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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

Think it’s over. Messages , escorts, open condom. Please help

424 replies

lookingatthepast · 03/05/2020 17:14

Will try and be brief. Been with OH 18 months. We met through mutual friends. I have children with my ex husband . Kids were introduced slowly they all get on great. Kids like having him around asked when he would move in and I discussed how they would feel about it should that happen and they were all happy and excited and wanted it . I am mid 30s OH early 30s and he has no kids. I can’t have anymore children and although he said he couldn’t garantee one day he might not feel he wants a family of his own he doesn’t have an overwhelming feeling to have his own kids that he was happy with us he loved his time with us etc .

Recently a friend of his had a baby I mentioned I am sure one day he would love his own and he said I am happy with how things are. He did always say he would feel disappointed in life if he never married though. I have no aversion to remarrying (the marriage wasn’t the issue last time it was the person ) then recently another friend is expecting a baby in August and someone else we know in November. Again no desire expressed by him that he feels he’s missing out or broody .

I found out a while back that on nights outs with his mates (approx once a month) some of them do a few lines of coke . My ex used to do it and it caused a lot of issues. However he was also violent and abusive when drinking and doing drugs. My OH and I talked and I said as long as he never brought it into my house and never did it around me or my children or when I was with him then out with his mates while I don’t approve is his business and doesn’t effect me. I later found out after looking at his phone one of his friends deals it and that’s where they get it from and he has friends who ring him and he passes this guys number on as a favour. I gave him lots of opportunities to come clean and tell me and he didn’t. Until eventually I overheard a call and confronted him. We nearly broke up over it but he said he would stop being involved and he wanted a future with me and was sorry.

At the same time I saw on a holiday with some of his friends and family last year (booked before we were together) he messaged a girl on a dating app asking if she fancied meeting for a drink. Again I kept quiet and didn’t let on that I knew. I buried it and carried on.

I love and care for this man deeply. He lost him mum a couple of years ago and said I made him feel happy again and came into his life when everything was dark etc. We had both of us talked about buying somewhere together and one day marrying. He mentioned in the beginning of the year when we had been together a year the idea of us living together (he works , owns his own house but there’s now a tenant in and would have been with me so my children don’t have to move house and Schools etc ) I said sounds great let’s see in the summer about it but he started staying here a few times a week instead of just one to see how it felt being together that bit more.

In February we were going to meet two of his friends for lunch and a message came up on his in car system which he asked me to read to him. Under that was another message from an unsaved number sent at 5am that morning when he was staying at his dads house saying they only offer outcalls and not incalls. I know it was a massage parlour / escort agency from that and I confronted him. He said firsT of all a friend had done it and used his phone and I told him to have respect for me and admit it. He admitted he was drunk and doing drugs and he called the number but they were closed and could only come out and he didn’t have anyone go there as his dad brother and friends were there. He pleaded cried begged but did say maybe we would be better off ending it as I wouldn’t be able to trust him. I said maybe he should try counselling
He said he felt he was t good enough for me. That he’s always been hurt in relationships so throught that’s he’s bound to get screwed over again so what does it matter. He was so very upset and sorry for hurting me said I didn’t deserve it. He doesn’t deserve me and doesn’t deserve another chance. I wanted to make it work so let it go as a blip and a stupid drunken mistake although I was very hurt and felt inferior and not good enough. In March he did the same thing again. I found out as I hold my hands up and went through his phone. It was all there. Searches to brothels and massage parlours. He also gave his phone number to a random girl on the street and was emailing / messaging her for a bit the same night and he stayed up all night on a huge coke binge at the same time. (This was in a flat his family own in another town where he went on a weekend away with friends. But he went one night before everyone else on his own and did all this ) when j saw him online late he said he was up late as he didn’t feel well. I was worried about him being ill and there on his own as he’d been unwell at mine a couple of days before. He told his friend in a message it was a lie to shut me up and he was in the flat and paranoid from the amount of coke that he locked himself in one of the room as he thought there was a person next door )

Again i confronted him as it was the disrespect to me in these messages which I couldn’t believe. Laughing with friends bout messaging other girls and that I fell for his story of being ill. He then started counselling and has so far had 7 sessions. I even offered to do couples counselling alongside so that we could get back to how we were and work on things and have the life together we talked about.

