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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 it my fault he cheated and fell out of love with me?

31 replies

Tigger83 · 13/04/2015 08:43

My ex partner and I split up on Tuesday having spent nearly 9 years together. He has started shagging one of his clients who has now separated from her husband and is 13 years older than me. I found out when I went back into the bedroom to kiss him goodbye and he hid his phone from me.

18 months ago we bought a house together to renovate he did most of the physical work (as that's what he does for a living) I bought most of the decor furniture etc. we thought it would take 6-12 weeks to complete and it ended up taking a year. Oh was hugely resentful of me not being more supportive of him during this time, I offered to help paint but he refused saying that I was shit at it, i offered to help clean but he said it was pointless and then when he did want me to clean he said I didn't do it well enough. I tried to invest time in the garden and he would say why are you bothering when the house isn't evening down. So I know I did try. During that time we lived with my mum and so we obviously weren't having loads of sex although we were still sleeping together at our new house. He has now said that I chose mum over him as I would sit downstairs watching 'shit'tv rather than going upstairs to watch him to weights and talk to him when he would barely respond. So he stopped wanting sex with me. I used to beg him to go out and do things on our own, even just walk to the pub and he was tired and had no money, I offered to pay for us to go away for the weekend he refused saying we needed to get the 'fucking' house done. I'd ask for progress reports on how we were getting on and id be told to stop fucking nagging him, I'm putting him under too much pressure and it'll be done when it's done. I asked if we could put a time frame of August as I knew we needed to get out of mums and things were mostly finished and he went mad a I think he suffered some kind of break down. I tried to support him as much as I can and suggested he/we go to councilling to try to help with his issues and he refused. He kept telling me he fucking hated the house so I said we'd sell and buy somewhere new (despite the fact that it's my dream house) he said not now he's put all the fucking work into it. I'd spent around £15k on materials etc he spent £3k plus his time. He was still paying towards the mortgage but I was paying all other bills.

Previously to this he'd moved into my flat after about 6 months together, when I decided to buy my friend out we'd agreed DP would do some work on it to pay back for the fact he hadn't paid bills or rent for nearly 3 years. Again it took him longer and we discovered that there was a lot if mould in the house that led to ill health issues for me(I will explain more later!) after he'd finished we decided to sell due to the mould problem and my health and the money from the flat would go to the house. He was again massively resentful that he'd done it up for no 'gain' I tried to explain that he'd gain because we'd be able to buy a better house.

He decided that we should only look at three bedroom houses and even would say on occasion that his 'den' would be the nursery. So obviously I thought kids were on the cards. I had tried to talk to him about timelines for children and marriage and had never hidden the fact that I wanted them and he always used to say that I was putting him under too much pressure and he hadn't completely decided but he thought he wanted kids but I needed to back off asking him. He also said he thought I would cope with a baby as I have had m.e. In the past. Because I earn 5x what he does I would have to go back to work as he wouldn't be able to increase his earning power that much (although he did very little to drive his business forward and would say I was interfering when I tried to help him with the business.

So to the health, I suffered with m.e. For around 6 months early in our relationship and he was a complete rock, and really looked after me, I wasn't really in the position to explain to people that I was so poorly as I slept the majority of the time so lacked support from friends and family really. I've also had sever atopic eczema and allergies which again he's done an amazing job of looking after me, tucking me up in bed and generally caring about appointments etc, it almost felt like he likes to look after me. I can't tell you how great he was.

He stopped sleeping with me in October/November which is when he started working at her house, he said that he didn't want to sleep with me while I looked so ill(I was not as bad as I had been and it was concentrated on one part of my leg) he has since said that there was a particular incident in December where he wanted me to do something sexual and I asked him to take a shower as he works in a physical job and hadn't and he went mental saying if I loved him I would have done it anyway and I was insulting him to ask and I was a prude and i said anyone else would ask the same he said they wouldn't and that's when his passion for me died.

I know that I can nag and crave attention occasionally and look back over my texts and I moaned about my health and work quite a bit. 6 months ago I also started to suffer from anxiety badly. I was worried I'd loose my job and he said do you have any idea how much pressure that puts on me. I went and saw a councillor to deal with my issues and she advised me that I needed to try and work to a time frame with oh about children (I'd given up on my dreams of marriage as he was so adiment he didn't want it) which I tried to do around sept time. He acknowledged he needed to give me an answer.

Thought our relationship he hasn't tried to engage in any joint hobbies and accuses me of watching shit tv and not being interested in his hobbies which seem to involve sitting on the computer watching films (a lot of which I wanted to see) playing games and occasionally (multiple times per week) porn.

He has now said he finds me boring, I talk about work too much and we'd had every conversation we were going to have. He said I was boring when we went out with people as all I talked about was work and he was embarrassed by me for that.

