Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

IWBU to separate now, wouldn’t it?

96 replies

teapoems · 25/05/2022 07:04

DH and I are having a hard time at the moment. I had a very close (platonic) friendship during Covid with another man; I fell for him, it wasn’t reciprocated, we broke off contact a couple of months ago. I’m still finding it incredibly hard to deal with that; I miss my friend every day. But even before that, sex between me and DH had been going down the tubes since DC2 was born six years ago. We haven’t had sex for months.

(Yes, we’re doing couples counselling. I still don’t see myself ever being able to want DH sexually ever again. We’re like housemates now. The idea of kissing or allowing him to fuck me feels unbearable.)

I’ve given a lot of thought to leaving, but my full-time salary is just over £22k. DH is the main breadwinner. The thing I’m thinking is that: current circumstances change things, don’t they? If the economy were stable, if there weren’t an impending food crisis, if fuel prices weren’t rocketing, then maybe I could struggle by on UC, but it’d be ridiculous to break up the family home and disrupt our kids’ lives just because I don’t want to have sex with my husband, wouldn’t it? Have other people found a way of making peace with a situation like this? (I’m not in a location or position to be able to study more to earn more; please take my word for that.)

AIBU?

OP posts:
FloydPepper · 25/05/2022 08:28

flashpaper · 25/05/2022 08:08

If your husband can easily afford to live alone then why can't the kids live with him? He can afford childcare, you could pay child maintenance and live as a single person on your wage.
Tbh, the fact that your husband can easily afford to live alone makes me think you're even more selfish, because you're hardly staying for both of you. Just yourself.

Yeah that won’t go down well

it’s only the man who’s expected to leave, be a nrp, pay maintenance. The response will probably be “no way, I don’t want to do that”

op had an emotional affair and now wants to stay because she can’t afford to leave (more accurately that it would massively impact her standard of living). Nice

teapoems · 25/05/2022 08:31

@PermanentTemporary Thank you. I’m aware that my feelings are very up and down right now because I still miss my friend so much. I’ve realised on occasion that it’s not a sound position from which to make long-term decisions. It’s just that our sex life was mostly moribund even before this friendship. I don’t know if that can be repaired.

OP posts:
teapoems · 25/05/2022 08:33

Yes, that’s absolutely it, @FloydPepper , I am a completely selfish psychopath and am only concerned about my own standard of living and not about the impact on my kids and their situation going into a recession.

FFS 🙄

OP posts:
SantiMakesMeLaugh · 25/05/2022 08:39

told that they should leave so their wife could find someone who loves them and wants to have sex with her

what a lot of bollocks!

Because the wife in question (or the DH in the OP’s case) isn’t able to say they have enough of the relationship and they are leaving? Nope they have to be set free as if they were somehow obligated to stay? Or they don’t have any free will of their own?
And it’s also better if the OP is leaving ‘so he can be set free’ Wo a thought for the guy who has clearly decided to stay BECAUSE HE HAS HIS OWN REASONS TO DO SO but clearly those reasons don’t matter?

@teapoems tbh just now, I would stay. I’d carry in working on your relationship with the couple counselling. I’d want to see how things are panning out and of you can actually ‘save’ this marriage.
I believe two things will happen. You make a way to make it work together. Or either you or him will say enough is enough and decide to end it. Because actually facing an unhappy relationship everyday is hard and counselling has the knack to highlight all the stuff you don’t want to look at. But once you’ve seen the , you can’t ignore them again iyswim.

lemongreentea · 25/05/2022 08:44

Sorry if I've missed this but does your husband know how you feel about not wanting to have sex with him again? What did he respond with.

What were the circumstances of falling o love with yoyr friend? Do you tend to get obsessed with things or people and it meant more to you and nothing to the friend as you wanted to feel a connection with someone other than your husband? Do you think you form unhealthy attachments to people in general? What was your childhood like and was your father present in it?

As for your husband meeting his needs elsewehere and you being sure this isnt happened, does your husband know of your emotional affair? Its easy to have sex or a conmrction outside of a marriage, at work, at the gym. So dont be too sure of this. Would you be ok with your husband finding someone else.

Some therapy may help you unpack why you dont want sex with your husband. Unless theres stuff you have left out. Is he abusive? Is he too rough in tbe bedroom? Is he financially controlling? talking it out with a qualified stranger may help.

