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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:
itchytits123 · 03/05/2020 17:57

He should never have gotten so involved with playing dad to your children if he wasn't really serious about you.
That's on him, not you.

BackseatCookers · 03/05/2020 17:58

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.

You are their mother.

He is NOT their parent.

Do not let him come over and further manipulate you by watching the kids get upset and him twisting the narrative so you feel guilty which will mean if HE changes his mind again you will cave.

Ffs woman.

They've never even seen him drunk?

Well they haven't seen him get wanked off in a massage parlour either have they but that doesn't change the fact he wanted to organise doing so.

I know it's painful but this man was in a relationship with you and make a conscious decision to find the numbers of sex workers, enquire about appointments, book them and definitely went through with it at LEAST once because he is happy (actually, is excited) at the prospect of paying a woman probably much younger and more vulnerable than him to suck him off / wank him off / be shagged by him.

This is the man you want to keep around? To be honest, how dare you use your kids relationship with him to justify keeping such a nasty individual in their lives.

YOU are the adult. YOU are the parent. Step up and get some counselling to unravel why you're even entertaining this dicksplash, let alone considering his opinion when it comes to coming and sitting down to tell the kids you're splitting up but that he'll still be their mate?!

Menora · 03/05/2020 17:59

He’s only being so reasonable so that he looks good to everyone else you know OP
Been here with one of those. ‘Look at me, Im a nice guy deep down I just am troubled’. No he’s not a nice guy he’s trying to limit the damage to his reputation and what you tell people, so people don’t think he’s scum

BarbRoyle · 03/05/2020 17:59

In the future, when you have met a man you trust and love, one who trusts and loves you, doesn't use sex workers, drugs, lie to you or ridicule you to his friends behind your back, you'll look back and be angry at yourself for trying to fit this square (dickhead) into your round hole (excuse the pun) x

lookingatthepast · 03/05/2020 18:00

Just to clarify I knew his brother before him that’s how I met him. Can assure you his mothers unexpected passing suddenly when she was late 50s has had a huge impact on them all .

He admitted when this all came out he used escorts a lot after she died as he was lonely and wanted the company and to feel wanted . He got into a lot of debt and feels very ashamed. Him and his brother both struggled a lot and still do but grief evolves .

However it’s why he’s gone back to this now. Either cheating or considering cheating. It’s pre meditated and shows intent to be looking places up I am totally aware of that . He simply said i don’t know why the hell I did it. I am fucked up and just mess up everything you are too good for me and I am destroying you and making you sad that he hates himself for it and it’s not fair on me

OP posts:
Futurenostalgia · 03/05/2020 18:00

You don’t believe any of that nonsense do you? How much more evidence do you need? It sounds like you are trying to convince yourself.

Why was there even one call to a massage parlour? That would be enough to end it alone but all the rest too? Sorry you are hurting but you are in complete denial about the kind of person he is.

lookingatthepast · 03/05/2020 18:00

Discussing and getting it out here as it’s the longest I have stopped crying all day and I have no one I can talk to in real life.

OP posts:
yesterdaystotalsteps123 · 03/05/2020 18:00

Argh!!! He's not going to take the sex worker to a wedding is he? He was using you and it hurts but he's a lying waste of drug taking space and you should definitely not meet him to discuss him seeing the kids because when you're ready to meet another man do you really want to say "oh so and so, the druggy who visits sex workers is an important role model in their life". Don't let him drag you down. He's not worth it

summerrose11 · 03/05/2020 18:01

Op is seems you're trying to seek validation from people on here to try make it work with him.
I'm sorry but you won't get it because the way he's treated you is vile. My ex was very good at hiding things I never had concrete evidence he cheated but everything pointed to it. Eg searching escorts, saying he was somewhere when he wasn't, speaking to women. Secretive on his phone. He had an excuse for it all. In the end I thought nope me and my DS deserve better and we left. Best thing I did. He made me into an emotional wreck. I thought if only I can get through and change him to see it from my point of view. You can't. You can't change someone and I know that now.
Please stop. Think of your children. Especially with the come binges and him getting drunk and being aggressive. Think of their wellbeing.

yesterdaystotalsteps123 · 03/05/2020 18:03

@BackseatCookers is spot on

Happyhappy37 · 03/05/2020 18:05

You really should be celebrating and not crying.

DaiJai1066 · 03/05/2020 18:05

You need to stop and walk away and work on thinking that this is all you deserve. It isn’t. When you realise what you actually deserve the only person you will need to make you happy is you. Anyone else is a bonus. Listen to what he is saying. He doesn’t want a relationship with you and it’s not for you to change his mind. You will start to feel better when you stop clinging to the one man you think you have a chance with. Sorry if this sounds harsh but your own happiness starts with you. Start small, write something positive about yourself or your day everyday.

stiffchain · 03/05/2020 18:06

Op, he's toxic. Get an STD test and some counselling for yourself. Don't ever go back there.
Also, and why has no one else mentioned this?
But you shouldn't have been visiting him during lockdown in the first place? And it's quite likely he's had other visitors.

lookingatthepast · 03/05/2020 18:06

No I am here to see sense from people .