He also also contacted woman via facebook and texts over the years which I have caught him doing and confronted him and he has always blamed me for 'spying on him' which I admit I have done because I knew he was doing something. He said they never went further than flirting but I don't think I ever got a please forgive me I'm so sorry.

So combined with my ill health, my nagging and moaning, my need for commitment and children, not trusting and the fact that I wanted him to spend time with my friends and family when he didn't want to e.g.christmas, I just want to be in the house on my own not at your families. I feel I may have driven him to it.

We have split and are having to live under the same roof as I'm trying to buy him out which he's starting to become difficult about I think. He's still seeing this other woman and I've said how hurtful I find it that if we stay in the house together. He doesn't really care about that I don't think.

We never had a perfect relationship but we used to be deeply in love we relied on each other for everything, we'd text and talk lots throughout the day. We still were talking and texting lots right up until Tuesday and affectionate, hugging me all night every night in bed. He'd be upset if I didn't kiss him goodbye didn't come upstairs to see him when I came in, didn't immediately say hello when I got in the car when he picked me up.

There's so much more I could say about things that were wrong but I know he used to love me so what changed and why aren't I good enough for him? I know I can never go back because he slept with someone else but what hurts is he doesn't want me back. His words are, he hadn't loved me for at least 6months maybe years, doesn't fancy me and doesn't want to be with me which says it all. And now because I vere from being cold and unemotional to in bits he is just as cold as ice towards me, like he never loved me in the first place.
He says he's not leaving for this woman but she emotionally understands him and he now knows he can be happy and it doesn't have to be like it is with me.
Sorry for the looooong message but I'm truly heartbroken, lost and don't know what to do x

OP posts:
Nolim · 13/04/2015 08:48

He refused to go to couples councelling, it was his choice not yo work out your problems.

Good riddance and move on.

3teenageboys · 13/04/2015 08:55

Oh you poor thing. He is horrible.......you sound like an eloquent, intelligent lady who will be better of without him. He is abusive and unworthy of your love(or finance). Have you spoke to your mum about this. Have you approached a solicitor to sort out the property. It might b err a good idea as he is clearly an area .

Huge hug andFlowers

Flowers
3teenageboys · 13/04/2015 08:56

An arse!!!

pocketsaviour · 13/04/2015 09:01

Gosh, you have been through a lot.

I'll be honest - it sounds like you've had a lucky escape here. He may have started off all loving and caring and looking after you when you were ill, but he sounds increasingly abusive.

Possibly he is the type of man who likes to be needed but cannot deal with a partner who is equally strong?

I know it hurts to be rejected for someone else but honestly I think you'v dodged a bullet.

If you can, I'd suggest moving back to your mums and give him a deadline for buying you out, after which speak to a solicitor to force a sale.

FeckTheMagicDragon · 13/04/2015 09:10

No, it's not you it's him.

No one 'makes' anyone cheat, they just do because they are selfish and self absorbed.

Try to make sure he doesn't screw you over on the property.

FeckTheMagicDragon · 13/04/2015 09:12

Oh and it also sounds like he used your flat and earning power to get on the property ladder. Would he have got there on his own?

CitySnicker · 13/04/2015 09:14

He's re-writing history to make himself feel better. Nothing you can do.
Think you've named him tho. Speak to mumnet about editing.

AnyFucker · 13/04/2015 09:16

it's him...he is a twat and you are better off without him

Quitelikely · 13/04/2015 09:17

I think around the time he started being awful to you and refusing sex was around the time he met his new woman.

You need to be strong, determined and act as though you are t bothered by his actions.

Go on dates, have a good life. Be civil with him and don't expect anything from him.

He's a selfish, cheating liar and its a blessing you don't have children.

stargirl1701 · 13/04/2015 09:17

He sounds abusive and, IMO, the red flags were there from the beginning. He seemed to want you to revolve around him even in the earliest days. I think you're well rid, tbh.

LIKEMARMITEYOULIKEMEORHATEME · 13/04/2015 09:21

You deserve so much better. It is not YOUR fault. I can sympathise with you and how you feel because I suffer with RA. No one can change our situation and no one can change us. We are who we are and he has really disrespected you when he should have carried on being your rock and attentive to meet your needs. Instead he thought of HIS and that is so selfish. You have not done anything to cause him to make this choice. He has made a mistake. Be easy on yourself and makes sure you don't make yourself more ill because of his ignorance and selfishness.

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 13/04/2015 09:28

He cheated because hes a moody, entitled prick. Nothing you did ever made him decide to cheat.

You could have been a stepford wife programmed to his exact standards and he'd still cheat.

