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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

mylittlestar update - Oh sh**, oh sh**, oh sh**. Why didn't I listen? Am I a complete mug? Will I ever get over this??????

688 replies

mylittlestar · 19/03/2007 08:30

Posted a bit this weekend but just couldn't think straight enough to start a thread.

Ok to brifly summarise for those who don't know - dh left me and ds last year after 14 years together (since age 16) as he needed 'space', had many issues in his life (work, parents split up, closest person in his family passed away), suffering from depression too.

It killed me, absolutley killed me, but I felt our marriage was worth saving and supported him 100%, let him come and go as he pleased, let him have the family life (to see what he was missing... lol!) and the single life.

People in RL (and on here - HappyDaddy in particular, you were right!) said I was being naive. That he was having his cake and eating it. That he needed to grow up and face his responsibilities. Why did he have the 'right' to walk away and come back when he wants. And many people also said that he probably wanted to go and see other women.

I defended him to everyone. Absolutely everyone. I had 100% faith that once he got the 'living alone, putting himself first' thing out of his system he'd come back to me and ds and we'd be stronger than ever.

Friday night he was staying with me but disappeared for 2 hours ('gym'?!). Sat morning he got up at 7.30 am (went out to get 'breakfast and the papers'!) disappeared for 2 hours and switched off his phone when I rang him.
Alarm bells started. He'd pushed me too far. When he got in the shower I checked his phone. 2 messages. Unknown number... 'why didn't you want to kiss me, is everything ok, can you pick me up from work later....'

I confronted him immediately. He tried to deny it. But gave in after a few mins. He's been having an affair with a 19 year old.

I was shaking uncontrollably. (Now Can't stop being sick.) But I held it together.

We talked. I listened to him. I then went straight up to where she works and confronted her. Complete slut. I was really strong and dignified, asked her to explain her side, then calmly walked away. She was white as a sheet and shaking like a leaf. But said he pursued her and she had every right to see who she wants, especially as we're 'separated'...

I then asked him to end things with her, which he did immediately. She then got really really pssed off and got in touch saying how much she loved him, that they love each other, and* that shes pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, here's what hurts. Yes the affair. The deception. At a time when I'd givien him everything I could to support him.

The fact he had unprotected sex with her. (I now have no idea if the pregnancy is true or a desperate lie to keep him.)

The fact he swore leaving was nothing to do with seeing other people and nothing to do with his age. Then he actively seeks out a 19 year old to do this with (he's 30 this week)!

He swears he doesn't love her. It was about selfish attention seeking and excitement. And ironically, after months of wanting him to come back to me and ds and say that I'm all he wants in the world - he has finally said it!

I know deep down in my heart I can forgive him. I stick by my committment to my marriage, I love him to bits, and I think we can have a happy life. I honestly do.

He's seen the grass isn't greener. But why did he have to test it

But how the hell do ever get close to him again? How will I ever get the thoughts of him and her out of my head?

Have I allowed him to have this affair by letting him have the double life? Am I a complete mug?

Ok, next step is to get STI checks. To find out about the pregnancy. And for us to talk and continue with the relationship counselling (which was working wonders and bringing us really close again?!?!) - whilst he had an affair in the background!

My heart isn't broken, it's numb. Inside is just emptiness, sadness, sheer hurt beyond words. But somewhere in there is my love for him. Can I get through this and ever have a happy marriage again?
I'd like positive stories or guidance. But if you think I'm a complete a* hole then tell me.

OP posts:
LilyLoo · 30/03/2007 09:13

Suppose we should feel sorry for her really. But made me feel better !I agree cnc def Blue Wicked is the way forward

Ifonlyhewould · 30/03/2007 09:19

You have to admire the woman really, she has made an effort with her make up and she is smiling, seemingly happy, obviously single!

LilyLoo · 30/03/2007 09:44

LOL iohw ! Can't think what he saw in her ?

Ifonlyhewould · 30/03/2007 09:45

nice ears

LilyLoo · 30/03/2007 09:47

Could be that or the beauty within! [barf]

Ifonlyhewould · 30/03/2007 09:51

Or she could just be 'easy' you know what they say about the fire while you are poking it!

Ifonlyhewould · 30/03/2007 09:52

at my own crudeness and cruelty towards a fellow member of the sisterhood!

LilyLoo · 30/03/2007 09:52

ROFL yeah think that more like it 1

LilyLoo · 30/03/2007 09:52

at our damnation of 'the other woman'

Ifonlyhewould · 30/03/2007 09:56

She might be a reeeally nice 'lady'

Ifonlyhewould · 30/03/2007 09:58

Awh, she can't help being so erm different looking can she. Maybe he did it for a bet!

LilyLoo · 30/03/2007 10:11

pmsl iohw !

Ifonlyhewould · 30/03/2007 10:13

Hey! we shouldn't knock it til we've tried it!! Maybe we just tooooo good looking to pull!

Off to rearrange my face!!

mylittlestar · 02/04/2007 09:30

Morning everyone!

Sorry been so qiet, no computer all weekend so was having MN withdrawal symptoms!!

Well, I went to London... absolutely brilliant! Had a fantasic night. Drive there and back took 4 hours each way, absolute miracle but didn't get stuck in any traffic at all!!

I'm so glad I went. It was much needed! And it turned out to be one of those nights to remember! I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. I missed dh. But I didn't spend all night worrying or upset, and we sent a few texts to each other throughout the night so everything was fine. I even managed to get through the whole evening without any tears! (Which is an achievement for me after a few drinks!)

Cashncarry - how was your night out??

LilyLoo - loved your minger photo! Looked very familiar

Paddlechick that sounds like really positive news, so pleased for you. How's things now? Will catch up with my e-mails in a minute

OP posts:
LilyLoo · 02/04/2007 10:03

Glad you had good weekend MLS. Just what the doctor ordered. The no tears is def big achievement well done. How are things going ?

mylittlestar · 02/04/2007 10:08

Not bad thanks. I'm feeling ok and that constant sick feeling is beginning to go a little bit. It's like I'm starting to look forward and move on, but then i'll see something on tv, or his phone will beep, or whatever (usually the tiniest little thing) and it all comes flooding back.

If I'm totally honest I still wonder each day if I will ever actually be able to get over it because every time I think about it the hurt at what has really happened is so immense.

But it's still early days isn't it.

We're looking at getting a new house (much needed!) so that might be a nice fresh start and something nice and new that's just about the two of us. No history or memories of nights sat in alone. I think that will be a good thing.

OP posts:
Paddlechick666 · 02/04/2007 10:14

hi mls

night out sounds great! next time make it a bit longer and pop in for a coffee eh?

sorry haven't emailed this weekend, it's been really busy and dd came down with a nasty 24 hour bug yesterday.

will email you a bit later. things are positive yes, but early days and am trying not to get my hopes up as they always seem to be dashed.....

hang in there, those everyday things will become everyday and normal again soon i promise.

new house sounds great but beware putting too much pressure on yourselves as well. at the very least, make sure it's somewhere you and ds can continue to live if you ultimately seperate.

but enough doom and gloom! the sun is shining, spring is here and it's great that things are pretty positive for us both!

Cashncarry · 02/04/2007 10:17
mylittlestar · 02/04/2007 10:22

Good night then Cashncarry?!

Paddlechick next time I definitely will pop in for a coffee!

Have never done a 500 mile round trip before for a night out - but it was strangely liberating and must be done more often I think!!

OP posts:
Ifonlyhewould · 02/04/2007 10:29

Hi MLS!!

So pleased you had a great night out. You sound on top of the world!

And well done you for the long drive!! very brave. I won't drive further than the local ASDA without a TomTom! X

Cashncarry · 02/04/2007 10:59

Jokes aside, I'm strangely proud of you (as much as you can be of someone you've never met!) for taking the leap and driving down to London for a girlie night out. It demonstrates a new found strength on so many levels - leaving DH on his own, leaving DS with DH, trying to inject some normality back into your life by having a laugh etc. etc.

Please excuse me if I'm talking absolute crap. Really can't string a sentence together today

MerryMarigold · 02/04/2007 10:59

Hi Mylittlestar

Often have wondered about you since the 'get a new haircut' thread back in Dec/ Jan. So sorry this has happened. It's always easy to give advice but i think in this case a story is best for you....

My bf's husband has become an alcoholic over a period of several years. she is not the strongest person [somewhere deep down feels she deserves no better] and i have been trying to get her out of the situation for the last 6 months ie. get her to leave him. she has stuck by him for sooooo long despite his totally despicable behaviour. he is depressed and drinks to numb out. he is also a liar and emotionally manipulates her which i found harder to tolerate than the drinking.

anyway, finally he seems to have hit the bottom and be sorting himself out and they are much happier, though got a long way to go. at times i was so worried for her mental health, as well as her kids wellbeing, and I found it hard to respect her - i would have got rid of him after 1 year, let alone 3! but I am glad she stayed - as who knows where her dh's depression would have got to if she'd left - and it is (slowly) working out. however, she does sometimes naively think everything is 100% ok [just because it has improved] and is shocked when things don't always go smoothly. i have to remind her that NO, he is a recovering alcoholic, he still has depression and it will be a LONG road. i still think she should have had some stronger boundaries and stuck to them, but her patience and her capacity for forgiveness are what have kept her marriage going. i think about their life in 5 years time - what would be better for her kids? my approach or her approach? definitely hers.

i'm sure there are some parallels here for you. i don't know what they are, but will let you see them for yourself...

mylittlestar · 02/04/2007 11:16

cnc thanks! I'm so glad I did it. I cried my eyes out as I drove off and I was a bit of a wreck until I picked my mate up and we started having a chat and a laugh.
But once I put it into perspective and realised I'd only be gone for just over 24 hours I started to relax and enjoy it!

Got chatted up by a couple of blokes which was really nice and flattering and gave me a bit of confidence back. But it was that that also brought home the point that I didn't need or even want to talk to them, I wanted to have a laugh with my friends and then go home to my dh and my beautiful baby. All of this has really taught me what matters most to me and what's important.

MerryMarigold yes so much has happened since that thread hasn't it! Thank you for your story. The main points I noticed is that it will be a long road ahead and there will probably be many more ups and downs for us. But also I have learnt from this that I do deserve more and I have the strength now to make sure I don't take any more sh*! As I've said before, I can forgive one mistake, and I'm hoping I can put it behind me. But I now have clear boundaries and would never put up with anything even remotely like this ever again.

OP posts:
LilyLoo · 02/04/2007 12:05

TBH MLS there never will be a day i am over it i can just live with it. The new house idea sounds great and the fact that you are planning something like this speaks volumes about the effort you and him are prepared to make to secure a future together. Wishing you all the luck to a better future.

Ifonlyhewould · 02/04/2007 12:27

I wish you both all the luck to a better future. I do hope your DH's realise how lucky they are to have such amazing wives.