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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

This is an emotional affair, right?

244 replies

onemorestep123 · 18/02/2014 15:39

I suspect my partner of 3 years of having an emotional affair with a work colleague. For the past few months they have been sending each other facebook messages on a daily basis...I questioned him about it a couple of weeks back and he accused me of being insecure and jealous. We argued, he said I was trying to control him and I said that it made me feel insecure, but wanted assurances that they were just friends, he stonewalled me, would not say anything. We had a break for a couple of days then he contacted me saying he was sorry, that I was right he was speaking to her too much on fb, it was every day sometimes for hours at a time, and that the last thing he wanted to do was hurt me, he promised to cut down contact. Fast forward two weeks, he is still talking to her on fb (she is still at the top of his contact list) and spent the day with her on Sunday, it was supposed to be a work outing, but they went together and met up with the others for lunch, the rest of the time, about 8 hours they were alone together. When I ask him about this, he again accused me of being insecure and jealous...rolling of the eyes and 'here we go again...' type of thing and 'why are you trying to make me feel bad about spending time with a friend?'.

This morning I accessed his fb account, it is open on my laptop, I have resisted looking until today, knew it wouldn't be anything good and wanted to trust him. Lots of messages with her saying Sunday was one of the best days of her life, spending it with him. They talk about what everyone at work is saying about them spending time together, they think they are not doing anything wrong. She asks him if I gave him a hard time for spending the day with her, he says no more than usual. She then says she dreamt about kissing him and it was lovely, he says he has dreamt about hugging her and it's amazing. They give each other lots of complements 'you are so kind and lovely', 'you are so mysterious'...it's at the edge of what I would consider an emotional affair. Tonight I am going to speak with him, knowing that he will probably continue to deny anything wrong and accuse me of being paranoid. Is there any possibility that I am wrong here?...He has always been a great boyfriend, attentive, kind and caring, we seemed to be really happy, but focussing his attention on another woman is not on. Tips on how to stay strong when I talk to him? I can't see any way forward for us and want to tackle the issue in an assertive and confident manner, not fall to pieces crying & becoming an emotional wreck. He's texted me and messaged me a couple of times today and I have just ignored him. Sorry for long waffle...thank you.

OP posts:
onemorestep123 · 18/02/2014 19:48

knickernicker I want to go and see him, I want to make him squirm. I want him to know the impact of his actions. I will talk and then leave.

OP posts:
Stripyhoglets · 18/02/2014 20:05

She has 2 young kids, is probably bored and fed up and has enjoyed the attention of your DP, don't think she has any intention of leaving her DH, it's all just been a bit of fun, probably makes her remember feeling young and attractive again and she is enjoying the flirtatious dance. Your DP will probably find himself high and dry at some stage. He is not a good bet for a future of love and stability unfortunately, even if he does give this one up.

cakehappy · 18/02/2014 20:07

Runnnn!!!

Finola1step · 18/02/2014 20:16

How's it going one?

Heebiejeebie · 18/02/2014 20:22

Remember that all the stuff he says about you being paranoid or over-reacting is IRRELEVANT. You are allowed to feel as you do and to end the relationship if its not working FOR YOU. He has no power to dissuade you from your feelings. Whatever happened or didn't or might have doesn't matter. You no longer wish to be in a relationship with someone who has made you feel as you do and so there need be no further discussion. You have the choice and the will to end it without his consent or excuses.

sneakyday · 18/02/2014 20:29

Yeah they are taking the piss. I have a good, male, work friend (other people have unfoundly made insinuations) but NEVER can I imagine either one of us ever thinking it appropriate to have that kind of conversation!

captainmummy · 18/02/2014 21:22

inthedusk -so glad to see you on here!! I read your threads, and I'm glad you'kicked up' about your dh EA , it's what everyone was hoping you'd do. Glad it's OKish now.
OP he will cry, promise, twist, shout and cry again. Don't waste any more time on this twat

Offred · 18/02/2014 21:40

It did sound like she was more keen than he but it is definitely an affair. Emotional or physical, it doesn't really make a difference. They spent 8 hours alone together on a work do and talk for hours every day? He is deluded if he doesn't accept he is out of order.

knickernicker · 18/02/2014 21:55

He'll squirm more if you end it with him. He won't know where he is with you.