Tigger83 · 13/04/2015 09:57

Thanks guys. I'm just feeling so hurt betrayed and vulnerable. I'm seeing the councillor and I don't know if I want to keep the house or not a really big part of me does because I love it and can't face moving on top of everything else and I know I'll never get such a good deal again. We bought low and well. But on the other hand I want to run back to mums and hibinate for a year. I don't want to not be in the house in the short term but I can't cope with being there with him and I don't want to be there without him.

I can't sleep(now in tablets) and can't eat (lost 8lbs plus in 6 days) trying to focus on work but struggling.

OP posts:
pocketsaviour · 13/04/2015 10:41

It's very difficult to cope with a relationship ending when you're still living together and constantly seeing the other person. (I speak from experience.)

That's why I suggested going to your mum's, at least for a few days so you can get your head a bit straighter. Sit down in calm and peace and look at finances etc to see if/when you can buy him out. (sorry I got it the wrong way round earlier.)

Tigger83 · 13/04/2015 10:53

Thank you! I feel like he's winning if I leave which is stupid I know but acknowledge I probably need the space however I don't know if I leave it too long if I will get the courage to go back.

I'm so worried that my biological clock is ticking and that I'm not going to find anyone else ever that I could imagine spending my life with or fall into the same trap of empty promises and broken dreams. And besides who's going to truly want someone who has eczema (all be it not constantly e.g. At the moment no one would no) and m.e. Hardly a catch, my friends say I'm pretty but they would!

OP posts:
FeckTheMagicDragon · 13/04/2015 12:02

Tigger - honestly, do not worry about the eczema. My husband also has a skin disorder. He also can get self concious about it. I think he's sexy, and make sure he knows it. Someone who loves you won't be bothered about it, aside from helping you to deal with it.

confusedoflondon · 13/04/2015 12:09

Shit happens. You're not suited or compatible. It's not you or him its just a bad fit. Don't beat yourself up about it nor think the worst of him or apportion blame anywhere it just wasn't meant to last, that's life.

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 13/04/2015 13:59

Think the worst of him?

Jesus wept...

confusedoflondon · 13/04/2015 14:05

Yep. Thats what I said. What good does it do ?

FructoseTart · 13/04/2015 14:15

Wow. What an utter arse! That's your dream home don't go anywhere! It's his fault not yours!

Go on some dates and have some fun! I have psoriasis which is extremely noticeable on my face hands and scalp and many other health problems which came to light after I got with DP and he has been amazing.Smile

Tigger83 · 13/04/2015 14:16

Thanks for all your messages, I know you all probably think I have doormat written on my forehead which is probably true at the moment in my professional life I am anything but! He occasionally used to say I treated him like one of my employees which I don't think I did, maybe I was too bossy with him it is a fault of mine. I just wish I could fast forward and this whole mess would be over but I'm mourning for the life I thought we'd have. I know my boss does not think matters of the heart hold any importance so I don't think I will be getting much support from him. Guess it's time to man up and face the music.

OP posts:
fedup2015 · 13/04/2015 14:32

He is an abusive pig. It's not your fault at all. My guess is this woman emotionally understands him as atm he's putting on his best front which most people do at the begining of a relationship, which creates a false sense of intimacy really as hrs not been himself.

You have had a lucky escape, he sounds oblivious as to how he is and very unlikely to change!

DampSquid · 13/04/2015 14:43

Sounds to me that he wants to be in control. He obviously liked it when you were ill and he felt needed. Had a go at you for sitting downstairs watching tv instead of watching him work out? Wtf? Control freak!
I had an ex who cheated on me and told me it was my fault he also blamed me for his health problems (liver and alcohol related). After we finally split I told him he was ridiculous as he'd been a drinker long before we met and a constant flirt but it took me a long time to get my confidence back as he'd turned me into a doormat who weighed 7 stone (I'm 6'1" so must've looked dreadful). Hindsight is great but it'll take you a while to get there, meanwhile get legal advice re the house and don't take ANY shit from him. As for not finding someone to love you with eczema - that's bollocks Smile

confusedoflondon · 13/04/2015 14:44

You're a bad fit. It only means there's someone out there who is a good one. He was honest and said he'd fallen out of love, been there and and been told that - it WRECKS , but doesn't make it anyone's fault we all do awful things when we feel frustrated and stuck. Op you've admitted to your own faults which I think is admirable. Maybe he has admitted his too, just not to you. You will find better, trust me. Just don't waste any energy putting either yourself or him down, you're headspace is precious, don't crowd it with craps thinking about the past you have a future to embrace x

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 13/04/2015 14:50

He was not honest. He started shagging someone else behind her back. The honest thing to do would be to say, Its not working, I think we should split.

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