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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

Emotional affairs, crap behaviour - advice pls

55 replies

twatinaflatcap · 15/08/2020 20:00

Hi everyone. I need some advice and I don't want it sugar coated, so I to turn to you lot to give me perspective. This is going to be long! Thanks to anyone who gets to the end!

Married for 11 years, together 14. When we first got together he showered me with love, praise and presents and one day it all just stopped. From that moment onward I didn't receive a Birthday/Xmas or other present from him.

He had an emotional affair whilst we were engaged and against my better judgment we married, I just didn't want to let my parents down who had paid a lot of money. Since, he has 'borrowed' a lot of money without my knowledge and not apologised or paid it back. Lies repeatedly about tiny things that make no sense and is believed by others to be a wonderful guy.

He retrained several years ago into a stressful job and has had several emotional or at least inappropriate relationships, msgs etc with women he works with (who knows he's married). He is aware they are wrong because he deletes them from his phone after every exchange, however he seems to forget to delete them from our joint tabletHmm

The worst msgs were to a female colleague who made it clear they were not interested. He told her that were in a marriage of sorts and only here for the kids. The usual script. She makes his world light up and he's just so grateful he met her etc etc! He continued to msg her until she blocked him. The msgs he sent were awful and I knew nothing of these feelings. He admitted he believed he was in love with her, despite the fact he met her only 3 times, she wasn't interested and let's just move on!

After seeing these msgs I asked to see his phone. On other msging accounts he had conversations with colleagues about his feelings for this female colleague and his feelings regarding our marriage. Again I knew nothing about these feelings.

Long and short, he begged forgiveness etc and I allowed him to stay for the sake of the kids (2 disabled children) as long as he got counselling and arranged couples counselling for us. He did counselling himself but didn't arrange counselling for us.

Since then, which was 8 months ago, I've found msgs from two other female colleagues and to a male colleague laughing about how popular he is! In msgs to one, he is talking about taking drugs and having sex with them. In discussion with his male colleague who has also slept with her, he asked if she is likely to be discrete and understand it could only be a one time thing, because then it would be something he would have to think about!

I again told him that he has 6 months to arrange counselling for us and to again go back to counselling himself. If this isn't in place by then I'm divorcing him for unreasonable behaviour. He hasn't done this yet. I know he won't bother, he's relying on me to be the bad guy, as per usual.

During this time he has continued to profess his love for me and doesn't want to leave. But actions speak louder than words in my opinion.
I believe and have told him so, that he is here because he cannot afford to leave (have his own place and afford maintenance etc) and he's holding me hostage because of it. If this other work colleague had been interested he would have left without a second thought. I firmly believe that.

Also, he plays a violent game on the pc when our young children are awake. I don't believe it's appropriate. I do fully appreciate it is the way he relaxes when feeling stressed, but made it clear it is not to be played while they are awake and can walk in on him playing it. He agreed to this, but continues to do so. Twice today he has had to be reminded to wait till they are in bed. I have suggested he finds another hobby, even one outside the home he can go to whenever he wished too, to destress. I'm not in any way saying no to hobbies and feel like he does it to deliberately piss me off, regardless of how inappropriate it is for the kids.

He has 3 months left to organise counselling as per our agreement, I know he won't, yet will cry and beg for me to give him another chance - again.

He has a stressful job where he sees some upsetting situations and says all this behaviour is down to depression, and thinks he's had a breakdown.

I don't deny he struggles and have valid reasons too, but don't believe I should have to accept such shit behaviour. I also feel that he should look to moving into another area of work if he cannot cope with the demands of his current job, but he won't.

So ladies, what advice do you have for me?

OP posts:
twatinaflatcap · 15/08/2020 22:13

Bump

OP posts:
kissmysass · 15/08/2020 22:17

You don't want it sugarcoating. So, you're being a doormat. A mug. Taken for a ride. He's a complete shit who will do this time and time again. You know as well as I do that counselling won't do jack shit. Either leave him and keep your dignity intact or accept the fact you won't change him and you'll live a life of paranoia, resentment and arguments.