ThinkIMmad · 18/02/2014 21:56

Whatever it is they are in the wrong they may not of done anything but if they are dreaming of each other its only a matter of time.

cjel · 18/02/2014 22:59

Hope your evening has gone well OP. How are you feeling?

onemorestep123 · 19/02/2014 08:35

Update......I went to his last night and we talked and talked and talked. I didn't mention fb, he admitted going over the line with her anyway and said he would cut all contact, he was extremely apologetic and did not deny anything. He said he loved me and she meant nothing to him. It was hard, I cried a lot and so did he. I said I couldn't carry on as we are and wanted proof that he was not going to continue. He didn't want me to leave, started talking about planning things together for the future. I took my stuff and left, said we both needed time to think things over.......I knew as I was leaving that he wouldn't follow through.

I checked on his fb account this morning and he has changed his password! That tells me everything...it's me he is cutting out not her.

I gave him an opportunity, actions speak louder than words.

OP posts:
JohnFarleysRuskin · 19/02/2014 08:38

You poor thing.

What a prat he is. I'm sorry he let you down.

onemorestep123 · 19/02/2014 08:39

It would have been our 3 year anniversary today, twat.

OP posts:
myroomisatip · 19/02/2014 08:42

You have done the right thing. Hard as it is.

Sorry but at least you are not putting yourself through more worry and doubt.

Offred · 19/02/2014 08:43

:( but Thanks you have been so strong and decisive over this!

ProphetOfDoom · 19/02/2014 08:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

onemorestep123 · 19/02/2014 08:50

Thank you all. I don't feel strong at all. I am like jelly inside, sad and numb, but I can only be taken for a fool for so long, we all have our limits, and I have some great supportive friends who are there for me and support on here, even if I don't know any of you, is so valuable.

OP posts:
JonSnowKnowsNothing · 19/02/2014 08:53

How horrible! He's changed his password so he can continue with "woe is me" messages to her. He's acted really bad and you really have acted so strongly, even though you feel like shit.
More people should have your strength and and know their own self worth like you do xx

cjel · 19/02/2014 09:32

Changing that password confirms it really doesn't it. I hope you are pleased with the way you've handled this and can spoil yourself for a whilexx

DownstairsMixUp · 19/02/2014 09:42

What a total bastard. You deserve so much more than him op. X

Katnisscupcake · 19/02/2014 09:47

I am in awe of your strength and also that you clearly know what you are worth!! Well done you.

It might not feel like it now, but this is the start of the rest of your life. Thanks

WhateverTrevor83 · 19/02/2014 10:01

I agree with Katniss well done for standing up to him.

You've not mentioned you saw his FB and he's still changed his password? TBH I know what I'm like - I wouldn't be able to stop checking once I'd started and got a bee in my bonnet - so at least the temptation won't be there to check again if you find yourself wound up or thinking about it again. This does of course mean you'll have to trust your gut from now on rather than seeing their messages etc in black and white.

Hope you've got some stuff planned to keep you busy and distracted.

Big massive hug!

WhateverTrevor83 · 19/02/2014 10:05

PS 'I've dreamed about kissing you' is so cringe-worthy... Confused

When you've stopped being hurt and angry you'll see how childish they sound (if you don't already)! I agree with the person who said they sound 15!

onemorestep123 · 19/02/2014 10:09

Yes Whatever I would be continually checking and that is so wrong.

Thanks everyone, I'm a complete coward standing up to folk usually. I think we can all find hidden strength from somewhere when it really matters and he doesn't need to know that I feel shit and miss him so much Sad

OP posts:
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