straight, no matter what happens in the future...

DPrince · 16/05/2012 21:40

I have to admit, I would call the ow husband. why should she slip back to her own family.

BawdyStrumpet · 16/05/2012 21:40

Agree with AF totally! You are not sordid. You have done nothing at all wrong. I would be letting the OW's husband know too. He does not deserve to live a lie either.

PooPooInMyToes · 16/05/2012 21:41

People won't snigger.

How awful to find out it was a friend. What arseholes! Angry

You wanted to read you book the other night has nothing to do with it. You are perfectly entitled to do that! I would imagine the ground work to their affair had already been put it before that. He shouldn't have even mentioned the book thing as its trying to place some of the blame on you. Its no excuse, not even a remotely acceptable explanation so shouldn't have been mentioned if he took full responsibility.

ivykaty44 · 16/05/2012 21:47

Can you live with seeing this husband out and looking him in the face knowing what you know? If you can do that then don't pick up the phone - if you know that you couldn't look him in the face then phone him and tell him his wife has been playing away, it is up to him then what he does with that information, just the same as it is up to you know to choose what you do with your marriage

AnyFucker · 16/05/2012 21:49

For that comment alone "I'm still breathing" that trivialises what he has done, I would be blowing this thing wiiiiiiide open

He should be breathless with remorse, and petrified of your reaction, not the OW's cuckolded husband

he has brought dirt and sleaze not just to your doorstep, OP, but to the innermost sanctum of your life...your own bedroom

ledkr · 16/05/2012 21:50

Well done op,you have something now that he cant ruin for you. your dignity which will see you through the coming weeks. I think you sound to strong and savvy to take him back and live with his mistakes for the rest of your life.

I found that it was a lot easier for me in the long run to leave my marriage after he cheated,largely because there were so many hurdles for me to overcome-would he do it again,did he really still love me,was i attractive enough etc etc.
If i ended it i only had one hurdle and that was to get over him which I did quicker than id have ever thought possible.

When i found out I thought i would die of the pain and that i couldnt carry on,these days I hardly give it a second thought.

Lots of love to you xx

ivykaty44 · 16/05/2012 21:52

"I'm still breathing"

Strikes me as a very immature statement, and shows he has not realised the enormity of his own actions in the slightest.

BornToFolk · 16/05/2012 21:54

Should I let the OW's husband know? He really would batter DP, I know it. The hobby they all do is martial arts related, they are all bloody trained in fighting! I'm not, I knit.

Seriously though, it would destroy another family. He's a nice guy and they have two lovely kids, who DS will now lose as friends as we won't see them again. Do I say something? I've defriended them both on Facebook.

Eating cake and drinking wine now. I still have no idea what I'm going to do but I think so far, I've handled it well. Burst into tears reading Peter Pan to DS - the bit about happy thoughts. Sad

OP posts:
QuintessentialShadows · 16/05/2012 21:57

I think you definitely need to let your friend know what sort of woman he is married to. He is also living a lie. His family life is also in tatters, he needs to know. Sad

Well done for being so strong.

Houseofplain · 16/05/2012 21:59

You wouldn't have done anything, they have.

Also as you have defriended them, and will be cutting off the kids from each other. Fair enough. Do you not think he is going to want to know why. What if those two get in first and start making things up about you? Why protect them?

AnyFucker · 16/05/2012 22:00

it's your call, BTF

sit on it for a while, and see how things pan out

I would tell, but that's me

it wouldn't be you wrecking another family, would it ?

the good thing is, even if you don't blab, I would certainly be presenting it as an option (and enjoy the squirming)

it sounds to me though your P is rather relying on your discretion

I would be inclined to go right against those expectations of me, but like I said, that's just me

your P expected you to roll over, didn't he...so you have gone against type already, fair play to you

StealthPolarBear · 16/05/2012 22:00

Tbh I'd send her a message warning her that you are not going to lie about what is going on, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and if people ask who your dh was having an affair with, you will tell them
I personally wpuldnt tell him but its not your responsibility to keep their secret either.

QuintessentialShadows · 16/05/2012 22:01

You must definitely not cover for them!