I think menora might be right that he wants to look the good guy and doesn’t want ppl to know what he’s really like. I told him the other day it’s like there’s two sides to him. The family man who’s taken on a woman and her kids etc and then now and then he wants to party and misses the attention of other girls. I even said if we are married and you miss the attention 10/20/30 years down the line you will end up cheating on me and I will have a second failed marriage. So I have said all these things .

OP posts:
Wanderlust21 · 03/05/2020 18:06

Have you noticed that even youre the one being hurt, he still makes it all about him: 'IM such a bad person, IM acting out because of MY past pain, IM messed up, I don't know why IM doing this. Boohoo feel sorry for me wahhhhh'.

OP he is a dick. And he is trying to manipulate you. Take this opportunity to remove him from your and your childs life.

BackseatCookers · 03/05/2020 18:08

OP. If your adult daughter described this relationship to you and asked for your advice if she was in the exact same position you are now then what would you say?

lookingatthepast · 03/05/2020 18:09

We are both key workers but I realise really I shouldn’t have been there. I hold my hands up. Don’t need to feel any worse than I already do

OP posts:
MashedSpud · 03/05/2020 18:10

You can’t expect much else from coke heads. They get off their faces and use escorts or shag randoms.

I’ve never taken it but people I’ve spoken to who have say sex is amazing on it.

lookingatthepast · 03/05/2020 18:10

I think it’s mostly been about him as I have been talking about his behaviour and what he’s done and asking him to explain why .

OP posts:
ErickBroch · 03/05/2020 18:14

Counselling??? Jesus fucking christ I am sorry to be harsh but you need a frank reality check. You are desperately trying to make it work with a coke addict who is shagging escorts behind your back REGULARLY, and you want to marry him and have him live with your kids?! Oh what a wonderful environment for them!

I am sympathetic but I almost can't believe what I just read. You have so much evidence it's stupid, of course he's been cheating on you the entire time.

rvby · 03/05/2020 18:15

It's ok to be sad OP.

The truth is though that you are really lucky that the universe saved you from yourself here.

He is a waste, a liar, a coke head, a frequenter of brothels who messes with your head.

You can love him as much as you like, it doesnt stop you from being extremely lucky this relationship has ended!

Love isnt enough, it never has been, it never will be. He wants to drink, party, snort coke and fuck sex workers. You need to see that clearly and make proper decisions about what to do with that information. Being in love with him is immaterial I'm afraid.

MrJollyLivesNextDoor · 03/05/2020 18:15

OP I realise you are hurt and devastated

But fucking hell, WHAT A CUNT

Drug taking/dealing
Massage parlours
Random hook ups
Used condom in bedside drawer

He cheats on you because he has no respect for YOU or your relationship. Stop making excuses about him being damaged by the death of his mother. He is a fucking grown man who is more than capable of choosing to be a decent person.

He's done you and your kids a favour!

Your kids will be fine btw - in fact they are better off without this piss poor excuse of a role model in their lives. Would you be happy if they turned out like this?

Block him. On everything. And tell him to fuck right off when he turns up begging

Fucking prick

SimplySteveRedux · 03/05/2020 18:16

Read Susan Forward's "Men Who Hate Women & the Women Who Love Them" too.

He's told you in explicit detail what he thinks of women. Why after all this do you think you can change him?

ErickBroch · 03/05/2020 18:17

Coke and escorts go hand in hand. Why do you want this coke addict in your kids lives? Do you want them coming across a used condom or a bag of coke lying around? Debt too - what marriage material you're clinging onto! Oh, and he takes the piss out of you to his friends.

There is nothing redeeming here and you need to not only get some self-respect for yourself but also put your kids first and get him out of their lives for good. I mean, he ended it with you for god sake, take that as another sign despite ignoring thousands already.

Menora · 03/05/2020 18:21

Honesty he really is trying to save face

I broke up with someone who was an asshole and he did and said almost the exact same thing many times

Truth be told they don’t actually know WHY they do these things, they just do them. It doesn’t make sense to them either so stop trying to understand

When I met my ex he also had a sob story
Wanted to be seen as the nice guy to everyone
Was life and soul of his social group
Always saying what I wanted to hear
He was sooooo ‘understanding’ about all the things he had done wrong and it was because he’s ‘fucked up’ and didn’t deserve me. But then happily trotted off back to his old life without any shits given