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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

Am I kidding myself - she wants to leave AGAIN

51 replies

Sadhubby · 17/02/2018 11:15

So after a year of going back and forward and lies from my wife she finally told me she is gay. She kissed a woman nearly a year ago that she chased and started. Since then contacted her when she said she wouldn't.

A friend of hers who encouraged her to cheat on m and that my wife called her 'little devil' pushing her on, I asked her to cut ties with - she did but a few weeks ago called her even thought she knew it would cause problems. This friend is bisexual and left her husband because of it. My wife is adamant there has never been anything between them.

She told me at 9am yesterday she was gay and needed to explore her feeling s(this is the third time in a year she has said it but later taken back) and left home right away. She went to a friends house and from 1pm disappeared. She finally came home at 9pm. She told me she drove to see a female friend from work. She's known this person for 4 months. She said its just a friendship but also told this person she was gay yet friends she's had for years she wont tell. I think there is more to this with the friend but she denies it.

She refused to give me her name but eventually admitted that this friend is bisexual and in a gay relationship. She also admitted that she has been deleting conversations between them for week but says its so I didn't see them and jump to conclusions.

Other dilemma. Kids and house. Neither of us can afford to buy the other out. I really want the kids to stay in their house as they have lots of friends close by. They are 7 and 5. I know individually we will only afford a small 2 bed not close to kids friends. On the other hand I hate the thought of her getting the house and moving someone in. I worked hard for that house. She has offered to move out but i know she wants the release to go and piss about. When I was calm last night and said to her fine lets separate and try to be calm and adult about it etc etc she seemed excited. Her demeanor changed and she got jovial again, almost excited at the prospect of meeting a woman.

Just to put a bit of perspective on us. Together 15 years, hardly ever argue before this. Family would laugh at us for still holding hands and being loving after all these years. Same interests. Same goals. Both like nearly exactly the same things.

I am so angry and devastated. I genuinely believe she is asking a mistake and this is lust and about a sexual fantasy but she says she inst attracted to men, only me. Wants a relationship with a woman not men yet again all this is different from what she said before.

Is it wrong for me to report to her employer my concerns about an affair? She is in a job where she needs to be 'fit to work' as is the other person. Yet they do this!

I'm off to a lawyer this week.

Advice please

OP posts:
reallyanotherone · 17/02/2018 12:54

What do you want? Tbh it doesn’t sound like you want to stay with the kids? She’s offered to move out, i would take her offer, stay in the house with the kids, and be resident parent.

If you leave she will get the house and main residency. Chances are you won’t be forced to sell the kids home, whoever stays may be awarded a larger share so they can afford to buy the other out, or it may be agreed not to sell until the children are of age, then split.

Tbh true 50/50 rarely works, especially if you aren’t on very good terms. It’s more likely to be one has them in the week so they have stability at school, the other sees them at weekends.

Step up and take care of your kids needs first. And if she is going to go gallivanting and exploring her sexuality with new partners, it sounds like they need you at home.

Perendinate · 17/02/2018 12:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Wherearemymarbles · 17/02/2018 13:02

Agree above, you should stay in the home.
Your wife’s focus might be her new found freedom rather than the kids and staying there with you might offer more stability.

ALittleBitConfused1 · 17/02/2018 13:25

Ok I think you're getting a hard time from some posters.
A woman comes on here stating her husband has cheated and it's all he's a cXxt an arse make him pay. I agree with you I think she has been a bitch you crack on and get that anger out.
I get it isn't your wife's fault that she is struggling with these feelings. I can't even begin to imagine how confusing it is but at the end of the day she chose to become a wife and a mother and she should show some fucking respect for that.
I'm in no way suggesting she should bury her feelings and live a lie, every one deserves to live their life being true to themselves but a bit of respect and humanity on her part wouldn't go amiss.
Ok so firstly I think you know and understand that talking to her employer isn't going to help and wouldn't really be fair. However I can understand that desire to want to destroy her life right now. I'm sure everyone who has been cheated on can understand that want for revenge.
As unfair as it is, as hard as it will be you need to take the moral highground here and be the bigger person.
This isn't your fault. In reality it isn't her fault either but I do think the hell she has put you through the last year, the lies the cheating is wrong and understandably you are hurt.
Right now my only advice would be, be kind to yourself and your children and try to maintain a respectful stance towards her for their sake.
Let her go. Make arrangements to become the main care giver for your children (work and childcare arrangements, regular access with their mum to give you a break too etc etc) . Try not to let your anger cloud their relationship with their mum but kids need stability and it sounds like she is in a place where she would struggle to provide that right now.
I think selling the house will be a positive. Buy something nice, even if smaller. Make a comfortable cosy and stable home for you and your kids and let her have her share to settle somewhere too so that stable and long term access arrangements can be put in place.
This will be a long hard process but you can do this. Please remember the way you talk about your wife will impact and influence your children's relationship with their mother. I'm not saying don't be angry or even dislike her just try to keep that from them. Look into some counselling, there are lots of support groups for single parents that will help you navigate the minefield and help you adopt and maintain a healthy perspective on this situation even though your heart is breaking and your world has been turned upside down.
Let her leave, talk to your family get the support you need and get that laywers appointment so your legal interests are taken care of. I'm sorry this has happened op.