Yesterday I was at his house and when I stood up to leave I looked down and in a drawer next to his bed (which was open) there was a worn condom laying there. I picked it up and said Why is this in your room. We don’t use them and haven’t had sex in that room anyway. He said he never uses the drawer someone else must have left it there from what could be months or years ago and it’s nothing to do with him . I didn’t argue I didn’t shout or scream I just felt very tired and said this is your bedroom how could you not know it was there. He said I don’t use that drawer and other people have stayed over in this room when I haven’t been here and it could be one of them. His cousin and girlfriend. Friends and girlfriends etc. His head dropped and he said I am telling the truth but I know you don’t believe me . I said I don’t know what to think and if you found it at my house you would find it hard to believe that it was as years old and I didn’t know how it got there
I have never found any actual evidence he’s cheated. Just times he’s come close. He said he doesn’t know why he’s done it. Etc

Anyway today he’s ended it with me. Says he needs to be on his own
He can’t stand keep making me unhappy and he can’t leave his phone unattended near me anymore and I won’t ever trust him
All suggestions of counselling together he’s saying no to. Says I will see it’s for the best and he wants to stay friends and still be able to meet up and have a kick about with the kids or take them out sometimes but he’s got too many issues to work on and he needs to put himself first and deal with them. He’s also said one day he might want kids and that option is off limits and it’s been bothering him for a while now. That maybe his best friend having a kid has made him think and he can’t guarantee he won’t one day want one and it’s something I can’t do with him. The idea of a surrogate if needs be was dismissed. Says he feels he’s no control over his life and it’s moving at 100mph ! No idea how I haven’t pushed him to move in. Marriage was briefly discussed a few times and by him as it happens as there’s a certain church he would like the ceremony in if possible but I could chose the reception if I was happy with that. Talked about areas we would consider buying in one day and when would be tha best time to move and both agreed 2 years time due to my children’s schooling. So none of this is about to happen tomorrow or next week.

I am hurting so much. I feel sick. I can’t stop crying. I feel ill. The future we talked about the plans we discussed. And then he’s going to meet someone else and do it all with them instead. Yesterday everything was fine. He cuddled me said he missed me loved me. I saw that condom and came home and now we are over

I feel broken. So broken and have no one I can talk to. I work long hours in a stressful job with people at times I am unhappy around. I feel so sad and lost

OP posts:
Kraejka · 05/05/2020 10:44

He hasn't left you to better himself or beat his demons. He has left you to shag prostitutes and take drugs without having to continue to find ways of justifying it.

Absolutely. My ex claimed he was off to better himself and beat his demons. No, he wanted to merrily visit the brothel without feeling guilty and shag other random women he'd been flirting with on WhatsApp. Then he'd come back when he got bored or his demons got the better of him - he needed me to make him feel better. Then he'd be off again after a while but only because he couldn't stop shagging prostitutes and getting drunk all the time.
Don't be like me. Do not take this piece of shit back ever again. It took me a long time to wake up to what my ex was doing and why. I'm telling you to wake up now and boot him to the far end of fuck.

ILuvQuarintinis · 05/05/2020 10:45

It's time you stopped allowing yourself to get dragged into this mess.

^^^^^^^

ILuvQuarintinis · 05/05/2020 10:47

When you think about contacting him read the title of your thread - messages, escorts and open condom and that's without the rest of the shitfest!

SpilltheTea · 05/05/2020 10:57

He's a waste of space. Have some self respect and move on.

darrenlacey · 05/05/2020 11:00

OP nearly everyone on this thread has you pegged as a gullible fool with no self esteem who is desperate for this scummy twat (he may have a "nice side" that played happy families with you but that is negated by the other gross shit he is up to) to change his mind and come back to shit all over you again.

You have kids - have respect for them if not yourself. I made similar mistakes in my 20s. Don't do it! Do not keep begging for scraps off this waste man.

Prove us wrong.

OhLook · 05/05/2020 11:00

Yes, I just came back to say he's not off fighting his demons. He spilt up with you because he doesn't want the hassle of a girlfriend stopping him doing the things he wants to do. He wants to be free to do what he likes without you making him feel guilty.

lookingatthepast · 07/05/2020 10:48

No I am not thick and no I don’t like drama as it happens.

