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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

Boyfriends been cheating since January

17 replies

ctd11 · 13/05/2022 08:26

Me and my boyfriend have been together 5 years. He's 26 I'm 25.

Brief background... we got together in 2017. I was sexually abused as a child and for work I was dating men for money (nothing sexual, dinner dates, business events) we were talking but not together, he found out and knew that one of the guys I did end up seeing (no money involved I did just like him) anyway he found out went mad obviously and since then I've not put a foot out of line, I really love him. I do everything for him, washing, food, support, family home (we have an 11 month old)

In 2019 we broke up as I found he has never forgiven me and was speaking to his ex sexually, had naked pics of her on his phone, had a fake Instagram following loads of half naked girls etc.

He then pushed me further away, I only wanted a break and I found myself begging for him back. Anyway he slept with his ex girlfriend the one we broke up over. So I then moved on myself and slept with someone, this person is in the military and they have a highly valued job, my partner tried for years to get this job and couldn't and it was his dream. Anyway skip forward 9 months we end up getting back together. He lied about sleeping with his ex until I got the proof. I was annoyed to didn't tell him about the mad I slept with as I knew he would be mad about the guys job it would break him.

He found out eventually. My partners been horrible to me for the last year (he has a horrible temper and I live on egg shells when he's like this) so i messaged this guy, nothing sexual just wanted someone to speak to. Partner found out and went mad, hole in the door etc.

Skip forward to now, I've just found out he's been speaking to a girl every Friday and Saturday night (he's a club bouncer) she's 19. He's lied about being at work to go to a hotel to sleep with her, sent her a birthday present when I didn't get one and I had to tell him to write my first Mother's Day card. He's been speaking to her everyday for 4 months. He's saved her photos she sent him saying he's saving them because she's beautiful, sent her songs that remind him of her etc. This is exactly how he was with me at first. **

*Let me add, he's the first person I've had a connection with and despite all of our rough patches we get on like a house on fire. I truly love him. And like I said despite the bad times we are so close, like best friends. He's said he's been struggling lately and angry at me for the past, he's admitted he has a problem with holding onto anger and that he's thought for a while that he also has ADHD (we've spoke about this years ago not just recently)
*
Im obviously broken, I was so insecure about him doing that job, being around younger girls; not being attracted to me since having a baby, worrying my moods when I'm tired etc are pushing him away.

I've known for 4 days now. He's played it all down to me, I've seen all the messages and photos etc so I know what's gone on deep down he's just playing it down so he doesn't lose me. We hugged and cuddled last night and actually had sex. I felt nothing for him except sadness. I still love him but I don't even recognise him.

*I'm not sure what I'm asking but has anyone ever forgiven someone after something like this? I want too but I feel like a mug, how do I get over my insecurities? I was an insecure anyway but these insecurities are now a reality now that I'm just going to compare myself too I can't stop looking at her photos. Weird thing is she's a huge goth (no offence) nothing wrong with her style but I'm the opposite I have lots of tattoos etc but a bit of a Barbie really!

How do I forgive? How do I move forward? Hand hold? Advice :(*

OP posts:
OnlyFoolsnMothers · 13/05/2022 08:27

You’re in a toxic relationship - move on!!!

Wallywobbles · 13/05/2022 08:32

There's no repairing this one. Move on. Heal yourself.

SunshineAndFizz · 13/05/2022 08:34

So sorry you're going through this. And it's so tough when you feel a connection and want the relationship to just be like it is when it's working.

But I think you know deep down this isn't going to end well, don't turn a blind eye to all the red flags. You're both hurting each other, there's a reason you've been on/off and both seen other people over the years. As hard as it is, it's time to admit this isn't working and move on x x

PaterPower · 13/05/2022 09:30

Insecurities are difficult to shake off, God knows I have a few, but try not to compare yourself with the woman he slept with.

I’m sure not every man you’ve ever slept with has been a carbon copy of your ex? You were attracted to different things about them - he’s the same with this OW.

But in any case, don’t try and resurrect this relationship. It’s long past that.

IsDaveThere · 13/05/2022 09:37

Why on earth are you with this guy - you are only young and could do so much better.

You both sound as bad as each other tbh, you should split and both find someone else.

Divebar2021 · 13/05/2022 09:43

You need to seek some therapy for your childhood sexual abuse and I think in order to work on that you don’t need to be with this man. You are trying to build a family on rocky foundations and I’m afraid it’s never going to work until you address those issues.

Shoxfordian · 13/05/2022 09:45

I think you meant to write your ex boyfriend

Dump him

altmember · 13/05/2022 09:46

There's no point forgiving him, he'll undoubtedly do it again (and there's probably a whole load more affairs that you don't even know about). Find some dignity and stop bein a doormat, leave this man.

TheCatterall · 16/05/2022 13:10

You are toxic together.

you are both causing issues in the relationship.

you both need help/counselling/therapy

you are not ready to be in a stable relationship and are better off alone until you can work on yourself and be a better, happier and healthier person on your own.

Watchkeys · 16/05/2022 14:38

If somebody treats you badly, why would you want to forgive them? Why don't you just back away?

Purpleavocado · 16/05/2022 14:40

TheCatterall · 16/05/2022 13:10

You are toxic together.

you are both causing issues in the relationship.

you both need help/counselling/therapy

you are not ready to be in a stable relationship and are better off alone until you can work on yourself and be a better, happier and healthier person on your own.

I completely agree. You can't make him get therapy, but you need to get it for yourself and make that a priority.

Circumferences · 16/05/2022 14:42

Yeah, don't waste any more time on him you've already wasted enough.

Zemw · 16/05/2022 21:13

Firstly, what you did for money was nothing to do with him - and he certainly didn't have the right to go mad.

That aside you are both toxic in this relationship - you are not good for each other. Put your child first and remove them from this situation.

ValerieCupcake · 16/05/2022 21:59

Have you posted about this before? I have read about a bouncer and smashing holes in the door/wall before.

Herejustforthisone · 16/05/2022 23:07

You’re so young. Save yourself and your poor baby from this ducking awful environment.

And remember, you don’t need a man.

NicholJO · 16/05/2022 23:24

Op I don't mean to sound horrible but you need to leave you are both to blame it's not just him I would be concerned for your baby hearing you 2 bicker I think you both should get tested for sti and both of you move on good luck

Onthemaintrunkline · 17/05/2022 08:17

All this sounds unbelievably grim. As ‘herejustforthisone’’ says, you don’t need a man. Get out ASAP.

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