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

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Why am I always the other woman

314 replies

Pomped · 02/07/2022 13:03

Can I start by saying I’m in a hugely sad and vulnerable place so if you read this and your reaction is to tell me I’m a vile human being / wannabe homewrecker then it’s nothing I haven’t already felt about myself.

I find myself in a third consecutive relationship (over a 5 year period) where I am the ‘other woman’ to a married man. The pattern keeps repeating itself. The relationships have been of varying lengths (the longest over 2 years and nearly broke me) each time ending in stalemate and a civil relationship with the man. Both men are still vaguely in my social circle but I have no feelings for them any longer.

my own long term relationship (proper! Not affair!) ended several years ago as we ended up more as companions. But there was some overlap with affair no 1 and no 2. Affair partner no 2 was a big part of my relationship breaking down, although I didn’t recognise that at the time.

I now find myself 4 months into a deja vu situation. This man, as have the others, is older, claims his marriage is over (and as a first there are no children involved which I suppose has given me hope). We have had an extremely intense 4 months and I have fallen head over heels. It has genuinely felt like a soulmate situation. He has told me that we will be together but he can’t give a timescale. He’s never going to leave, is he? Over recent days and weeks I’m finding myself more and more frustrated and embarrassed that here I am again, allowing myself to be a bit on the side. Knowing he has social plans with his wife at the weekend and holidays planned. I feel depressed and demoralised. I know I should end this but why do I keep falling in to these traps??? And why am I never ever good enough as the initial promise of me?

Thank you to anyone who has read this ramble.

OP posts:
Onthedunes · 09/07/2022 19:13

Yoou can feel the guilt dripping through the page 😂

Scorpio8 · 09/07/2022 19:36

Onthedunes · 09/07/2022 19:13

Yoou can feel the guilt dripping through the page 😂

Guilty for what?

We all make bad choices in life and as long we learn from no need to be pay for a bad choice for he rest of our lives.

Some of these bad choices make you who you are today a better person.

Onthedunes · 09/07/2022 19:43

Feart · 09/07/2022 10:07

What comes across in some of these comments is extreme bitterness and I find this quite sad. The OP has come here looking for support and has received some unpleasant posts. She’s clearly feeling bad enough as it is without being attacked. It’s a husband’s responsibility to remain faithful and avoid temptation. The OW is irrelevant in the situation and it seems that the posters expressing extreme bitterness here haven’t dealt with the betrayal in their own situations. They are directing their hurt and anger at the wrong person. In many cases these women have decided to forgive their cheating H and it’s easier to blame the OW. These are probably the same women who are saying that a man should just leave as if he is unhappy. I told myself that I would leave if my H cheated on me, I didn’t at first because life isn’t that simple just as it’s not that simple to leave a marriage if you’re unhappy. In my experience the majority only leave when they have someone else lined up. In fact I’ve never known a man just walk away with no one else to go to. If you’re really that bitter then maybe getting out of the situation might help. In the cases of ex spouses then find a way to move and let go of the hurt for your own sake.

How do we move on and let go of the hurt for our sakes Feart ?

Go on to become the ow in some poor unsuspecting poor cow's life 😂

Onthedunes · 09/07/2022 19:44

I will probably get deleted again for pointing out how magnanimous you are

😉

Pomped · 09/07/2022 20:06

A week on - it still hurts and I still feel low but I am staying firm. He’s not blocked - too difficult cos of work, and he has been messaging, but I’ve just got my stock answer which I’m sticking to. Let me know when you’re single. I know some people will still be angry at me for that - as if I’m encouraging him to leave his marriage. It’s more complicated than that. I still feel as if I love him even though I hate what I’ve been (the other woman).

OP posts:
TreePoser · 09/07/2022 20:13

Good for you. The first time you have 'news' , when something good happens to you, it's going to feel really weird that you can't tell him, but ride out that feeling of strangeness.

