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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

Both married. Communication making me uneasy.

105 replies

Peppapigonrepeat · 09/01/2019 04:32

I’m in the wrong here, I know that. You’ll read this and be surprised that I’m actually an intelligent woman, with a career that requires me to be responsible, yet I’m behaving like my 18yo former self. I can’t talk to anyone about it, so I’m trying here. Here goes .....

I’m a married mother of 3. We’ve been happily married for 7 years. In most ways we still are happily married, but I’ve had my head turned. My husband is fantastic in every way, we have a good sex life although I feel like it’s routine rather than him really ‘wanting’ me. I’m not sure I still fancy him, but that seems minor in the grand scheme of everything we have. On paper I have everything. I’ve never cheated, it’s not been a thing I’d considered. I’d never wanted to. But obviously I’m writing in the past tense now, so it’s no longer the case.

The OM is in a pretty similar situation. Lovely kids. Lovely wife.

There’s a man, who is the husband of a friend and the father of my chidren’s friends. We’ve known each other for a few years. He’s always been very chatty, verging on flirty, but that’s his nature. There was never anything more to it. Then there was a very drunken night where we ended up kissing. It’s not an excuse, I don’t even remember the build up to it, he initiated a lot of it, but I woke the next morning knowing what I had done. I decided that it was best to try and forget it had ever happened, although I had felt completely exhilarated by it. I didn’t feel particularly guilty, I just knew it was a bad idea. I messaged him in a jovial manner just saying to erase it from our memories. I thought that would be that.

I saw him a few days later at my son’s sports lesson and I assumed we’d pretend it didn’t happen. Instead though he told me he wanted it to happen again, and more. I was quite taken a back, in a stupidly flattered way. He was desperate that this remained under the radar, neither of us wanting our spouses to know. It all seemed a bit too perfect: a bit of passion that wouldn’t hurt anyone.

Anyway, this was a few weeks ago, he’s been in touch regularly, but not consistently. I’ve seen him, but nothing more happened other than a bit of flirting that no one else would know about. I really like him, he makes me feel attractive and sexy. He’s intelligent and funny and we talk easily. As I said he’s not in contact constantly, every few days, very much when it suits him I suppose.

That was until this weekend where we’ve started having texts that got way more racy. Him leading it, but me most definitely encouraging it. A phone call where he made his feelings about me very clear: he wants me, he’s never done this before, he doesn’t know how it’ll work, but he’s desperate to try. I really want him.

We met, very briefly, very incognito, a few nights ago. Things got heated, but nothing more than a passionate kiss. He left after telling me he didn’t want to fall for me (I know, cheesy line of the century!) and now he’s gone silent. I tried messaging him, he did reply, but in a very disengaged manner.

I feel absolutely bloody stranded! I can’t mention this to anyone, and whatever the outcome I’ll take it to my grave. I’ve never been in this situation before. I’m assuming he has the major guilts and that by not being in contact he’s trying to convince himself that he hasn’t done anything wrong. I feel like he got what he wanted and now he’s legged it, although I don’t think he did really get what he wanted!! If he doesn’t want any more then I’ll walk away, I’m not going to cause trouble. But what if he’s confessed to his wife (highly unlikely!)? I’ve got to see him in a few days anyway (child related) so it’s not like we can blank each other, I just don’t know how to attack this. Shall I message him? Shall I just wait for him? How much does that sound like an adolescent talking? I’m mortified by myself. Help please!

OP posts:
Productrecall · 09/01/2019 11:47

Yes ghost, not sure how one would demonstrate that sympathy and understanding towards one's cheating partner.... "You were bored and fancied shagging someone different? I'm so sorry I was too busy looking after our kids/home/working to dress up as a different person every night, I can see how boring that must have been for you, please, continue.... " Confused

theredjellybean · 09/01/2019 12:00

I guess it depends on the circumstances.. My dexh was sympathetic but the affair came out yrs later.
My dexh was in denial gay and had unilaterally declared our marriage celibate when I was early 40's..no discussion, cwoukd not seek counselling etc.
I had an affair as after a few years I felt unloved, undesirable, hideous etc.
When yrs later my dexh and I split.. Not cus of affair, I did tell him.. He said he was so sorry that his refusal to face his own sexuality had impacted me so much that I'd been vulnerable to an affair. He said he absolutely understood why I'd done it and did not blame me at all.
Different circumstances to the op I know

MillionScarletRoses · 09/01/2019 12:27

OP, he is playing you. I know how you feel and why you fell for it. However, it doesn’t change the fact that he is using you and is going to destroy all the nice things you have if you let yourself be carried away.

