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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

Caught my husband and now I'm a mess

343 replies

bluehairandheartbroken · 22/10/2019 13:34

I've been on here a while but NC in case it's outing, and because I'm just so ashamed I've let this happen to me. Please be gentle, I'm an absolute mess. I'll try not to drip feed but my head is all over the place.

Bit of background - me and my husband (I can't even write DH) had some issues for a while, mainly just lack of communication and grown apart a bit, no cheating (well I was totally confident there wasn't and now I'm questioning everything). We got back on track (or so I thought, things have been great and we've both been making much more effort with each other. I've actually felt happy for the first time in a long time and he seemed happy too - we constantly tell each other we love each other, cuddle, the sex has improved/got more regular too (which I know now from reading other posts on here should have been a red flag. I'm so fucking stupid).

We're moving house very soon - deposit is all paid, kids have chosen their rooms, we have a moving in date and have our move out date for our current house. We've both said how we're really looking forward to a fresh start.

During our issues I had some major self esteem issues and kept convincing myself he was cheating. I checked his phone a few times (I know I shouldn't have and I'm not proud), never found anything. I've got help for myself with the anxiety and self esteem and was finally feeling back on track. Fast forward to this week and something has niggled at me and I couldnt figure out why - he was on his phone a lot but he's always been like that and it's never bothered me before.

Anyway - I looked at his phone last night before bed and saw a text from a well known hook up site (not even a dating site - this site is well known for being purely for sex). At first I tried to think maybe it was innocent as we've actually talked about joining this very site as a couple! But nope. I've found him, he's looking for couples and single women. He's even been verified by someone which I think usually means you have to have met up with them or done something on cam with them. He's been on the site for 3 weeks and was last active on there last night.

I'm absolutely heartbroken, literally I'm beside myself, I know it sounds pathetic and I thought I was stronger than this but I've called in sick to work and all I've done all morning is sit on the floor and sob and retch/try not to throw up. I know everyone says this but I can't believe he's done this. Only a couple of weeks ago he was telling me he can't believe he nearly lost me, I'm the best thing that ever happened to him and he is going to try everything to show me how much he loves and appreciates me.

I've been with him my whole adult life, since school, we're married and have 2 DC (9 and 7). I don't know how you can do this to someone you're supposed to love. We have a family and a life together, we had so much planned, I really thought it was going to work out after all the crap we've been through - I really thought we were stronger. I feel absolutely sick to my stomach that he might have actually met with someone and done something with them.

He's at work and I don't know what to do. Don't judge me but initially I was going to try and wait til we had moved house (it's not long away now) because the deposit is paid, we can't get it back, nowhere will accept me on my own as my income isn't enough for some reason - despite the fact I work full time. However this was before I realised he'd been verified (meaning he's probably met/chatted very closely with someone) and now I don't think I can pretend for that long and keep having sex with him.

What the fuck do I do? I'm absolutely heartbroken, I just keep thinking about my poor kids, having to give them up every other fucking weekend and being on my own, having to give them up for part of Christmas. I know I'm over thinking it but it's just not fair. I didn't want any of this. I've bent over backwards to make this work, I'm not even being big headed (if anything I have zero confidence right now) but I've been the perfect fucking wife. No one will love and care for that man like I have, I do so much for him. I keep myself looking nice, we have a good sex life. Why is it never enough for so many of these lying bastards? We have a family and a life together, we are supposed to love each other.

I'm thinking now I need to confront him tonight but I'm so scared. Partly because of the house situation and partly because once I do it, there's no going back and my life has changed forever in a way that I never even fucking wanted. Though in fairness I have cried solidly since 8am with no sign of being able to pull myself together so the choice might be out of my hands as he'll know something is up! I actually want to crawl into a hole and die right now. I didn't want this. We were happy, life was finally picking up. We nearly split a few months ago and now I wish we fucking had because my heart is in pieces all over again.