Dozer · 17/02/2018 15:10

Posters don’t say “make him pay” to OPs with DC with male cheating partners, they say sort out the separation and focus on the DC and things to help their wellbeing.

OP, you are likely to need separate legal advice and then mediation about the DC and home. Lots of factors to take into account, most importantly the DCs’ needs. Your wellbeing is also important: moving towards living separately is likely to help with that, as could ( if you can afford it) a BACP counsellor to help you as an individual.

So as a first step see a lawyer and suggest that she does likewise, and / or suggest mediation to help you agree terms of your separation/divorce.

There are practical threads on here, and websites, about how to prepare well for free initial consultations with family lawyers.

ALittleBitConfused1 · 17/02/2018 15:16

Oh they do I've seen it, they also usually call the men involved all the names under the sun. I felt the op was doing np different but getting a bit of a hard time.
The majority of posters have given practical advice, i was just pointing out that the op probably has a right to be angry at the moment.
Hopefully his threats are empty ones and he will do just as you, I and many others have advised and concentrate on his kids etc.

mumofthemonsters808 · 17/02/2018 15:24

Let her go, I understand she has caused you tremendous hurt and pain and its natural to feel angry, but you will get through this, she must leave the family home and go from there, take each day as it comes. iM sorry this has happened to you.

SandyY2K · 17/02/2018 15:29

Let her move out and explore what she wants to.

In reference to her employment...unless you have concrete proof she's having a relationship..that impacts on her job..there's no point in saying anything.

There are some relationships that are dangerous territory at work...but you don't know anything for sure.

Let her go.
Don't take her back if she changes her mind again

Focus on your healing and the children.

I take the view that no husband or wife is irreplaceable.

I would suggest counselling to support you and try and be civil for the sake of your DC.

You don't deserve to be getting messed around like this.

ChickenMom · 17/02/2018 15:53

I get that you’re angry but if she is gay then the worse thing would be for her to keep pushing it away and living a lie. This is going to be really hard for her. I’m sorry but it is. She’s not leaving you for another guy. Many years ago a friend of mine left his wife for his 1st ever gay relationship. Fast forward many years. He and his ex are best friends. She’s remarried to a wonderful man and they all share childcare and everybody is friends and happy. Surely this now gives you the chance to find somebody who actually fancies you? See it as an opportunity. Why not suck down the anger and try to make lemonade out of lemons. Be an awesome role model for your kids. Don’t do anger and bitterness. Do kindness and support and compassion. Build a best friendship with your soon to be ex wife. If she meets someone new then that’s two potential future best mates you’ve got right there and you’ll meet someone new so lots of lovely new people coming into your life in the future. Be positive and rise to the challenge. You have the power to steer this ship however you want...be a bloody hero mate not a bitter loser. It will get you laid by an awful lot of awesome women. Ripping your ex apart is gonna make the great ones go “no thanks!” We always look at how you’ve treated your ex. See your behaviour now as an investment in your future. Good luck to you

Whatsforu · 17/02/2018 16:01

This would be a totally different thread if it was the man who had cheated. Usual double standard's. I would tell her to move out and hopefully you will in time rebuild your life. I'm so sorry and I feel this situation is worse due to her lying to you all this time. Cheating is cheating.

Newdadofgirl · 17/02/2018 17:10

OMFG!! Fukin hell mate, really really sorry to hear you are having a nightmare. Well done for appearing to be reasonable (don't know how you managed to sound calm!) Sounds like a really horrible situation that you've been forced into. Obviously from what you've said your partner has no respect for you or the kids or she would not cheat or consider cheating. How could any person think such behavior is ok? Shows a total disregard for you and the kids, its just disrespectful and unbelievably selfish.
I guess she deserves some respect for at least telling you, but what the fuk! Though actually no - no fukin respect! Cheating is cheating I don't care how much she needs to find herself!
Sorry, I'm actually pissed on your behalf!
Useless I know but, I don't have any practical advice, though suggestions on here of seeing a lawyer seem reasonable.
Telling employer, as I'm sure you know isn't ok, but I don't think it deserves the focus its received in the comments!
Hope you manage to sort stuff out. You obviously deserve a lot better! Good Luck!
Perhaps have a look at some of the relationship posts on here where men cheat, as I guess the advice given would apply equally here.
By the way I really don't mean to offend, just my view!

aftertheevent · 17/02/2018 23:10

Why are men hell bent on revenge. Why do you want revenge for goodness sake. you need to calm down. You have dc and you still are their role model.
I have been cheated on and didnt seek revenge. Sounds medieval to me and you would regret it.
Keep the moral high ground.

SandyY2K · 18/02/2018 00:03

Why are men hell bent on revenge.

It's not all men and some women also seek revenge.

Just like some choose to cheat...some will seek revenge. That's life...that's a potential consequences of cheating, along with many others.

C0untDucku1a · 18/02/2018 00:17

Let her leave. Focus on the kids. Start the divorce. Sort.m childcare for when youre at work. Being resident parent is fooking hard!