I don’t like drama or confrontation which is why I kept quiet about what I knew he was doing as I didn’t want bad feeling and drama. I just want to live a normal quiet peaceful happy life me and my children in my home which I have spent a lot of time money and effort making into a nice family home . It’s not wrong of me to meet someone I loved and want that life with them. But in my quest for that I lowered my boundaries and let myself be trampled on while I cling onto that dream.

I have a counselling session today via phone and my work also offer counselling which I have asked to access . I am still crying a lot and generally feel dreadful. Finding it very hard to get myself motivated and do much other than sleep cry and go to work at the moment . That might make me sound thick and like an idiot but I really don’t care anymore. It’s how I feel and I am entitled to feel that way.

I have planted the seed that he and I are now friends more than boyfriend and girlfriend with the children. Saying due to work (we both work shifts ) and lockdown we are only able to talk on the phone and it’s more of a friendship now. It’s not appropriate for me to tell them what’s gone on and they don’t need to know. They did adore him and they will miss him so getting them used to the situation gently is the best option I feel . My eldest messaged him the other day and he FaceTimed the children when I was at work which they were all really happy about. It might not be what others would have done but I don’t want my children upset or to suffer

OP posts:
Gutterton · 07/05/2020 11:10

Good for you getting professional support and it’s good that you are not repressing your feelings as you come to terms with the fantasy of what you thought you might have with him. But all or that family warmth, love and joy you already have and you always will if you focus back on you and your DCs as that brilliant family unit. You don’t need a man to complete that - don’t waste anymore time thinking that you do. Have a good long ugly snotty cry and look to the golden bonds you have with your DCs.

KotoMoto · 07/05/2020 11:14

Great you're getting counselling OP! Well done for that. I hope that helps and that you can start having regular sessions.

My tuppence worth is that you reduce the contact he has with your kids. However much they like him, that's because they don't know the truth about him and how he's treated their mum. Do you imagine that once they are adults, if they'd read this thread back they would have wanted to stay in contact with him? It doesn't matter how lovely he behaves around them- he's not a good influence. I don't think your DC should be contacting him independently. I think in time you'll grow to see this viewpoint. Right now it's hard for you to see the wood for the trees and a part of you still thinks 'he's great with the kids', so you've protected him from them knowing anywhere near the truth. You didn't need to tell them the full details, but age appropriately you could say he did something unkind or treated mummy badly. This would teach them how to have healthy boundaries with people. Once you're thinking straight though, I hope you will see this clearly. This man is not a person who should be in your kids sphere of influence whatsoever.

Good luck at counselling today x

SissySpacekAteMyHamster · 07/05/2020 12:03

He seems to say an awful lot.

He also does a lot of questionable things.

I'd be looking more at his actions than his words, as they are where the truth lies to his character and his true feelings towards you.

Gutterton · 07/05/2020 12:11

I agree with KotoMoto - this is a really great opportunity for truth, role modelling and life lessons.

When you are ready consider telling your DCs that he was not honest or kind to you and couldn’t keep his promises to be good - so YOU have decided not to let yourself get hurt and will not be friends anymore. That this is a strong and sensible decision and you are satisfied with it.....because him being unkind to you drains away your energy for them - and they are the most important thing.

AcrossthePond55 · 07/05/2020 16:36

I have planted the seed that he and I are now friends more than boyfriend and girlfriend with the children.

Good. Now water that seed by not allowing him to contact them. Either block him on the devices used or order him not to respond to their messages. He has no legal right to contact.

JKScot4 · 07/05/2020 17:36

I have planted the seed that he and I are now friends more than boyfriend and girlfriend with the children
Jesus this thread is awful!
It was an 18mth relationship not a marriage, not their dad, stop accommodating him ffs
Comments like all I’m doing is eating, sleeping, work where are your kids in this?

GilbertMarkham · 07/05/2020 17:58

I think you've been very measured and dignified in this thread op in the face of some of MN's quite nasty posters. Some posters just leave when they're on the receiving end of that.

It's a pity you've had to go through what you have but hopefully you've really learned lessons about red flags, trying to help/support someone, lowering your boundaries and standards etc.

Unfortunately in life it actually pays to be quite judgemental and harsh when dealing with the opposite sex much of the time!

