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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

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:
inmyshedsmoking2000 · 03/05/2020 17:43

Listen to me.

Your man has been visiting escorts regularly after his cocaine binges.
I've worked as an escort. He's a cheating scumbag get rid.
Get an sti test and ask for HPV testing at your next smear test.

lookingatthepast · 03/05/2020 17:43

It just really hurts I wasn’t enough to make him happy. He said I made him so happy but the other day he said he feels insecure and never felt I really wanted a relationship with him. We went on holiday together he met all my family as I did his. I was his plus one at a wedding he was best man at. I spent New Year’s Eve with him and his family. He came to mine on Christmas afternoon . None of it was rushed or pushed on anyone
It all happened naturally with both of us suggesting or arranging it . He doesn’t even drink in my house

OP posts:
Menora · 03/05/2020 17:43

He’s dumped you because He can’t face you anymore. He’s done too much damage and he knows he can’t give you what you want. He doesn’t want to try because he has made too many mistakes and knows it will be a shit relationship with no trust anymore
He doesn’t want all this hassle and responsibility.

Brownyblonde · 03/05/2020 17:44

YOU are prepared to try counselling. HE isn't. YOU are exhausting yourself 'trying' on this sham of a pretence HE isn't. He's just not bothered. I'm sorry to say this to you but your post sounds very desperate. He'll pick up on your vulnerability and neediness. A woman with self respect would have walked long ago. You're giving him carte blanche to carry on and trample all over you. Stop trying to save him. You need counselling to work out why you don't respect yourself. Please don't look back. It's not just you it's your kids too. What a terrible role model to have around

AgentProvocateur · 03/05/2020 17:44

You had a lucky escape from the lying arsehole. Go and get yourself tested for STDs, and take the time to find someone who respects you and treats you well and will be a good role model for your children.

BackseatCookers · 03/05/2020 17:45

So you do actually want to get back together?

If you can't keep away from this cunt for your own good then keep away for the sake of your kids. Are they not worth more than having a man like this in their life?

What are you thinking?!

BackseatCookers · 03/05/2020 17:46

If your daughter, when an adult, wrote your original post about her relationship then what would you want her to do?

Do that.

JKScot4 · 03/05/2020 17:46

Look at your OP, the list of arsehole behaviour from him and now the backtracking of but but but, listen to what pp are telling you.
I have a feeling she’ll take him back if he comes sniffing round 🙄

itchytits123 · 03/05/2020 17:47

Try reading a book called 'Men Don't Love Women Like You', horrible title I know but it will help you see him for what he is.
I would guess that he has only been with as a convenience and now that it's too much hassle he's decided to skip out.
You deserve so much better than being with someone who is just using you. Be strong.

MrsWooster · 03/05/2020 17:47

You’ve had a lucky escape. He’s realised you’ve seen past his facade, knows it’s not a goer as a result, and, unforgivably, has tried to turn it onto you -you can’t have more kids, etc. Walk away and get some counselling to work out the issues that make you think that all you deserve is a cheating cokehead who pays to rape other women.

Wanderlust21 · 03/05/2020 17:48

No one will ever make him happy.

This isnt something lacking in you. It is something fundamentally lacking in him. Where his soul should be.

He is a con artist. He has been caught out and cant be arsed lying anymore atm. He also hopes leaving you will punish you for daring to call him out on his shite.

Block him on everything and when he is tempted to try swan back in, tell him where to go!

Lostvoiced · 03/05/2020 17:48

Why do you want anything to do with him?
He sounds awful. And I find it very unlikely that he hasn't cheated, based on what you have said.

madcatladyforever · 03/05/2020 17:50

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

If I had a penny everytime a dodgy bloke said this to me I'd be a millionaire by now. Its a standard line they spin to get you hooked.
Stop crying, this bloke is a complete twat who was just using you and has disppeared now he's been sussed.

Windyatthebeach · 03/05/2020 17:51

Aside all the suspicious stuff - why oh why would you ever let a drug taker near you dc?

gamerchick · 03/05/2020 17:52

Its been 18 months. This relationship doesnt work OP.

FlowerArranger · 03/05/2020 17:53

If you have any sense at all, read this: Women Who Love Too Much, by Robin Norwood.

lookingatthepast · 03/05/2020 17:53

Yes he said it’s his fault it’s ruined etc and he doesn’t deserve any more chances. He can’t understand how I can give him the time of day. I deserve better and he’s doing what’s best for me.

Maybe no contact and some time without me he might realise what he’s thrown away. He said he wants to change for himself. He’s given up smoking , is dieting now or counselling. The anniversary of his mums death is coming up in the next couple of weeks. He said he’s just letting everyone down all the time and he’s too damaged. Doesn’t know what he wants .

He’s thrown away the best thing to have happened to him. I am in a lot of pain right now. It didn’t hurt this much when me and my husband split up . The children obviously know nothing about what’s happened. He has suggest when lockdown is over we sit down together and explain we are splitting up but will still be friends as he really wants to still be part of their lives as a friend . They have never even seen him drunk. They have only ever known him be here when he says he will us all go out. Him take them to the park and everything be absolutely normal. They think he’s great which is why this is absolutely killing me as they are going to be very upset by this

OP posts:
Wanderlust21 · 03/05/2020 17:53

Madcatladyforever is right, its standard victim narcissist behaviour to make out that you are their saviour or the most amazing person they have ever met blah blah blah.

tarasmalatarocks · 03/05/2020 17:54

I think this man does like and care about you OP but as he says he knows he is going to keep letting you down, and I think he knows he can’t stop it easily. he just enjoys the seedier side of life that bit too much to be as committed as you deserve. It won’t feel like it at the moment but he has done you a giant favour

Blondiney · 03/05/2020 17:54

I lost nearly an entire decade of my 'good' years to a man like this. Get out, get out now and don't look back. He will NEVER change!

HollowTalk · 03/05/2020 17:54

Of course you have proof! You have a used condom, for god's sake, and a message to a girl asking her out. Does he have to be wearing the condom before you'll believe him?

HollowTalk · 03/05/2020 17:55

Before you believe he's unfaithful, I mean.

HollowTalk · 03/05/2020 17:56

The thing is that you are in parent-mode and he's in party-mode. There's often a clash. He seems to be embracing singledom while you are thinking you're part of a couple.

Wanderlust21 · 03/05/2020 17:56

How on earth could you think he is great op? At best he is a drug taker who texts other women and sees escorts? I mean fuck me, what kind of standard are you working with if that is 'great'??

As for dictating to you about sitting down and chatting with YOUR kids?!? Tell him to jog the fuck on. Honestly op, you need to get angry at this dickhead.

Menora · 03/05/2020 17:56

No they won’t be upset he’s not their dad. Do not sit them down together. He was your boyfriend. You tell your children that it didn’t work out and that’s it. You don’t confuse them by saying he’s now your friend. All you are doing is trying to leave the door open for him to come back and you and the kids especially deserve more than that. Surely it’s better he just leaves your DC alone for good now, he messed up, he’s lost the opportunity to now do good. He’s using your kids to make you think he’s an OK guy. He is literally using them against you