I wouldn't even bother repeating your stock answer. it still shows him that you want him. It's still communication. Don't even repeat it for him. The next time he messages, leave it hanging. There's no point repeating your position. You've made it clear. All you're doing is feeding his ego, telling him ''I'd still have you in ideal circumstances''. You're better off not repeating your position. You shouldn't be put in the position of having to repeat yourself, so don't!

Thank you for coming back to up date us btw. I love to hear how people are doing.

When I went through self-imposed no contact (for a guy who would not only not marry me, ha! but he wouldn't even call me his girlfriend! He kept telling me he didn't want a girlfriend while he proceeded to act as though we were in a relationship and ignored every boundary between a friendship and a relationship. So, he didn't want the no contact and he made it hard for me.
But his ''boundary'' was that he was determined to use me as a girlfriend and OWE ME NOTHING. He was not going to be moved on that.

Anyway, the first 3 weeks were the hardest and by week 5 I honestly felt stronger and better. Just the very act of having made a decision and acted on it and stayed strong in it fed back positive effect to my self-esteem and merely 5 weeks in I can honestly say that I felt stronger and better about myself.

Scorpio8 · 09/07/2022 20:16

Pomped · 09/07/2022 20:06

A week on - it still hurts and I still feel low but I am staying firm. He’s not blocked - too difficult cos of work, and he has been messaging, but I’ve just got my stock answer which I’m sticking to. Let me know when you’re single. I know some people will still be angry at me for that - as if I’m encouraging him to leave his marriage. It’s more complicated than that. I still feel as if I love him even though I hate what I’ve been (the other woman).

It will still hurt but you did the right thing. Just don't let him get to you with whatever he messages you.

It will get easier as time goes on trust me. One day you will be like like I am free of being involved with him. I know it might be difficult because of work but just stay strong x.

wellhelloitsme · 09/07/2022 20:39

You've told him now to contact you if he becomes single.

He's disrespecting you (as per) by continuing to message. As well as disrespecting his wife (as per) in the process too.

If you really can't / wont block him then please stop replying to him.

Every time you do, even if it's to say 'contact me when you're single and not before', all he hears is 'feel free to keep messaging me' and it leaves you vulnerable to caving at some point.

Pomped · 09/07/2022 20:53

You’re right - it also implies I’m putting my life on hold for him, which I don’t want to do. Thank you for the viewpoints ladies, it’s ridiculous how weak I become in this situation which isn’t me. Which also makes me reflect as surely a relationship should bring out the best in someone, and not the worst!!

OP posts:
Onthedunes · 09/07/2022 23:27

Which also makes me reflect as surely a relationship should bring out the best in someone, and not the worst!!

Before you get to this statement, you should never align the word relationship to someone who is already married.

No, it's just wrong.

cafcass123 · 10/07/2022 10:07

Earlier in the thread OP says it's as much about the 'shitty husband' as it is about the OW (in the blame game).
What I don't understand is why a woman would be in love with someone who has shown himself to be a 'shitty husband'?!

Onthedunes · 10/07/2022 12:02

cafcass123 · 10/07/2022 10:07

Earlier in the thread OP says it's as much about the 'shitty husband' as it is about the OW (in the blame game).
What I don't understand is why a woman would be in love with someone who has shown himself to be a 'shitty husband'?!

It's classed as care in the community now, saving poor married men, the government reccomend it.

LooseGoose22 · 10/07/2022 12:39

If they're not properly, officially, proveably single; don't get involved.

It may mean less opportunities, but at least they're real opportunities.

Getting involved with married or attached men and getting into the pick me situation is just handicapping yourself, you are going in disadvantaged (because you don't have the ties that his partner has), you'll then get your self esteem wrecked because it's so hard to "win".

Men will always spin lines, the reality for many is they want some on the side and will only leave their partner if she finds out and kicks them out.

Scorpio8 · 10/07/2022 12:44

Pomped · 09/07/2022 20:53

You’re right - it also implies I’m putting my life on hold for him, which I don’t want to do. Thank you for the viewpoints ladies, it’s ridiculous how weak I become in this situation which isn’t me. Which also makes me reflect as surely a relationship should bring out the best in someone, and not the worst!!

