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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

Is MN clouding my judgement?

220 replies

Greenoes · 01/07/2014 11:32

Hi, I'm not sure what I'm looking for really - perhaps just to write this down.

A bit of background - I've been with my DP for 4.5 years, I'm divorced with 1 DS (10) and DP is widowed with 1 DS (14) we have lived together for nearly 3 years in a house we bought together.

I work full time plus overtime and agency and DP works part time (30 hours) plus occasional overtime - we have a nice house and 1 holiday abroad each year but otherwise we just scrape by with no savings.

It has been hard living in a blended family but I felt like we were starting to see the results of the hard work and we, in the main rub along together with a reducing amount of dramas.

Onto my dilemma...DP was away with DSS on Friday doing some work helping his parents out with some physical work in their garden (they live 200 miles away). I stayed at home as I had to work on Saturday so was just watching TV and mumsnetting on my phoneBlush when I came across a thread that I thought my sister would be interested in. When I tried to email the link to her, names I did not recognise came up in the text box (a couple of which were names I have discovered DP texting and facebooking inappropriately in the past but I had dealt with). Our phones are inexplicably linked through iCloud and Apple and the geniuses in the Apple store can't even fathom it out.

A little spark of doubt/panic made me hack DP's email account (not proud but wasn't hard - usual password) where I found little evidence of communication with other women but I did find evidence of an Adultworks account (Mumsnet radar went into overdrive at this point) so I hacked this account (also very easy) and found 39 feedbacks from women who he had had contact with over the last 7 years. Sickeningly, the trail went back as far as 1 month after his wife died but evidence if meetings up until last December and some online activity this March. (Don't worry - I screenshot all the evidence, MN has taught me well.)

The feedback leaves no doubt that meetings took place - it's an odd feeling to have your DP described as "clean".

Obviously - my world fell apart a bit but I almost felt relieved that if things were to end, I would be totally justified instead of the feeling that when I've considered finishing the relationship in the past, it was just me being too picky.

I went to work but didn't function particularly well - which is a dangerous thing in my profession. At about 4pm, I could hang on no more so I text to say what I'd found. He text back saying he didn't know what I was talking about and that we could talk when he go home.

In between my text to him and me getting home, the password was changed on the AW account and the account deactivated.

When he got home, he categorically denied anything had happened and that he had never seen any of the emails in his account let alone had any knowledge about the AW account. (All of the emails in his account looked unread but he does get some emails to his phone such as eBay which also looked unread so I don't know what is going on there).

We have been completely normal in front of the children and actually had a nice family day on Sunday.

Yesterday I went for an STI check and looked at what I need to do to have my wages paid into a different account. I text him yesterday to say that the AW account was undoubtably his and that I would let him know if he needed any treatment for STI's. I told him that we could all continue to live together until the house is sold and that we could still go on holiday as both the kids deserve a holiday. I fully acknowledge that in order for us both to continue in jobs and the children continue in their schools, we both need to stay in the house until the money is released to rent somewhere else. My family are local but there's not much room and his family are far away so best for the children.

Anyway, he is horrified that I think the account is his and wants to prove that he must have been hacked (really? For 7 years).

So, my question is - is there the smallest chance that he has been hacked? I have contacted his friend who is an IT expert who says it is possible (he always uses the same passwords and has trouble with his email account. Our Norton security also lapsed but this account predates the computer) but I'm still thinking it's unlikely.

I'm going to ask him to contact the police to report this identity theft to gauge his reaction because so far his efforts to prove to me that he is innocent has included watching football and playing candy crush Angry

I know the answer, I just want to check that I'm ending based on the truth.

Thankyou for reading.

OP posts:
Corygal · 01/07/2014 21:43

I would really try and talk to his family and his late wife's family. Explain that you're worried about DSS but under the circs you have to leave, altho you really want DSS to get as much support as he can from friends and family in the coming months. Make sure they know that you are telling the truth about the whores, because DH will be lying his socks off forevermore.

They are bound to be nice - if not horrified for you - and you have nothing to be guilty about, you do know that, don't you.

Lacoba66 · 01/07/2014 21:45

Sorry, but just because someone might change the password, that doesn't change the email address necessarily. If you have access to his email account then fine- if not, don't try it. I will try to PM the screen you need.

spiritofthetime · 01/07/2014 21:51

Tell him you'll go with him when he sees the police. Bet he won't be so keen then...

EleanorHandbasket · 01/07/2014 21:53

You need to be prepared for the fact he will probably never admit it. He's constructed his own reality now and he'll stick to it.

You are coming across with real dignity and grace here by the way, he's an utter fool.

Greenoes · 01/07/2014 22:05

Corygal - I do have a massive feeling of guilt (I'm having counselling for a totally different work issue) and always "what if" my way through life. My lovely Dad shouted at me after I'd apologised for the millionth time about causing them stress (again) he told me to have some self respect. I cried most of all about that because I want them to be as proud of me as I am of them.

OP posts:
Greenoes · 01/07/2014 22:07

Rambling - sorry! I've taken some Kalms (they're shit, aren't they? What I need is Valium) and come to bed. I've broken my gastrointestinal tract by only eating chocolate spread all day Sad

OP posts:
eggnut · 01/07/2014 22:18

I have to agree you are coming across as amazingly strong and dignified in this. I'm so sorry that you and your son have to go through this. The chocolate spread is entirely justified but I hope you are able to get some sleep tonight.

AnyFucker · 01/07/2014 22:21

I agree, you sound fantastic OP

It's puzzling to me that you are hooked up with such a twat. I bet your friends agree with me

Greenoes · 01/07/2014 22:37

I am fantastic! It's just that nobody else knows it!

Thankyou all so much - on Friday night, I didn't want to post here as it would make it real so I just did all of the things I knew you'd recommend (STI check, finances, tell someone in RL) and I thought I could cope without you. Seems not Smile

OP posts:
Coconutty · 01/07/2014 22:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Twinklestein · 01/07/2014 23:01

My lovely Dad shouted at me after I'd apologised for the millionth time about causing them stress (again) he told me to have some self respect. I cried most of all about that because I want them to be as proud of me as I am of them

They are proud of you, what parent couldn't be for being so considerate of them when you're going through such distress? He just shouted because he's so hurt for you and feels helpless and is furious at your DP.

Holdthepage · 01/07/2014 23:03

Why don't you trick him into admitting it? Tell him it's not the AW that is the main problem but the fact that he is lying about it. Convince him that you will be able, after discussing the whys & wherefores, to get over the contact with prostitutes but will be unable to get past the lies about it.

You are wasting your time going along with his charade about reporting it to the police. As long as he thinks he can con you with the hacking lie he will never own up.

MaryBennett · 01/07/2014 23:03

Greenoes, you have done amazingly well to retain such a dignified tone. You have given a rational, thoughtful and coherent account of a deeply disturbing and nightmarish episode: I don't know how you've stayed so sane.

I can't offer much help or advice but I will be cheering you and your DS on from the sidelines. There is no doubt in my mind that you have discovered the truth about your partner and that he is lying in a pathetic attempt to maintain his security and comfort.

And I am in no doubt that you will get through this and make a better life for you and your son. So glad your parents are there to offer reassurance and support.

May I just offer two thoughts? First, tell your DS before September and the new term. He needs a fresh run at that. And also, do consider explaining to your partner's family in a letter/ email what has happened. I think they will be shocked but you can at least then not seem the villain of the piece.

Best of luck Greenoes.

notapizzaeater · 01/07/2014 23:13

You're doing really well, and choc spread is good for you Grin

frames · 01/07/2014 23:20

Hugs. Another pot of chocolate spread. Don't give him the benefit of the doubt.

GenuinelyMaryMacguire · 02/07/2014 05:51

Good morning, Greenoes. I hope you and your son and dss are ok today. Note, I don't hope the same for your soon-to-be ex.
Don't feel the need to apologise to anyone - not even your lovely parents - you didn't cause any of this trouble, its all down to one man and his selfishness.
You're a special person, strong and sensible. Keep going.

mrsbrownsgirls · 02/07/2014 07:46

does he say he deleted the account?

mammadiggingdeep · 02/07/2014 07:56

Morning...
I hope you managed to sleep well. The others are right, you ARE fantastic. Your strength really comes through each post and you are clearly a very together person...you and your ds are going to be fine. Keep strong.

I said it upthread but I really wouldn't waste your energy trying to get him to admit to it. You know what you know. Don't waste your pre opus energy trying up get a champion liar (7 years?!?!) to start telling the truth. It took me a long time to accept this in my own situation and I wish is known it earlier.

Remember: you to rock! Crack that choccy spread open and put one foot in front of the other today. MN is right behind you.

Hugs x

mammadiggingdeep · 02/07/2014 07:57
  • precious energy
RollerCola · 02/07/2014 08:11

I agree that he may never admit what he's really done. He'll be re-writing history in his head so much that even HE won't believe he's done anything wrong.

The only thing you have is what you've seen and he'll do everything he can to make you forget that and to make you doubt what you know is true.

My exh will never admit to anyone what he did. He doesn't understand why some friends will no longer speak to him (I told them what he did) because he honestly doesn't think he did anything wrong. He's even erased it from his own head.

You know what he's done. He doesn't need to admit it. You just know, and if you do decide to separate then deep down he'll know why.

Greenoes · 02/07/2014 08:14

Good morning! Thankyou for your kind words - I really appreciate it.

Nothing changed here...he knows nothing about it, I know what I found.

If it was that important to him, why isn't he spending every waking hour trying to clear his name? If the roles were reversed, I'd be on the phone to the website and the email company followed by the FBI and the Queen (I wouldn't mention Adultwork to the Queen in our first conversation, obviously.)

So today is just about being the best Mum I can be. I will be there in the playground for DS this morning (best get a move on) and I will be there for DSS's swimming this afternoon. The bit in between hasn't got much of a structure - I'm meant to be in Uni but I've asked if I can step off my course for a little while until I get my brain back.

I might even tackle the mounting paperwork and gather the important stuff to put into my Oh Fuck Rucksack Smile

OP posts:
LoisPuddingLane · 02/07/2014 08:56

Just a thought...if you have taken photos, do you have the IDs of the women he had been meeting? If so, can you (maybe by creating a log in yourself) log on and look at feedback they have left for your husband and print this? You may not need any more evidence, but it's just a thought.

hellsbellsmelons · 02/07/2014 09:08

why isn't he spending every waking hour trying to clear his name?
Because he can't. Because he did it.
You can't clear your name if you did it.
Simple as that. And that is why he isn't trying.

Do all the things you need to do.
And I'm cheering you on as well.
You are doing so well.

GenuinelyMaryMacguire · 02/07/2014 09:39

Oh Fuck Rucksack! I like that. You are one heck of a woman. Keep going. Hope its as sunny where you are, for playground-ing.

A life-skill I've learned - 'don't ask why'. It goes with 'don't look back'. You know all you need to know to make an informed decision about the rest of your life. He is in the past for you now, the fact that he's hanging around is just a minor obstacle to overcome. You know. You know how to cope. Keep going.

CeliaFate · 02/07/2014 09:51

You know the answer already and I think you're showing amazing strength and restraint.
If you want him to confess, could you say you emailed this CurvyJessica81 and you want to know his side of the story. Then say nothing. Let him dig himself out of the hole he's in.
Keep repeating "I've done nothing to deserve this. He is a lying shit."