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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

Why don't I ever learn?

13 replies

soitwasyouallalong · 29/12/2020 00:22

Throughout our marriage my husband has had inappropriate msgs with other women. There have been 8 different women that I am aware of, not for a second do I believe that is the correct number or that it's only been msgs as he sees them at work. The msgs are varying from gratuitous, flirting, asking to meet up then backing out and private jokes they share at work. All these women are aware of my existence, he of course told the majority we were together for the kids only - usual stuff! They are all colleagues, from his team or the wider company.

Every time he is caught out he says that he was depressed because of work or the kids, or the msgs just got out of hand and he panicked, the whole time saying he needed the ego boost, needed to know he was attractive, wanted and lovable. Something he doesn't get from me

He makes out he loves me, wants to be with me but needs to know I love him and offer more affection, I struggle to do this but why would I offer this hideous man affection?!!
He cries and promises to never do it again, he blames his parents for never making him feel loved and he doesn't know how to cope with emotions but will get help - then obviously doesn't. But, a few months later he will be caught msging another colleague. It's exhausting and for several years I have allowed his behaviour to cripple my self esteem, I have anxiety and depression.

I'm sat here tonight, after finding the last load of msgs a few months ago, laughing to myself about what an absolute mug I am. I promised myself that when the kids are off to uni or moved out I WILL tell him to get out, but that's a few years off yet and I just don't think I wait that long. I didn't see the last msg exchange with his colleague, but I did read msgs to his mate laughing about it. They were insulting to both her and myself, really showing how contemptuous he really is.

So, why do I just ignore it? Carry on like everything is fine? Because anyone who knew me would never believe that I would accept anything of the sort. It's joked that he loves me more than I him, he's such a puppy dog for me!
I truly don't understand why I have accepted this shit?

What the fuck is wrong with me????

OP posts:
Mermaidwaves · 29/12/2020 05:12

I was like you OP, married for 17 years to a man who persistently cheated on me and I continued to take it, whilst hating myself. I think part of it was feeling very ground down and just seeing it as part of my lot. I left him last year but I was scared to split and make that massive change and I will admit, over a year on I'm struggling a lot to accept what happened during my marriage and its led to me having really poor boundaries with men.

Please don't punish yourself, its hard to accept it, especially if you have kids. What I will say is, he won't change and you do need to split for your own sanity. Although I'm very unsettled in myself, I am proud that I made my decision and my ex is currently cheating on his new partner so I know 100% I did the right thing. Good luck OP you can be strong Flowers

Catsup · 29/12/2020 05:37

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. There is plenty wrong with him! He's constantly gaslighting you, playing the victim card and trying to make you doubt yourself 'who do you believe? Your own lying eyes, or me?' 😒 If you do choose to end it you need to ensure you have screenshot/copies of anything that may be needed in regards to finances. Because a person like this will have zero issue in fucking you over financially either.

Catsup · 29/12/2020 05:44

Oh and my ex didn't go in for cheating, but there was so so much crying on his part, and the whole tale of woe is fucking me in response to anything he knew for a fine fact he'd done wrong and I apparently had the audacity to call him out on 🙄 He even tried to gaslight me on apparently my own family would consider me as 'being mean to him if they knew the truth!'... Uh huh... Their actual response was they'd seen him to be the complete using waster that he was, but had apparently not wanted to make me feel awkward if he was the person I wanted to be with 😳

soitwasyouallalong · 29/12/2020 12:34

Thanks all.

My family have done similar. My dad didn't want to see him for a month or so because he was but then it's like nothing happened. My mum makes out that he loves me and he made mistakes (so many mistakes) but he would never have left me so I should forgive and move on. Meanwhile my self worth is on the floor doing the, everything will be fine and we love each other really dance to try and convince myself it's true. I'm so disgusted with myself.

OP posts:
Closetbeanmuncher · 30/12/2020 00:51

Jesus christ OP give your head a wobble...Do you want a thirsty leg humping "puppy dog" or a husband?? 😬

Closetbeanmuncher · 30/12/2020 00:54

And as far as your mother goes she doesn't have to live with his cringe worthy shinanigans so her opinion is absolutely invalid.

Hell would freeze over before I advised any daughter of mine to entertain that fuckery.

OldAndWornOut · 30/12/2020 01:07

My ex also was like this.
It doesn't matter at all now, so I'm not justifying anything, but I do believe some people seek constant affirmations that they can "pull", if they want to.

With my ex, it was all online. I never found out if it went further, but I do know that he got his self esteem by having a harem of women contacts.

alliwantisabitofpeace · 30/12/2020 02:06

OP what would you say to your children if they were in your position?

Aquamarine1029 · 30/12/2020 02:22

You stay because you are more afraid of change and the unknown than the devil you know. Stop being afraid and get rid of him.

Rainbowqueeen · 30/12/2020 03:06

Op start with a plan.
Fear of the unknown is holding you back. Work out the basics, where you would live, finances, kids.

Then find a support network. Online support from people who have gone through similar is good. Try chumplady website for motivation. Write and say some daily mantras to yourself. Focus on self care. All these things will give you strength
It is really a hard thing to do but you got this.
We all support you and want 2021 to be the year you break the cycle. Good luck

Mrbob · 30/12/2020 03:13

Why would he stop? What are his consequences? If the answer is nothing then there is zero motivation for him to stop

Weenurse · 30/12/2020 03:18

He does it because you have shown him he can. There have been no consequences that have made him stop.
Get him to leave and work on your own self esteem.

BlueThistles · 30/12/2020 03:26

@Mrbob

Why would he stop? What are his consequences? If the answer is nothing then there is zero motivation for him to stop
There is no reason for him to stop sexting... there is no loss... no consequences to his actions.. no moving out... he has his cake and is eating it OP... and why the hell would he change this... Confused

You need to ask yourself why you tolerate this behaviour... why do you allow yourself to be disrespected over and over again....

Get him the hell out of your life OP... not the next time.. right now... you will be okay without this waste of space OP honestly.. you know you deserve so much better Flowers

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