Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Am I doing the right thing?

7 replies

voddiekeepsmesane · 14/02/2013 18:47

So two weeks ago I find out DP (12 years together) has been having an affair. Started around 2 years ago with a woman we both knew (slightly older than us, married with 2 adult children and 1 teenage child) but he had more in common with, through a common disability.

This affair has been going on for the past 2 years, first as an EA the culminating to a PA in October last year. I found out through something on the computer, an erotic story they wrote together nearly 2 years ago.

The night I found the story I confronted him and we were having it all out for about 3 hours before he totally broke down and told me about the PA as well. He said all the right things about wanting to make us work etc etc.

For the first week I was really really angry and while trying to keep life normal for our 8yo ds, heated discussions were had (no yelling or anything) but I hardly spoke otherwise and definitely couldn't touch him.

He broke off all contact wiped her from his computer, phone etc. Started to reconnect with us as a family including ds which was nice to see as the OW had obviously taken over his thoughts and moods over the past 2 years ( at the time I thought it was depression)

So anyway last weekend I got past the angry stage and just needed a hug. Which led to sex, and it was really good sex, loving and all that. But a part of me thinks is al going too fast.

I obviously have trust issues still and will do for a while, have to give him credit though he is being totally open about all emails and phone calls/texts. We are together most of the day because of his disability so I can see all.

I suppose what my question is that I am being too forgiving too fast. We are reading Shirley Glasses book Not just Friends together which is helping too. The 10 years previous to the affair we always had great communication ( can't beleive I didn't see the signs)

Thanks for reading this it was very carthartic.

OP posts:
thepixiefrog · 14/02/2013 19:21

This must be a very difficult time for you.

Would it be possible to have a weekend away on your own, or have him go for a couple of days to get a little head space?

It must be very difficult to think and feel with clarity when you are together all the time. Sometimes distance can provide you with a better perspective.

BesameBesame · 14/02/2013 19:41

Yes, I think you are being too forgiving too fast. But I also understand this process, having been through it myself.

If I could go back in time I would have asked him to leave for a while so that I could have the space to let the impact of the betrayal sink in so that my real feelings could surface and be dealt with in the way I wanted them too rather than the way he wanted (i.e. he just wanted me us to get back on track).

We had months of the most amazing sex which I mistook for us 'finding us' again. Actually it was all a bit hysterical now i look back.

And I'm afraid the affair never left our marriage and as soon as he could, he resumed contact.

I think you could reasonably ask for time to think about what you want.

Xales · 14/02/2013 19:48

nah

You will get angry again.

And then sad again.

And repeat quite a few times.

I hope you used protection and to be honest even if you did I would suggest a trip to an STI clinic and ask your H to go to one to.

Google hysterical bonding, I have seen it mentioned on here a few times.

What is he actually doing himself to come to terms with him letting himself do this to stop him from doing it again?

Sorry you are going through this, good luck /hugs

Bogeyface · 14/02/2013 19:51

Hysterical bonding is normal, I did it too within a few days of discovering his affair. I am not sure why we do it, perhaps a need to prove that everything is ok, or that we are as good or better than the OW.

Give yourself time, you will probably go back to anger again soon, I know I did. And the sex suddenly went from several times a day (did I mention hysterical?!) to 3 times in the following year.

I recommend counselling.

Thinking of you xx

frustratedworkingmum · 14/02/2013 19:52

There are no rules but like xales said, you will be up and down. I hope things work out for you

ImperialBlether · 14/02/2013 20:21

I was fooled by hysterical bonding too. I thought it was evidence we were meant for each other. I didn't know about it until I was on MN and realised what the hell had been going on. I also thought my (now) ex thought it was Christmas - he'd got away with it and had lots of sex with me.

JackinaboxME · 14/02/2013 20:43

Dear voddiekeepsmesane, May I suggest that from my experience forgiveness is the most powerful force in successfully turning bad relationships round, but it takes courage and faith to believe it's worth taking the risk. I've just returned from meeting up with FamilyLife UK who are running a Day Together seminar for couples wanting to invest in their relationship in June at Gerrards Cross, (just off M25 NW). FamilyLifeUK have a reputation for being highly professional, fun, friendly, low cringe, and acceptable to men. Worth a look at. They are just revamping their web site but the existing one is www.familylife.uk.com, or email, [email protected]
All the best,

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread