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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

has anyone stayed with cheating husband and how did you get over it?

31 replies

charlie2405 · 27/01/2015 20:56

Okay here goes,

I've recently found out my husband of four years and partner of nine has been sex ting and arranging to meet a girl at work. I found this as I knew something wasn't right with him and checked his phone. I found enough to make me physically sick. I checked the rest and found messages to old work colleagues laughing about the prostitues they used to 'share', FYI this was our best man btw.

We've discussed and it turns out he used to be a heavy drug user when working away. He's apologised and said he wants to be a better man and it was in the past. I feel cheated having spent my life raising his kids and putting him first when he clearly hasn't done that with me.

I want to get over it and start a new but how do I do this? He's looking for a new job but still has to work with the colleague at present. He's promised total transparency but I thought we had that any way. What have others done? X

OP posts:
MaMaof04 · 27/01/2015 22:14

Do you know that his GP can prescribe him pills to help him overcome his anxiety? About the anger issues: some say that CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) does wonders. I think that the NHS can refer him to psychologists for some CBT. I think that CBT can also help him with the abuse related issue.
Substance abuse- be it drugs, alcohol etc- can bring out the worst out of good people. Being dishonest and lying are not unusual practice among abusers. If he was a heavy drug user then a change of job would not be enough to stop him taking drugs. Be very careful. This is something you must monitor.
I wish you success in building a nice and warm family life. Good Luck!

Sickoffrozen · 27/01/2015 22:15

You can have a much better life without a cheat. I do.

If you didn't have kids would you bother?

BigCatFace · 27/01/2015 22:25

My DH had an affair 5 months after we got married, during a period of depression, with our mutual close friend. She sang at our wedding. The A began at our housewarming (the second anniversary of which was Sunday) and carried on for 3 weeks. They didn't have sex but did other stuff. He left me in the midst of this, did ILYBINILWY script. I turned to her for support not knowing-she even offered to move in with me. I had never been in more pain in my life knowing that two people I loved and trusted did this to me. There are still no wedding photos in my house.

Two years later and I'm 37 weeks pregnant with our first child. Ironically due on the day he told me. Our relationship is better than it was before but it took real, true remorse and self examination from him and taking responsibility for his behaviour and shitty boundaries and coping. If I could go back in time the thing I'd do differently is throw him out instantly. I was kind of in shock, even told them both I forgave them. I didn't, I never will and he knows it. He never, ever gets another chance. I have complete access to everything, all his emails etc.

It's been the hardest thing I've ever done. I stayed because I love him and after the fog had lifted from him, which took a few weeks, the full horror of what he did hit him too and he was intensely remorseful and has been trying to make it up to me ever since. Initially he was quite self pitying and sometimes couldn't cope with the shame which shut me down when I needed to talk. We briefly had counselling which helped with that. I know it's been hard for him too, to stay, comfort and take my anger and hurt, being the person that caused me such pain when his natural reaction is to run away. He holds me through it and reassures me when, still, 2 years later, I feel floored by grief of what happened.

Our relationship is less innocent than it was. But more open, deeper and respectful. He hates what he did, hates how it has affected me and sometimes he is floored by grief too (our first dance song was our song since we were teens- it means nothing to me now, she watched us dance, and that kills him) but we're there for each other, and very much in love. But its hard. I try not to let a month destroy the years we had, and have ahead.

mooth · 27/01/2015 22:35

OP - the man sounds like he's a mess, psychologically. His behaviour shows he doesn't value you, other women, himself, or his children. I know what I'd do.

textfan · 27/01/2015 22:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BigCatFace · 27/01/2015 23:39

Sorry OP, was answering your question but I agree with other MNetters about your OH.

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