Just secret affair your having with this man.
You just got to find the strength to let him go. Getting yourself involved with him knowing every time he meets you he going home to his wife not fun. It's torture. You made a bad choice close the door now.If she finds out you will have to suffer the consequences. Don't let him take you down on his sinking ship. Sad for the wife but she will find out what sort of man he like soon. You want to be out of it. He made his bed he got to lie on it. The man needs to get the bulls to open up to his wife.

I will tell you if you was already in a bad place seeing him won't help. Trust I totally understand your pain. You can walk away and just move on he can't from his situation don't let him use you as his escape each time the pressure on with her at home. Show him your worth me getting out of it.

Like I said these guys are messed up some of them. Your not rehabilitation centre for them.

I say that from experience please get some friends go out enjoy being single.

Onthedunes · 10/07/2022 13:09

*I will tell you if you was already in a bad place seeing him won't help.
Trust I totally understand your pain. You can walk away and just move
on he can't from his situation don't let him use you as his escape each
time the pressure on with her at home. Show him your worth me getting
out of it.

Like I said these guys are messed up some of them. Your not rehabilitation centre for them*

Actually really good point.
You are a free person op.

Don't be used.

Feart · 10/07/2022 19:45

Onthedunes · 09/07/2022 19:44

I will probably get deleted again for pointing out how magnanimous you are

😉

Do you behave like this in real life @Onthedunes? Berating anyone who has a different point of view! You really are a piece of work.You clearly have an obsession with me, it’s a bit weird to be honest and you seem unhinged. I have no wish to engage with bitter judgemental types so please stop tagging me and get on with your pathetic little life.

Onthedunes · 10/07/2022 20:01

Pot calling kettle black, springs to mind.

You had my post deleted for having a different point of view.

Hipocracy.

Onthedunes · 10/07/2022 20:06

Or even Hipocrisy 😂

Onthedunes · 10/07/2022 20:15

Typical narc ...

Attacks with personal insults, instead of arguing about the subject.

1000chairs · 10/07/2022 20:55

So pleased @Pomped to read your update. Respect that you have done so well. Like all OW, you deserve so much more than these cads are prepared to offer you whilst trying to cake eat.

Feart · 10/07/2022 23:10

Onthedunes · 10/07/2022 20:15

Typical narc ...

Attacks with personal insults, instead of arguing about the subject.

At least there’s nothing wrong with your self awareness! 😂👍
I couldn’t have described you better if I tried! 👏

Pomped · 10/07/2022 23:13

Thank you, ladies. It’s been tough at times to read some of your replies but please know I’ve read and understood them all and I’m on a better path now.

OP posts:
Scorpio8 · 11/07/2022 05:17

Pomped · 10/07/2022 23:13

Thank you, ladies. It’s been tough at times to read some of your replies but please know I’ve read and understood them all and I’m on a better path now.

@Pomped

Maybe just enjoy being single and getting on with your job. Going out with your friends,family.

Only thing I will say to you really stay strong when it comes to him. He might try and try to get you back. Stay single but if he starts the I miss you in a couple of month just say you got someone just so he off your back.
I wouldn't want you to rush in anything yet. But do whatever it takes to get him leave you alone.
You said it will be hard because of work. If work related tell him email go through other colleagues. I know everything will be okay.

Feart · 11/07/2022 06:44

@Pomped
I agree with what’s already been said. Keeping yourself busy will help. Stay strong and don’t take any of the unpleasantness on here to heart.

JustKittenAround · 12/07/2022 13:54

Pomped · 10/07/2022 23:13

Thank you, ladies. It’s been tough at times to read some of your replies but please know I’ve read and understood them all and I’m on a better path now.

Thought to check up on you. Are you seeking avenues to build up your own sense of worth? I’m cheering for you because potential other women and such can find these threads and do better for themselves….

these men will cheat, they will cheat even if they have to pay for it. I’m hopeful any women of value will see these things and understand it’s less about the attention their getting and more about their low self esteem for valuing it. These men ain’t shit,

Swipe left for the next trending thread