DPrince · 16/05/2012 22:03

Op - if it was the other way round, would you want to know? Or would you prefer to carry on regardless without knowing your partner and friend were T it behind your back. Tbh he should have thought about the consequences before. But its clear he didn't. I am sorry you are going through this, but you have been incredibly strong and dignified. I really admire you. Keep being strong

StealthPolarBear · 16/05/2012 22:03

Yes, and the first thing Peope will ask is "who with?"
Not your problem op.

bringbacksideburns · 16/05/2012 22:05

The fact you are considering the poor man married to the OW and his family, and not telling him, proves to me what a thoroughly nice woman you are Bornto.

You have handled all this calmly and with such dignity. I'm glad you sound so much more resolute and clear in your mind.

I would tell the other man yes, he deserves to know about it all.
Why should she fuck up your life and carry on untouched in hers?
However, i've a feeling you are nicer than me.

Stay strong.

BornToFolk · 16/05/2012 22:07

One of the things I asked DP was if they hadn't been caught and had ended it (as apparently they were trying to do) whether he would have told me. He said no.

Yeah, I don't owe anyone anything do I? It just strikes me as a vindictive thing to do. That would be my motivation at the moment anyway. Maybe when things settle, if he's still in the dark I might let him know. But I won't cover for them. I won't lie.

OP posts:
CurrySpice · 16/05/2012 22:08

I woould sit on it for a while. She will be beside herself with worrythat you are going to tell her husband. Let her sweat.

I think I then might say to her "tell your husband in 3 days, or I will".

BawdyStrumpet · 16/05/2012 22:10

I would tell him. He deserves to know that his marriage is not what he thinks it is. If you were a 3rd party I would say, stay out of it, but finding the woman in your house - well to me, that it is. She knows you, knows your child. Has done nicey, nicey convo to you in the past no doubt. Absolutley bloody let him know.

QuintessentialShadows · 16/05/2012 22:10

The poor man is going to meet your "d"p at his sport, and not have the foggiest idea that he has been penetrating his wife. He is going to behave like normal, because he has no idea that he has been betrayed by both his wife and his mate.

I am sorry, I could not let him be so humiliated.... He needs to know.

BornToFolk · 16/05/2012 22:14

Yes, I need to stop with the "D"P don't I? Force of habit.

I doubt he'll be doing that hobby anymore or at least not at that club. I've asked him to cut off all contact. That'll be the big test, if he can give up that hobby.

I'll sleep on it and talk to my mum. Those are usually good things to do when faced with a hard decision!

OP posts:
Doha · 16/05/2012 22:14

Another one saying you should tell. The OW husband deserves to know just what sort of person he is married to. She gave no thought to the destruction caused to your relationship, you should give her the same.

Perhaps contacting her as CurrySpice suggests is a good idea.

rightchoice · 16/05/2012 22:16

He won't care that he breaks his mother's heart. They do say watch how he treats his mother, and he will treat the YOU the same. Seems to be true, he has broken your heart and as you say, she is just about to find out that hers will be broken too.

Why did he use this pathetic 'I felt rejected' because you did not want sex when I did.

I think this guy thinks he has got the measure of you - hope he is in for a B I G shock himself when all this sinks in and you work out what to do next.

What you realise now is that he is a cheater. I think he wanted to get caught. He took high risk chances, sex with a good friend's wife in your bed in the daytime. I think by getting caught he provided you with the perfect excuse to throw him out so that he could then play victim....... she didn't make me feel loved I needed to have sex on demand to feel loved. Once caught instead of fighting for you and sounding sorry, he lays the blame on you, and seems amused by it all, and amused that he is still breathing as the OW H has not yet found out.

If he gets away with this lightly you can bet your bottom dollar that he will definately do it again with her or someone else. The problem then for you is not that you got him back but that you will be living with the knowledge that when ever he is 'not happy' he will be capable of doing what he pleases because he is playing by his rules.

Luckily you are not married to him so no messy divorce- seemingly you own the house together - take legal advice soon - if he does move on there will soon be another woman or the one he is having an affair with, and she will no doubt influence his finances. Protect yourself as you CANNOT TRUST HIM.

CurrySpice · 16/05/2012 22:16

The only snag with my approach is that you have to talk to her. Which I wouldn't recommend