OP posts:
Crazycatperson · 25/10/2019 18:06

It's easy for us to say get rid, you'll never trust him again, but you love him, you've made memories together, and up until a few days ago, you had a future together. I was one of those who said I'd end a relationship if someone so much as kissed anyone behind my back, yet I got back with my boyfriend after he met someone for a sexual encounter in a hotel room!! I never thought I'd be THAT STUPID woman, but in the end, missing him was worse than thinking about what he did. If your husband shows genuine remorse and blames himself, not you, and he's devastated about your pain, then there's a good chance he won't hurt you again. That's what I read!! It suited me I guess. Let us know how the move goes and what you decide to do x

Robin2323 · 25/10/2019 18:17

Good luck with the move.
Get you and the kids settled.
And then one day at a time.

Trust needs earning back.
But it can be done

GabsAlot · 25/10/2019 19:08

Hi op

Sorry its been so hard-ive just picked up on the rvelation hes depressed-was this new or has he mentioned it before, because i think its pretty low to use that as a reason-alot of pe-ple are depressed they dont go round looking on hook up sites

Also they meeting up at your home-thats something i could never forgive even if it didnt happen just the suggestion of it would be enough

Only you know him though we're just people on a site its easier said than done

3luckystars · 25/10/2019 20:32

You dont have to decide anything today or even this year.

You are still in shock and deciding something today doesnt mean you have to stay with that decision forever. There is no pressure on you to make any decisions whatsoever.

Just take a deep breath, get on with the practical things of moving and if you can get some counselling by yourself in the coming months then you can make big decisions then. When you are over the shock. Not today.

You will be ok. He is not who you thought he was. Best wishes to you and your children and I'm sorry you are so hurt.

RosesAndLilies · 26/10/2019 02:00

I'm so sorry Op. I think it's sensible that you just focus on your DC, yourself and the move.

Give yourself time to heal Thanks

Sunshineonthesilverlining · 26/10/2019 05:04

How does anyone ever regain trust? Is it always broken forever?

Alot of the time it is broken forever, but not always. I've been through something similar, worse tho as it involved these sites as well as an actual affair. You have my complete sympathy, I know how crushed you feel.

We worked on our relationship very hard, and our relationship is actually better now than it's ever been. I can say now I trust him. It was a long road.

But you have to do what you feel is right for you, my decision to work on things are so far from what many would've done.

I'm so sorry you are going through this. As pp's have said you need to take time for yourself and your own wellbeing Flowers

Candle1000 · 26/10/2019 08:58

Please do get legal advice , he says that he will cover the rent , but trust me , they can change their minds and often do .

feistymumma · 26/10/2019 12:16

Sorry OP, I'm on Fab and the amount of messages I get from married men is shocking. Some even saying they meet in the family home. They go straight to my blocked list.

Oldbird69 · 27/10/2019 22:22

How are you today blue ? I completely understand the hours of numbness/heartbreaking crying/ panic. I went through it all with my xh. It wasn't other women, it was substance abuse, but it's just another addiction. The lying, sneaking about and broken promises are the same pattern. I remember feeling like my life was heading down a dark tunnel with no light at the end of it. Best thing I ever did was kick him out. It was scary and lonely for a while, but I'm happier now than I've ever been. There IS light at the end of the tunnel 💐❤

bluehairandheartbroken · 29/10/2019 14:58

Sorry I disappeared again. Just not much to update really. I just feel completely numb - I'm trying to think about what to do and I just can't. I can't think straight, I can't even cry. He's been here quite a bit which doesnt help - but I need to get this house sorted out ready for moving and as much as I hate to admit it, I need his help. I can't do it on my own.

He's still begging forgiveness, says he'll do absolutely anything to prove to me how much he wants to make me happy and earn back my trust. He says he doesnt want to throw away 18 years together because of what an idiot he's been. I just dont know. I keep looking at my kids thinking how can I do this to them and break their hearts? And my own. But then I just cant live with feeling anxious/paranoid/wondering what he's up to all the time... he says he'll do anything to help me not feel like that, I can see his phone whenever I want to, etc etc. I'm in such a dilemma, I literally dont want to wake up in the mornings at the moment because this hits me all over again.