But you asked if YABU to separate now due to the financial climate and for me I say YANBU as life is too short, but from the limited information you have given your husband also doesnt want to separate for the similiar reasons as you.

TheLadyofShalott1 · 25/05/2022 08:48

Ok, my DH and I are pensioners (if that is relevant) and haven't had sex for many years now, due to his inability to get and keep an erection. I am reasonably sure that he has gone off me sexually - for reasonable reasons (sorry I can't be more specific here as it would be too outing), I may well have gone off having sex with me if I was him.

I did miss it a lot at first, and felt (and still do to a certain extent feel) that it is a personal rejection, but as it is a very understandable one I could not pursue it with him either then or now. He has absolutely never blamed me out loud for this situation, or given any physical or facial grimaces (except for the erection problem). He has a couple of medical problems now that probably contribute to it, but he didn't have them many years ago when this started. He did go to see his Dr a couple of times, who prescribed him a variation of viagra, but they didn't work - presumably for the same understandable reasons.

Apart from our sexual problems we are very close, and are very much a partnership - a team. I love him very much, and I believe he does love me a lot too. It is very unlikely that he ever had an affair with anyone, but if he had I couldn't really have blamed him. At that time - even though it initially covered some of my peri-menopause and then actual menopause period of time - I never lost my sexual appetite (it had always been very strong - and so had his, we were well matched in that area!) I would sort myself out when he wasn't around, but it was never anywhere near as good as having sex with him.

Over the years my sexual appetite has waned, probably due partly to the "if you don't use it, you lose it", and probably partly due to my change in hormones, and the fact that I am obviously not sexually desirable any more. But for about the last 6 months or so it has returned to a certain extent - no-where near to the 'good old days' levels, but enough to make me feel antsy, and to need to see to myself again in private.

The point that I am trying to make OP (and I know that I am taking far too long over it - sorry!), is that, as it has been so long since I had sex with my DH, and even though I still love him so much, I cannot imagining ever feeling comfortable enough with him for us to french kiss, and then have sex together. I would feel incredibly embarrassed and awkward to go 'there' with him after all this time. But with counselling maybe we could feel OK over it again - if of course the issues that started it all weren't still there. But they are, and nothing short of an actual miracle, can change that.

I know your circumstances are very different to mine @teapoems but I do think that you should probably have some counselling, on your own at first, to try and find out why you felt the need to have an emotional affair, and then you need to be honest with your lovely sounding partner. If you both feel that your partnership is worth working on and trying to save, then maybe joint sexual counselling may help you get over the sexual barrier that has been created in your head?

When we first meet a new potential sexual partner, if we weren't caught up in the highly charged, and passionate throws of an exciting new relationship (or even a one night stand), but saw them in maybe unexciting, ordinary day wear, in a normal day to day situation, eg on the bus, or in the queue in front of us at Costa, then if someone came along and said to you "it is very important that you two have sex together, and kiss and cuddle each other", maybe in a hunger games type of scenario, then you may well find it difficult to form a sexual arousal within yourself, because they are a stranger who you have had no small talk, or any other interaction with.

I think that there is a possibility that you are viewing your DH as if he is a stranger in at least a sexual way, and that maybe with counselling helping you two to gradually start holding hands when you go out, and then brief hugs, then maybe a few dates where sex is definitely not on the cards yet, etc you could build up to wanting him again?

But you do need to be fair to your partner, and let him know how you feel at this moment in time, and then, only if you both want to, try to make this relationship better than it ever was. So if you do want to try to save your relationship with your DH, please give him an honest informed choice first OP.

teapoems · 25/05/2022 08:49

DH knows how I feel about him sexually. He also knows about my feelings for my friend; I told him after we broke off contact because I wasn’t doing well and felt I needed to explain why. And I’m having my own therapy to deal with emotional and physical abuse from both parents.

OP posts:
MiniatureHotdog · 25/05/2022 08:56

I know a lady like this. She isn't "in love" with her partner, doesn't fancy him or sleep with him. She won't leave because he's the high earner and it would massively change her standard of living.

She pretends she's staying for the children but everyone knows it's his money (I'm not sure if she knows or not that people know). It's sad all round and feels a bit grubby.

