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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

affair

18 replies

rubyloo · 18/11/2004 23:54

Just found out that dh has been having an affair.
Feel very alone and at a low eb. He says he wants to stay with me and I worry about doing right thing for two little ones. Sounds like it was very intense affair, lots of sex-texting and emailing. Leaves me feeling very inadequate. Any support or insights out there?

OP posts:
tammybear · 18/11/2004 23:55

oh how terrible rubyloo. stupid question, but are you okay? sending you lots of hugs xxx

PuffTheMagicDragon · 19/11/2004 00:02

I haven't got anything useful to say, but((((hugs))))) to you rubyloo.

MarsLady · 19/11/2004 00:02

lots of hugs to you. Take time to decide what YOU want. Don't make rash decisions.

PuffTheMagicDragon · 19/11/2004 00:18

bump this up tomorrow rubyloo. There's not many people around at the mo. People who have experienced what you are going through will offer support.

essbee · 19/11/2004 00:22

Message withdrawn

fairyfly · 19/11/2004 00:28

I have experienced it, just don't know what to say anymore, it breaks my heart. I cant believe its such a common occurence, makes me feel very sick. Sorry rubyloo.

Chandra · 19/11/2004 02:25

I'm really sorry you are going through this. I can only send you lots of hugs and all my support FWIW.

Rubyloo, I have been rewriting this last paragraph for 10 minutes afraid of using words that may cause a bad response... anyways, here it goes. When these things happens is only natural you can't trust him anymore, you feel bad about him and about you and the world would advise you to leave him as you can not trust him not to do it again. And that people may be right but before taking any decision, weight the suffering of this moment against the happy times you have had together and if the balance is worthy of trying to save the marriage, GO AHEAD WITH IT.

In the mean time keep posting, many (((((hugs))))

SweetFudge · 19/11/2004 04:08

I'm so sorry, rubyloo. But you are NOT inadequate. It isn't anything you did or didn't do. Your DH is trying to prove something to himself and to the world. I think often, that sex is only one part of it and that partners who have affairs are trying to conquer something else, like getting older.

In the culture and community I grew up in, it has been acceptable practice for husbands to have affairs and keep mistresses. Within my extended family, this has happened too. Sometimes, the wives leave. Mostly, they stay, not just because of the children but because they love their husbands.

Whenever we hear of another affair, quite a few of my girlfriends say, "If that happened to me, I'd leave". It is naive and too simplistic. I feel for you because I've seen how affairs can wreck lives and how the wronged partners blame themselves. But I've also known marriages and families that have picked up the pieces and healed again.

rubyloo, the trust will be a long time coming but if you feel you want to give your DH another chance, do it. Not just for your children but equally importantly, for you.

Take good care of yourself. {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}

breeze · 19/11/2004 08:20

Sorry to hear about whats happening at the moment rubyloo.

Just take your time and do not make any rash decisions, think long and hard about whats best for you.

((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

ladyhawk · 19/11/2004 08:39

really sorry this has happened,its understandable that you feel alone and low your world has been turned upside down,but please dont feel inadequate this is not your fault.I have someone close to me going through the exact same thing at the moment her DHhas left her and kids,the difference is your DH wants to be with you so maybe there is a chance that you can work through this.This is something only you can decide but right now you need lots of help and support which you will find on here...sorry again ,keep posting .

anto · 19/11/2004 14:04

This has happened to me and I understand how sick and betrayed and shaken you must be feeling. Don't make any quick decisions. Do you have friends/family to give you some support? And like everyone else says, don't feel inadequate. It's your husband who is inadequate and he's trying to fill some gap in his life by having an affair.

Sadly, affairs are so common and I think in many cases it's due to a male mid-life fear of getting old and fat and ugly, and trying to prove to themselves that they can still attract women. Seems to often coincide with having small kids ? the affair offers a fun, exciting distraction from the grind of parenthood. It's basically running away from reality and burying yourself in an adrenaline-fuelled fantasy with yourself as the hero - that's where all the stupid texting and drama comes in.

It's impossible not to take it personally but you can't blame yourself. You don't have to rush into any decisions either. It may feel like your life has been shattered, but I can promise you that you will get through it and you won't feel like this for ever.

percy · 19/11/2004 14:28

hi rubyloo

i am so sorry for you. i found out the same thing earlier this year, and we have been working things out. it is the most devastating shocking news isn't it? you need to put yourself first, and work out what is best for you - coz this will also the best thing for your two little ones - how old are they?

did he tell you or did you find out? have you ensured you get some space to think about what to do next? what steps/ moves has he made to prove to you he wants to stay with you and finish the affair? sorry for lots of questions, but i guess the advice depends on these things....

BeckiF · 19/11/2004 14:42

Such a shame Ruby, I feel for you and agree that outsiders (like me!) would be quick to stand up and say "Leave! That's what I'd do". I'd want to get to the bottom of why he felt the need, what the other person gave him that he felt you couldn't, was it someone he worked with, why he ended it (if he has) and what does he propose to do abput it now? You will go through sorrow and anger, but you can vent your spleen on here. Much love and hugs to you xxx

listmaker · 19/11/2004 14:48

I too have been in this position and I really feel for you - it's just horrible and devastating.

We didn't work things out but he continued to lie, never really apologised and wasn't prepared to answer all my questions so we never stood a chance.

I hope you work things out how you want. I came through it and you will too I'm sure.

rubyloo · 19/11/2004 23:41

Big thankyou for all your kind words. Its helps to read the words about not blaming yourself and not being indadequate when Im struggling with my self esteem and confidence. Im feeling better today, more objective and more willing to look at what my needs are rather than my dh. I suspect that Ive been too accomodating and not assertive enough at times.
I really appreciate the support and my overwhelming feeling reading your words is take my time and not rush any decisions.
Thanks a mil xx

OP posts:
beansontoast · 21/11/2004 18:26

yoo hoo ruby lou!

maturer · 22/11/2004 09:56

Dear rubyloo. Spotted this post last Thursday which was a year to the day after My DH told me about his affair.I know the agony, shock, sadness. confusion you are going through. A year on we are still recovering but we are still together. I agree with alot of what has been said about men of a certain age/ parenthood etc and especially with what Chandra said about looking at what you have had over all. We had over 20 years together and I would say this last year was one year of madness and pain but we have come through it stronger and closer. It has taken a great deal of work- initially by me and finally my DH caught up and has "come to his senses" and now he is doing all the work to support me and all the mixed feelings that come with this trauma in your life. I would say give yourself space, try to talk openly and truthfully (no matter how much it hurts)look to all the good things you have and draw on them. Keep posting . I found it very supportive to get help from MN and still do. Take care

LOZZYLOOLOO · 23/11/2004 09:53

Dear Rubylou,

My sil has just found out her husbhand of 14 years has been having an affair since June 04, she is devastated and doens't know which way to turn.

Since finding out though my sil has obviously spoken to my mil and fil about the affair which her husband is having, however, she failed to tell them about the 4 affairs she has had since they married. They have now taken sides and don't want my sil to get back with her husband. I find this very unfair on both her husband and their 9 year old daughter.

PLEASE DON'T THINK I AM TARRING YOU WITH THE SAME BRUSH AS I AM MOST DEFINATELY NOT

BUT I WOULD SAY THE DECISION AS TO WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IS SOLEY UP TO YOU AND PLEASE DON'T LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE AS THEY REALLY DON'T KNOW THE FULL INS AND OUTS OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP. IT IS SO EASY FOR PEOPLE TO GIVE THEIR OPINION ON WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BUT IT ISN'T THEM WHO HAS BEEN A CLOSE COMPANION TO YOUR HUSBAND FOR SO MANY YEARS.

PLEASE TAKE CARE AND KEEP US ALL UPDATED

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