Sorry its been so hard-ive just picked up on the rvelation hes depressed-was this new or has he mentioned it before, because i think its pretty low to use that as a reason-alot of pe-ple are depressed they dont go round looking on hook up sites

No it's not a new thing - he genuinely was/is depressed but yes that's no excuse for what he's done, absolutely not at all.

OP posts:
NumbersStation · 29/10/2019 16:04

Just try to get one thing straight in your head.

You say you don’t want to be the one who breaks your kids’ hearts.

It won’t be you who did that. It was him who set that ball rolling.

Thinking of you. Flowers

SugarThreat · 29/10/2019 17:33

Also want to state that It's your husband who has the responsibility for breaking hearts here. Not you.

I'm sorry things are so rough Thanks honestly try to have him around as little as possible as you won't be able to think straight if he's there a lot.

Dorri82 · 29/10/2019 17:43

The hardest thing is needing the comfort from the person who hurts you the most. It's a vicious cycle!
You don't have to make any kind of decisions at the moment. Have you spoken to your friends and family about it all?
I think if you do decide to go forward with him, marriage counselling might be a good idea. It's so very easy for any one to say you should leave and not look back, but when you've got so much history and emotional investment it's nearly impossible to just switch off. Just be kind to yourself and don't put any pressure on yourself to make any kind of decision. He doesn't need/deserve an answer anytime soon, he needs to fully understand the impact his actions have had xx

user1479305498 · 29/10/2019 20:18

I think you will find it near impossible in the short/medium not to turn into 007. My honest opinion is to separate, and maybe say you need 6 months on your own to think about how you feel. In the meantime if you can stay civil or even friends but no more. See how he acts as a co parent and towards you etc, And take your time to see how you feel. If he truly is sorry and really really does care , it will show in actions, on the other hand if he immediately acts like a single bloke, then it's really not worth it.

EKGEMS · 29/10/2019 20:23

I'd shove his damn phone he's offering you to scrutinize and track him up his ass and divorce him

MsDogLady · 29/10/2019 21:02

He recently gushed that he loved and appreciated you so much. He was simultaneously on the hook-up site trying to cheat. That is despicable, and shows you exactly what he is capable of.

Why on earth would you believe him now?

Oldbird69 · 29/10/2019 21:23

Only you can decide what's best for you. It's easy to give advice when you're not the one living with the consequences. My advice would be not to rush into any decision 💐

MissPepper8 · 30/10/2019 09:55

So sorry op, I don't know what I'd do in your shoes. Once the trust is gone though you have to be a very strong and forgiving person to get over something like this or you'll always be doubting him and yourself.

user1479305498 · 30/10/2019 12:30

As per my previous post, I did turn into 007, and I’m afraid that’s the price my H has had to pay for me not leaving and believe me my main reason for staying is practical stuff. Shit like this I am afraid really does harden you , however as a lawyer said to me, give it time and see how you feel and don’t rush and put yourself or any children in a much worse position unless at risk.

Sammiches101 · 30/10/2019 16:04

OP Flowers
You will get through this but it'll take time, please be kind to yourself. I have been there and it is hard, but you will get through it. And as a pp said, you won't be breaking the kids hearts, he has.
Be kind to yourself

RosesAndLilies · 04/11/2019 13:42

How are you feeling? Thanks

Theresa45 · 09/11/2019 03:50

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raspberrymolakoff · 10/11/2019 11:21

OP how are you and your children doing?

Cheli39 · 10/11/2019 16:30

I hope ur ok I recently went through sane put him out for abusive drinking etc n later found out he msg hookers there is msg bk saying no coming
There was few calls n texts claims nothing happened he was angry n drink but I will never know we have 2 kids n had happy mArraige n great sex life just eating me day by day should I get strong enough to leave I didn’t ask for this I love him and our life
Easy ppl say get out but when kids homes involved and u love them what to do
Says never ever done before loves my n boys but he’s gonna say that

Cheli39 · 10/11/2019 16:36

This is helped my husband 20 years sane says was just msg but they r bad enough it’s soul destroying iv turned 007 n creating so many fights n I hate myself for it it’s not me but not knowing how else gonna go on heart broke few weeks before Xmas with kids is hardest thing ever n fact love him n crave things back to normal

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