If your husband earnt less than you would you have left him by now OP? Your children's standard of living would not be affected if you left, just yours by the sound of it. And you won't be modelling what healthy, loving relationships are to your children if you stay.

Hope you find a way through.

lemongreentea · 25/05/2022 08:59

i'm sorry your parents were abusive OP but glad you seeking help to be able to work your way through it. Try not to be too hard on yourself, and give yourself some time to process things. I think as long as your husband is aware of all of the above and is willing to suppprt and stand by you then there is a chance. You might feel differently or you might not

For me, no physical relationship with DH would mean the end especially if it had been going on for 6 or more years.

Look up limerance and see if you can recgnise any of yourself in the friendship you had with the person you fell for. Its no accident that you chose someone who didnt reciprcate your feelings and this could all be tied up with how your parents treated you when you were younger.

TheLadyofShalott1 · 25/05/2022 09:21

teapoems · 25/05/2022 08:49

DH knows how I feel about him sexually. He also knows about my feelings for my friend; I told him after we broke off contact because I wasn’t doing well and felt I needed to explain why. And I’m having my own therapy to deal with emotional and physical abuse from both parents.

Ah, sorry OP, I only saw that in a later post of yours just now, as it takes me a very long time to type my replies.

All my post was trying to say really was that it might be possible to resurrect your relationship with your partner, as you say you still like him, and may even still love him in some ways. As he knows about your present feeling towards him, hopefully it will lead to a mutual decision favourable to both of you and your children.

I know it can be difficult, but with enough space in your home, and mutual respect for each other, some couples seperate, but for financial reasons and the consideration of their children, they stay living in the same house together, at least for a few years. Some joint rules would probably need to be put together first, eg not bringing new boy or girlfriends back to the house whilst you are both still living in it. Do you think that that might be able to work for you both OP?

SantiMakesMeLaugh · 25/05/2022 09:23

Your children's standard of living would not be affected if you left, just yours by the sound of it.

@MiniatureHotdog can you explain how her dcs standard of living wouldnt be affected if the OP's is?

Goldfishmountainclimber · 25/05/2022 09:38

This may be considered an old fashioned view, but could you try to work on the marriage. He sounds like a decent sort of man and he is the father of your children. You entered into a marriage with him. Relationships have their ups and downs. It is not all smooth sailing and raising children is hard.

But maybe you have had your head turned by this other man. Your friendship with him was not a relationship and maybe it created a fantasy in your head. Then you judged your real life day to day situation in a negative light? The day to day life of a couple raising children is often not exciting or sexy. It can be a real grind.

Could you step back and look for the good in your situation, op? See if you can get to a better place in your marriage? 🎈

butimjayigetaway · 25/05/2022 09:40

flashpaper · 25/05/2022 08:08

If your husband can easily afford to live alone then why can't the kids live with him? He can afford childcare, you could pay child maintenance and live as a single person on your wage.
Tbh, the fact that your husband can easily afford to live alone makes me think you're even more selfish, because you're hardly staying for both of you. Just yourself.

How could you even suggest that? Are you very attached to your children, or...

Minimalme · 25/05/2022 12:46

If your dh is well off, why don't you speak to a solicitor about what the financial package may be if you divorce?

The marriage sounds like it is over and staying for financial reasons is a waste of everyone's time.

I think putting two people lives on hold until the financial situation is better is wasteful and wrong.

whumpthereitis · 25/05/2022 13:12

teapoems · 25/05/2022 07:49

@HowlongWillThisTakeNow He knows. He still wants us to stay together.

@flashpaper Easily. He has a good income and a supportive, well-off family. And would they get their arse handed to them if they were concerned about the economic and emotional impact on their kids?

Would be a more credible claim had you not already risked their economic and emotional welfare by attempting to have an affair.

You’re using your husband because you need him to fund you. You don’t need to dress it up as being a noble gesture on the behalf of your children.

teapoems · 25/05/2022 13:45

@Minimalme He's not rich; he earns enough to look after himself comfortably, but the money is with his family. He knows they'd look after him.