Dozer · 18/02/2018 08:33

I doubt she will wish to leave the family home when it comes to it.

“Build a best friendship with your soon to be ex wife”: why would OP do that? She has treated him badly and being “friends” when he’s been hurt and understandably angry would probably not be in his best interests. Fine to be practical, constructive and even kind, but also honest to himself about his feelings and detached. They don’t need to be friends to be decent co parents.

Sadhubby · 18/02/2018 14:07

Thanks for the replies. Particularly those who recognised the gender imbalance when it comes to advice - frustrating that if it was the other way about and I was still here for advice I would be getting called all the names under the son! So thanks again.

I am beginning to force myself to accept the fact she is gay. She is adamant there isn't anyone else, she says she 'just doesn't want to be with a man, any man' Fine. She cant help that, its not her fault at the end of the day she is attracted to women. Still hurts like shit though.

What I don't accept is the constant lies over the last year. And I mean constant. Yet she expects to lean on me for support in the future and even asked if I would still help out when her MoT and insurance are due! She says she will sign any separation agreement I want and says she knows this is her fault. She also hopes we can meet for coffee in the future as friends. Although I sometimes think that's a good idea because right now I love her and want her in my life, I wont do that. I know she wants to do her own thing but still have my kindness and friendship. But No. That wont help me.

Never have I been treated as shitty in my life by anyone and she was the last person I expected to do this but I suppose that's life.

I have asked her to move out and she says she will. I have an appointment to see a solicitor on Wednesday and plan to ask for divorce right away if I can afford it on unreasonable behavior.

I will primary care for the kids and share access as we both work shifts and will need each others flexibility.

And oh I wont be contacting her work - purely because I want her to earn as I don't want her getting my money. I plan to spend that on two little people! That was said in anger!

Thanks again

OP posts:
category12 · 18/02/2018 15:05

Rot, if a woman came on threatening to go to her partner's employer in similar circumstances, she'd be shot down too.

WhiparoundandSpin · 18/02/2018 17:17

If you have genuinely been sharing care of DC completely evenly then it isn't obvious to me who should stay in the family home.

You need to try hard to ensure every decision from here is about the children. What they need most immediately is for as little disruption as possible in their day to day routine. That has be at the forefront of who leaves/stays. So if one parent has been around more then continuing that generally provides some stability.

If she is going to be caring for them 50% of the time then she is leaving to "piss about". Does she realise she will have 50% of her time free when DC are with you? She can explore whatever she needs to AND continue to a mother to her DC. Which is surely what you want as well. She might be feeling so guilty she thinks stepping aside is right - but that's not about what is best for DC.

Who stays in the family home is not about blame or who contributed the most financially. It's about the children. And long term you want to be looking for you both to be able to provide a home for them.

I think you would benefit from meeting with a mediator - and quickly - to make these immediate decisions. It will be difficult for you both to out the DC at the centre where there is no much blame/guilt around. You might find some personal counselling helps you deal with your difficult feelings and allow you to separately focus on establishing co parenting.

The thing I found most difficult is that there isn't one to retreat/lick your wounds when you need to. As soon as you separate you need to make it work for the DC.

Reddlion · 18/02/2018 20:25

I'm sorry she wasted your time but you have two lovely kids out of this dilemma she is selfish and you deserve better don't do anything for revenge she will get her karma

Justanamechange · 19/02/2018 13:12

The courts will almost ALWAYS go with the status quo if it comes to court. If you move out and see them a bit less, that will almost certainly become a permanent situation.

My suggestion would be not to leave the house no matter what. Ensure you have the kids at least half the time if thats what you want and whats best for them, and make sure you keep records of how much time the kids are with you, what expenses you cover (clothes, haircuts etc). Speaking as someone who's watched a very nasty divorce play out (which started as an amicable 50/50 arrangement and became a horrific 3 year 60k court fight).

Whatever becomes routine is likely to become a permanent state of affairs, always bear that in mind and make your decisions and arrangements accordingly.

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 19/02/2018 13:45

I get that you're raw, and angry and hurting.

And for good reason. I think she's spun you a load of BS and treated you every badly.

BUT - as a Dad, you've got to be a bigger person and put your kids first. What is best for them? Not you (and definitely not her!). Asking you to help her out with MOT and insurance is just taking the p*ss. Tell her where to go!

She says she will sign any separation agreement I want ? Bugger that, file for divorce. Hope the meeting with solicitor goes well.

PerfectPenquins · 19/02/2018 13:57

No way in hell should you help her with MOT and Insureance she’s a selfish user. Chuck her out and get contact agreed with your solicitors. Don’t give her an inch she can get support elsewhere.

Dozer · 19/02/2018 14:32

Who is primary carer now? Why would this change?

Dozer · 19/02/2018 14:33

OP can’t “chuck her out” and she’d be ill advised to move out before mediation/legal advice.

TheDailyMailLovesTheEUReally · 19/02/2018 15:22

You need to see a shit hot lawyer pronto.

Get copies of all important paperwork - marriage cert, pension statements etc.

Do not move out of the house. If she wants to live apart then she can be the one to move out, as she's been the one having an affair behind your back.

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