Yes, the feeling of being alive and sexy and desirable is intoxicating. BUT. Imagine in detail what will happen if your fantastic DH saw those messages (it was not a clever thing to do!), how will he react? How will your children feel as the fall out unfolds. Is it still worth some forbidden fun?

Besides, it is a road to nowhere. There is no substance to either of your feelings. It is a bit of fun, so will eventually pass and fizzle out. But you will still be left with the devastation for years (possibly decades) to come. Is it still worth it?

If your DH is fantastic, treat is as a jolt and a massive wake up call. See him. And get him to see you, to give you what you need. Talk to him, connect, communicate. Give him a chance to put things right. This is what betrayed spouses often lament - they were denied an opportunity to fix things before it is too late.

If you see your DH making an effort and a light in his eyes, it may well turn your head back. I can almost guarantee it will actually.

Treat the latest episode as a regrettable lapse of judgement and sanity. And be the adult. Do not do anything more stupid. You will come to regret it bitterly and wish you could undo it with all your heart.

Paterson8080 · 09/01/2019 13:16

I should perhaps clarify (if it matters) that I am a man and it was my wife who was (planning on being) unfaithful. I found out about it, we talked about it, and we worked it out.

ciderhouserules · 09/01/2019 14:19

So, paterson8080, you were 'sympathetic' - because nothing actually happened? Did she 'passionately' kiss another man? If not, how can you say you were sympathetic, as the circs are not the same?

As i said upthread (Although OP seems to have had her kicks and gone) it would be a dealbreaker for me. End of. Sympathy or not, I won't be second best.

AgentJohnson · 09/01/2019 14:23

Come on people the OP isn’t a victim here despite portraying herself as one. She’s just as much a player as he is. Her indignation about being messed about is rich.

ZoeZebra1 · 09/01/2019 14:31

Hopefully his wife found the messages and he is grovelling. I hope she kicks him out and tells your husband that you are a horrible cheating skank.

Paterson8080 · 09/01/2019 14:31

To Ciderhouse - yes my wife did "passionately" kiss another man, and was having what I think you would call an EA, that was going to become a PA. So it was a very similar situation to the one described, possibly even more "advanced", so to speak, because even though they hadn't slept together they were going to, and, more significantly to my mind, they were in love, or thought they were. I was "sympathetic" to my wife because (a) these things happen, and (b) we had some issues in our own relationship which are now (as a result) getting resolved.

SillySallySingsSongs · 09/01/2019 14:41

I was "sympathetic" to my wife because (a) these things happen

No they don't just happen.

HTH

ForAMinuteThere · 09/01/2019 14:42

Op this is going to come out unless you as so careful. If you see each other regularly you might both not be able to act normally. It was foolish and you know it, if you don't want to be with your husband anymore you need to work on that.

Hefzi · 09/01/2019 14:44

And OP has trip-trapped off- never to return? Hmm

FinallyHere · 09/01/2019 14:47

He wants sex. He is ghosting you to make you anxious and more likely to have sex next time. He has almost certainly done this many times before.

This ^

It is probably not the romance of the century.

Your life was a bit in the doldrums and he came along.

The chances are it's just a numbers game for him. He tries it with everyone. When he blows cold for you it's because he has other irons in the fire. He knows how to play you and knows that seeming keen then backing off with possibly make you keener.

Take it as a lesson that there is something missing in your life. Work out what needs to change and be that change.

Not the least drawbacks of an illicit affaire is that you can't tell anyone about it.

See it for what it is, don't romanticise it and for goodness sake don't give up your life for him. Imagine, if you were his partner, do you really think he would suddenly stop doing this. How would you feel if your DH was routinely out chasing girls like him ?