Mogtheforgetfulmum · 15/08/2020 22:26

He's had 6 months to organise counselling?! It's already been 3 months and he's done nothing. If he really cared op and was genuinely scared of losing you he would have been on the phone to someone the very next day. He is treating you like an absolute mug. Aside from all of that his behaviour is repulsive. He has repeatedly betrayed you and doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes.

You've said it yourself- if his work colleague had been interested he would have left without a second thought. Are you going to continue to wait around being treated like this until someone does come along who reciprocates his interest? Take some power and self respect back and leave.

Bumbrella · 15/08/2020 22:40

He’s a shit.

He won’t change he’ll just get better at hiding his filth.

AdamBarlowsQuiff · 15/08/2020 22:52

It must have been awful finding all those messages. Are you worried how you will cope without him and that's why you're giving him so many chances? It sounds like things are not going to get any better and your would be much happier if you were to separate.

something2say · 15/08/2020 23:02

He only says what he says to you to keep you quiet.

I'd leave him. And not listen to a word he says.

He is not a nice man. Hes a philanderer and you're much better off moving away from his sleazy sinking ship.

Don't bother talking to him about it either.

category12 · 15/08/2020 23:02

To end the relationship.

You've shown him over and over again that you don't mean any of your ultimatums - he just needs to cry a bit and make empty promises and on you go again until the next time.

He pays lip-service to anything you ask and just does what he wants anyway - he's got zero respect for you.

It's not depression or a breakdown - he's been doing the same pattern of lying & cheating behaviours throughout your relationship. It's who he is.

twatinaflatcap · 15/08/2020 23:07

I know. I know. I'm just waiting for him to pack a bag one day and fuck off with another colleague. I've told him this and he had the nerve to be offended! He won't leave until he has another women to distract him and pay for half his rent!

There are other women too and I'm expect ted to believe they all hit on him, or that it went no further. when we were engaged he posted naked and semi naked pictures of himself online. Apparently he needed the positive attention. My friend sent me the pictures. I was angry, but mostly I felt sorry for him. He believes the drivel he comes out with.

The thing is, I'm not reliant on him financially. I have support, I wouldn't be stranded with the kids without help. I'm in an enviable position in that regard. But, I have two disabled children who are unable to cope with basic change, wouldn't cope without seeing him and his work rota doesn't facilitate regular days or times he could have them and they cannot cope without clear schedules.

I have suggested we formally separate and live together for the kids. Go to counselling to learn to communicate better for their sake and move on. He can carry on fucking whoever he likes. I couldn't give a monkeys, asking as it's not in my house.
He says he wants to remain married and work on our relationship. I just don't understand why? What kind of mind game is this???

OP posts:
twatinaflatcap · 15/08/2020 23:14

Your right, it is who he is. He's a compulsive lier and I've pointed this out to him so many times. he just cries and blames his relationship with his parents - his childhood was genuinely lovely!

Everyone loves him. He put a post out on fb apologising to me for his 'affairs'. Half his work force came back and said how amazing he is and he's so fucking brave! I was gobsmacked. That hurt way more than any of his behaviours. I'm used to it, have no respect for him as a human being let alone father of my children and husband

OP posts:
amillionwishes · 15/08/2020 23:16

OP why do you believe you're not worth more than this shit show of a relationship?

Forget counselling, you don't need that you need a divorce solicitor. I'm so, so angry on your behalf but you sound... complacent almost at this being your life!

kissmysass · 15/08/2020 23:27

Why are you asking him if he wants to separate? You don't need his permission. If you want to separate then tell him its over. Honestly, stop pussyfooting round it with him

SandyY2K · 15/08/2020 23:55

He's not holding you hostage...you haven't left by choice.

I'd personally tell him the marriage is over s far d your concerned and he's free to do what he wants, as are you.

He showed your who he was years ago... but unfortunately you didn't feel able to end it and he's taken that as cheating not being a dealbreaker for you.

twatinaflatcap · 16/08/2020 00:15

Your all correct! I've said all of these things to him in the past. He knows I will put the girls stability first and that means he can do what he likes.

