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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

To divorce or not divorce...

35 replies

em55 · 25/04/2018 18:54

So to cut a long story short, I decided to divorce my husband after I found out he was sleeping with a woman almost 20 years younger than me. Things got very messy at home, I went through hell, lost a tonne of weight, didn't sleep, barely existed, just about managed to hold together my home, my job and my animals (no children, just a horse and dogs). Somehow I eventually came out the other side, cheered up, decided it's time to do some online dating. Met amazing man on my second attempt. Instant connection, amazing guy, I was thrilled. As my decree nisi still hadn't (and still hasn't) come through at that point, I felt that bringing the new man to my home would be morally wrong, so I refused. He, being a divorcee for 7 years, was keen to "mark his territory" by being allowed into my home. He pushed for commitment from me very early on, said he wanted more than just sex, seemed enthralled with me, was super keen - although he went through a brief period of not quite ghosting, but certainly cutting back on his constant amorous texting and calling after I'd finally slept with him the first time (which was a huge deal for me, maybe not for him as he's been single for ages, but I was still massively disappointed). Meanwhile, I felt I had to tell my (still) husband I'd met somebody else - which has now resulted in him desperately wanting me back. Like, I mean, DESPERATE. He will do anything. Which is, TBH, a little bit suffocating. So I'm torn between going ahead with the divorce (the relationship he had with the younger woman is long since over, and I can forgive it as I've been unfaithful myself in the past and I admit I'd neglected him and I understand that he's nearly 50 and having a bit of a midlife crisis, shit happens, it's life) or do I walk away, get my divorce and give it a bash with the new man? I told the new man that I'm "not ready", I need to get my divorce finalised before I fully immerse myself into the murky world of online dating. His reply was "please come back to me when you are ready". I now can't get this out of my mind. Is it the romance of the century waiting for me, or do I stay put with husband for the convenience? I will add that I am very blessed in that I have a very nice lifestyle, which I very much depend on my husband for. The new guy would easily be able to provide a similar lifestyle, not that I'm gold digging, it sounds like I am, but I'm really not, I just don't feel attracted to men who aren't successful in their careers... Still sounds a bit like I'm gold digging, but in all honesty, I just have a type. Doesn't everyone? The new guy I've met, is sort of like an upgrade of my husband. Similar in so many ways - yet subtly different. Can I trust my instinct with a man I barely know and who hasn't exactly shown me that much commitment apart from many a deep felt sentence spoken in passionate circumstances? Or should I stay with the husband of 13 years who did cheat on me but I sincerely believe he didn't mean to and he regrets it badly and he will always think I am the love of his life? I'm scared of being single in my mid 40s, I won't lie. Terrified even. But I don't know if I love my husband anymore... I have been through hell and back. Will I ever get over that?

OP posts:
PookieDo · 25/04/2018 23:06

Why do you have to do any of the things you listed? Can’t you just stay single? Just because they want you to decide something doesn’t mean you have to

It does little bit sound like you are comparing a new car with your old car. Just slightly

PerfectlyDone · 25/04/2018 23:09

I think everybody involved in this domestic drama should avoid relationships for a while and use the time to seek therapy Hmm

hellsbellsmelons · 26/04/2018 13:15

Re-read your post.
If it's true....
New man sounds like a total dick.
And your STBExH does as well.
Leave them both well alone.
Work on yourself.
Get some counselling.
And leave men 'off the table' for the time being.

Vixnixtrix1981 · 26/04/2018 14:53

To be fair hellsbells everyone in this tale sounds like a dick, apart from the poor sod who was clearly beneath them all Wink

certificateofauthenticity · 26/04/2018 15:03

What Vixnixtrix said. You all sound devoid of morals. I understand life is complicated, and decisions are made, but it sounds to me like OP is making decisions without regard for anyone elses feelings. Just my view.

hellsbellsmelons · 26/04/2018 15:09

Indeed Vixnixtrix

That made me chuckle!

TheFifthKey · 26/04/2018 15:17

DON'T for the love of god get divorced and immediately take up with someone exactly the same (even if you see it as a upgrade at the moment). Remember that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome! There are literally billions of men out there - the chances that new man is the only one for you are very small. And if he is, he'll be there and you won't have to stress it, worry about how to get back in touch, calculate anything about contact, it will just happen almost by magic.

Get divorced. Live alone. Stay single or just date casually. Or you'll end up in the same old place.

SoapOnARoap · 26/04/2018 15:22

This Mills & Boon on speed.

3/10 for effort Biscuit

Beaverhausen · 26/04/2018 15:26

Lawdie lawdie OP you need to snap out of these delusions of grandeur before you come crashing down with no safety net.

Doh9899 · 26/04/2018 15:30

You and your husband are as bad as eachother so u deserve eachother. New guy won't wait months for you, they never do in the situation, he'll have moved on unless he's your soulmate which I doubt or you wouldn't be asking a dumb question

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