GilbertMarkham · 07/05/2020 17:59

Breakups are shit too - people can't eat, sleep etc.

It's partly just chemical - oxytocin and all that.

I think there have been break up threads on here with strategies to cope. I'll try to find some

GilbertMarkham · 07/05/2020 18:04

stop accommodating him ffs

I didn't take it to mean she's going to let them see him as her friend.

I took it to mean she's just trying to break the break up to them incrementally. She'll tell them first they're just friends, not in a relationship anymore, then that they're not seeing each other much/at all so they won't be seeing him.

But how bout asking before stamping all over the op.

GilbertMarkham · 07/05/2020 18:05

Or would that not vent your righteousness enough?

covidcougher · 07/05/2020 18:10

OP. You're doing great and where your children are concerned I think you've approached this brilliantly.

lookingatthepast · 18/05/2020 01:13

Hi
I have been working nights as a key worker the past 8 days. This is my last night before a week off. literally been working and sleeping during the day. havent cried in 9 days but today / this evening i keep tearing up. Feeling depressed (i am on anti anxiety meds and the dose has been doubled after speaking to my GP with working the break up and whats gone on etc )

Not seen him but have spoken by phone a few times i have called him tonight or he rung me a coupld of times. its the anniversary of his mums death coming up in the next couple of days . I have sent a card and a gift of a rose which can be planted in the family garden (its one with the same name as his mum) Hes been talking about the money hes put into a savings account and his plans for the house he has when he moves back into it plus a holiday hes planning with friends next year poissbly. I guess today the intense sadness (plus tiredness) has hit me that his life going forward doesnt have a place for me in it anymore and its starting to hurt again.

He said he wishes he could be half the person I am with me trying to be supportive in the next few days. He admitted last weekend when he had a few days off he used again whilst at home. i didnt feel angry or disappointed in him (he kept saying hes a failure and a cunt and i am disappointed in him) i just felt deeply sad for him

i just needed to write it down and talk to someone. I am 5 hours into a 12 hour shift tonight

OP posts:
Summerdays250 · 18/05/2020 01:49

Sorry OP, I really feel for you.

Seems this man is in a real bad place and has some issues that need dealing with. Men find it hard to sort issues out , bury their head in the sand. I think meeting you has really mad him realise things but it’s at your expense, you’re hurt.
I think he could be a good man if he stopped the coke. People grieve in different ways, he seems he is really hurting too.
By no means do you need to be helping him, don’t lose yourself trying to help him. It’s up to you. In my shoes, I’d still be ‘Friends’ but keep your options open to other men.

lookingatthepast · 18/05/2020 02:05

He says he wants to stay friends but hes also saying he hasn't changed his mind, that we both still love each other but sometimes that on its own isnt enough and we need some time apart as he doesnt want to lead me on or give me mixed signals. I think eventually I will just be phased out of his life altogether and this is his gentle way of going about it. However he does seem very up and down and all over the place but i would expect that right at this very moment with the anniversary. Him and his brothers all struggle with it as it approaches.

OP posts:
Summerdays250 · 18/05/2020 02:14

I feel sorry for him, I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a Mother but thank god he has his brothers. A year is nothing, he’s still grieving.

In a few days you will feel better, keep in touch with him if you like, he seems to like to keep you as a friend, someone to talk to. But definitely keep your options open, talk to other men, you’re young and have so much love to give to someone. I can tell you are a caring person. You don’t start drama or fights, you handle the hurtful things with grace.
I agree with @covidcougher, you’re doing great and he will remember how you treated him, eventually when he fixes up.

Summerdays250 · 18/05/2020 02:16

& you’re not alone, you have all of us here to talk to.
Flowers

JessicaDay · 18/05/2020 05:04

Everything he discussed re the future was just him saying what you wanted to hear to keep you on the hook. It’s just building a fantasy future, spinning a line to get you invested and make it seem like he is invested in the relationship. It’s a form of gaslighting.

You haven’t lost out on anything. It was all a lie, based on who he pretends to be rather than who he is. He spent a lot of time and effort constructing a facade to pretend to be someone else, because he knows that who he really is is reprehensible and disgusting. Repulsive in fact.

It’s got nothing to do with whether you were enough for him or whether you could make him happy or not. You can’t let yourself think about yourself like that.

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