He looks me in the eye and cry's and begs forgiveness. He tells me how much he loves me. I know he doesn't, I'm not that daft. But it's easier I suppose. I just sit here hoping he will find someone else worth leaving for, but he doesn't want to be the bad guy, hates confrontation and I don't want my kids to blame me for being the one to divorce him!

Pathetic I know.

OP posts:
backseatcookers · 16/08/2020 00:26

I just sit here hoping he will find someone else worth leaving for, but he doesn't want to be the bad guy, hates confrontation and I don't want my kids to blame me for being the one to divorce him!

They're more likely to blame you for modelling incredibly unhealthy relationships to them if you don't break up. You're teaching them this is what a normal, loving relationship is meant to look like. So even if you don't want to be the 'bad guy' and neither does your partner, you both need to grow up and do what's best - split, coparent healthily and display healthy behaviour to your children instead of not doing so in order to protect your ego. Sorry that's tough love but it's what's going on here. The longer you stay together the more likely it is they will emulate this relationship in their adult life. Is that what you want? If when they are adults they mention their resentment you can tell them (as adults) the truth - that their father was not treating you with the respect a partner should and so you stuck to your principles and ended the relationship as it was unhealthy and unhappy.

backseatcookers · 16/08/2020 00:27

If they are both girls it's even more damaging that you're showing them this is an acceptable as they will likely take the 'you' role of a woman who accepts cruel, cheating and disrespectful behaviour from a partner.

twatinaflatcap · 16/08/2020 00:35

Yes, I've also said this many many times over the years. I just end up giving up and I don't know why

OP posts:
backseatcookers · 16/08/2020 00:52

@twatinaflatcap

Yes, I've also said this many many times over the years. I just end up giving up and I don't know why
Then do it for your daughters.

How will you feel if as adults they tell you this is the kind of relationship they are in?

Because you and your partner staying together will have been a considerable contributing factor if that happens.

Do it for them if not for you.

backseatcookers · 16/08/2020 00:54

@twatinaflatcap

Yes, I've also said this many many times over the years. I just end up giving up and I don't know why
And I think you do know why - because you don't want to be the 'baddie' who ends it. Well neither does he. So one of you needs to put your ego and concern about appearances aside and do what's healthiest for everyone involved including your children.
Mymycherrypie · 16/08/2020 01:03

Without sugar coating it : leave him or continue to take it. They are your choices. He won’t change. Why would he, all he gets is you saying arrange counselling or I’ll... do what exactly? Stick around to take some more shit and find more messages in 6 months.

By staying with this man, all you’ll get is more of the same. You know exactly what the deal is here, more affairs and messages and other women are the standard.

The answer is very simple really. Leave or don’t.

OldWomanSaysThis · 16/08/2020 01:07

If you wanted to leave, you would. You don't, so you stay.

Two things can be true - he can both love you and being married AND he can love his crazy lifestyle.

Too bad that one colleague he was harassing didn't complaint to HR.

Aquamarine1029 · 16/08/2020 01:11

Stop being the maker of your own misery. You know who your husband is, and you know perfectly well he will never change. Aren't you tired of wasting your life on this feckless, disloyal man? How much shit will you eat before it's finally enough? Stop making excuses and end it.

Rubybluesy · 16/08/2020 01:20

In the words of MN... LTB

TheStoic · 16/08/2020 01:26

Even the other women don’t want him.

You don’t need to talk to him about it. Just act. Take the first step, and then the next. Actions speak louder than words, right?

RustyLeesBogBrush · 16/08/2020 01:29

He love bombed you at the start - showered you with affection and with love then the minute you were hooked, he showed his true colours. That is what narcissists do.

You need to kick him out. Don’t wait. See a solicitor and initiate divorce proceedings. You need to remain calm (do your crying elsewhere but keep it together!). Don’t take any more of his bullshit. He has had enough chances.

Good luck. It will be hard but please think about your children. Do not allow them to see you being treated like this. Some day you will look back on all this and wonder why you ever stayed so long.

justilou1 · 16/08/2020 01:32

I think you need to tell him that there is no point in delaying the inevitable. He has killed any hope. Go to a solicitor and get paperwork organised.

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