Hope that helps put it into perspective for you.

One guideline I find helpful is to ask myself how I would feel about watching my husband read any message I send anyone. I am warm and friendly and have been misunderstood by people seeking more. Watching DH read a message is my yardstick.

VictoriaBun · 09/01/2019 14:55

Ok I'll tell you the story of my friend. Back in the summer her husband found out she had been having a 'fling' with a man she met through work. It had become sexual and lasted a few months. His wife found out and messaged her husband. They were working through it and stayed together. Between Christmas and New Year he seemed distracted and gave her the bombshell
on nye that he can't forgive her and doesn't want to start 2019 feeling like that.
Do you want to be that woman ?

Peppapigonrepeat · 09/01/2019 15:45

Hi! I hadn’t left, I’ve just been working. You’re all right. I posted because I needed someone to set me straight but couldn’t speak to anyone. I’m no victim, I’m fully aware. My head has been wobbled and I now intend to grow a set and move on. Thank you all

OP posts:
BigGreenOlives · 09/01/2019 15:54

Good luck.

If you’re feeling low now you’ve made the decision, find an area on here that interests you & make ‘safe’ friends. There’s always someone awake whatever time it is and hopefully you’ll stay away from the loser.

Orange6904 · 09/01/2019 16:00

What is it with that 'head turned' phrase like everyone is just a passive feather that can't control themselves.

Peppapigonrepeat · 09/01/2019 16:02

I will. I just need to get over it. Which I will. Everyone said the exact same things I would have told anyone else, it’s amazing how different it feels only being inside your own head with a problem though as I’m usually a problem sharer. Thanks again Smile

OP posts:
Bumblebee777 · 09/01/2019 16:05

You're doing the right thing op. Just stay strong. The thrill is intoxicating and despite what we've all said, despite what you know to be true, let's face it if he text you tonight you'd probably go running or at least respond. But remember it isn't real and the thrill won't last. If your husband finds out it'll be back to reality with a huge bump.

Chalk this up to a silly mistake and focus on your family x

FannytheW0nderDog · 09/01/2019 16:06

Please please please don't go down this path OP. You are in the grip of a sexual fantasy with a guy who is a cheating sleazebag. If you continue down this path you will end up hurting your friend and your husband, becoming known as 'that woman' in your community because trust me, you two won't be able to keep it under wraps forever. People will start gossiping and all kinds of people will end up getting hurt and that means YOU too. I totally understand how this has happened but please don't continue down this path. You will end up the loser in this for the sake of a few shags in a hotel room. Next time you see him just imagine him with a saucepan full of food on his head that his wife has thrown on him and imagine yourself crying your heart out. Block him, keep your distance and focus on your self and your family.

SuziQ10 · 09/01/2019 16:15

To me his change of attitude suggests he has been found out or come close to being found out!
A lot of women read their partners messages and look through their phone. Especially if they have had reason reason to feel suspicious.

Be careful. Would you like to be known as a home wrecker?

Aquamarine1029 · 09/01/2019 16:40

I fear you are now living under a dark cloud you can't escape from. Those foolish text messages are beyond your control now, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if this man has kept them for a bit of ego stroking. You are now left waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Diamondangel8 · 09/01/2019 16:43

Are you Peri menopausal? Not an excuse but could explain the raging hormones

Notcoolmum · 09/01/2019 16:56

The bomb that this would set off. Between you and your friends. Your chikdren’s friends. Would it really be worth it.

Yes it’s exciting and sexy and exhilarating. But this is really shitting where you eat. Is this really what you want?

PregnantSea · 09/01/2019 22:48

You have a family. Your poor husband.

If this was an OP saying she found our her husband had done this everyone would be saying how awful he is and that she should leave.

What you have done is very selfish and wrong. Thank God he stopped it before it got any worse. Just leave it and pretend it didn't happen, and thank god you have such a wonderful husband.

Myheartbelongsto · 10/01/2019 10:23

What your both doing doing is fucking sick.

Seriously, just grow the fuck up. You are literally the worst kind of friend.