Is it a waste of time to stay put if you're genuinely concerned about falling into poverty, given the present economic situation? I'm baffled by all the posters on this thread who seem to think that it's morally reprehensible to consider staying to avoid a financial impact on one's children (or who assume that I give no thought to them). I'm wondering if it's wrong to consider leaving, and putting them into a tougher situation when they're with me, just because I'm no longer attracted to DH.

OP posts:
lemongreentea · 25/05/2022 14:01

if you are no longer attracted to him just leave. The kids will be ok if their fathers family are well off and you have shared custody.

Dont stay because of the children or what you think it will do to them. They will be fine assuming their father plays as much a part in their life as you do. They wont thank you for staying when they are older. Trust me.

whumpthereitis · 25/05/2022 14:04

teapoems · 25/05/2022 13:45

@Minimalme He's not rich; he earns enough to look after himself comfortably, but the money is with his family. He knows they'd look after him.

Is it a waste of time to stay put if you're genuinely concerned about falling into poverty, given the present economic situation? I'm baffled by all the posters on this thread who seem to think that it's morally reprehensible to consider staying to avoid a financial impact on one's children (or who assume that I give no thought to them). I'm wondering if it's wrong to consider leaving, and putting them into a tougher situation when they're with me, just because I'm no longer attracted to DH.

Yet if your would be affair partner had given you the attention you wanted, you’d have been happy to do that? You weren’t considering their emotional or economic needs then, and it’s not like the cost of living crisis hasn’t been warned about for months.

It seems like it’s only become a problem because you wouldn’t be getting the outcome you wanted. I think that’s what most people are finding reprehensible.

Fenella123 · 25/05/2022 14:08

Give things a year. Really take the counselling seriously - whatever happens you'll be coparents, so ideally you want to see and respect the good in him, and understand and work out how to deal with the bad.
Have a think about how you might improve your career prospects - look around at work for people a bit like you who have better jobs - how did they work their way up?
Make time for friendships and hobbies - there's no downside to that!
And see how you feel about things in twelve months' time. Any decision you come to will be something you're very sure of, by then. And you will have had time to think through all the implications.

teapoems · 25/05/2022 14:21

@whumpthereitis He wasn't a 'would be affair partner'; he was a friend I fell for. I wasn't using him in the hope of an exit affair and when I realised I'd have to break it off, I did. It still hurts.

OP posts:
whumpthereitis · 25/05/2022 14:24

teapoems · 25/05/2022 14:21

@whumpthereitis He wasn't a 'would be affair partner'; he was a friend I fell for. I wasn't using him in the hope of an exit affair and when I realised I'd have to break it off, I did. It still hurts.

“I fell for him, it wasn’t reciprocated”

You absolutely did risk the wellbeing of your children, the same wellbeing that is suddenly paramount now.

🎻🎻🎻

teapoems · 25/05/2022 17:09

Well, thank you, @whumpthereitis , for your uncanny insight into my mental state and your valuable contribution to the thread. It’s been a real help.

OP posts:
Workawayxx · 25/05/2022 17:17

I think in your position, given everything you've said, that your H knows everything and wants to try, I'd stay for now. Go through your personal and couples counselling, get over the friend, try and keep an open mind and see how things pan out. I'm saying that more based on the emotions of it and that it's possible you may feel differently at some point or at least it'll be beneficial for you both to go through all the hoops with the counselling etc rather than the financial side.

DogsAndGin · 25/05/2022 17:22

flashpaper · 25/05/2022 07:23

This is so cruel. If this were a man who said "I don't want to have sex with my wife so I had an emotional affair (because no matter how many times you say it was platonic, you fell for the guy, meaning it was not platonic at all). I can't afford to leave her because I only earn £22k and I'm worried about the cost of living" they would rightly get their arse handed to them and told that they should leave so their wife could find someone who loves them and wants to have sex with her. You're being completely cruel to your husband. Even the way you write about him is so flippant.

I totally agree.

OP you made a commitment to him. It doesn’t mean you have to have sex with him. But to leave a good man when he’s done nothing wrong… it seems unreasonable.

Didimum · 25/05/2022 17:25

The big problem you have here is not taking accountability for any of your actions - you had an affair, plain and simple. Stop dressing it up. People who care about the welfare of their family’s do not have affairs.

I think it’s time you started taking responsibility for yourself as an adult who made the choice to invest time and energy into another man instead of into the well-being of her family.

Swipe left for the next trending thread