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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

Handhold please - my husband had an affair

228 replies

AnotherObliviousWife · 22/07/2024 00:38

Long term reader, first time posting. My mind is all over the place so please be kind.

Been with 'D'H for 10yrs, married for 7yrs with 2DCs aged 3yrs and 3 months.

Today he admitted he's been having an affair with a mutual friend for close to 2yrs. Started after the birth of our first son and stopped when I got pregnant the second time, OW called it off when she found out i was pregnant. She's also married with 2 DCs - we've had dinner at their house numerous times and had them to ours, our children have played together, went to each others birthday parties etc. He was meeting her in his lunch break from work and having sex in the back of her car. He shares a mutual hobby with her husband so was often at their house in the evenings. Sometimes he intentionally stayed late and they had sex on the sofa while her DH and DCs were sleeping upstairs. He reckons about 20 times over the course of 2yrs with lots of cycles of on again, off again.

I'm absolutely blindsided. I had no idea. There was actually a conversation around the time the affair started as I'd told DH his relationship with this friend was starting to get a bit uncomfortable for me. DH reassured me nothing was going on and actually let me go through his messages to her which were all innocent. Turns out they'd been using secret messaging in Messenger and WhatsApp for their more elicit stuff.

My head is all over the place, I don't know how I feel. At the moment we're discussing couples counselling and trying to make a go of it for the DCs. DH is obviously saying all the right things now but he's admitted he has feelings for her and she was the one to call it off. Says he will do anything to make it right and wants to be with me and DCs.

I know people on here will say LTB but it's really not that simple. I have zero family support, just me and 2 young DCs. I'm a (relatively) high earner (but currently on mat pay) so wouldn't be entitled to any benefits but would likely end up spending every penny on rent and childcare. My children would grow up in poverty being ferried between 2 houses. My DH is actually a very hands on Dad so I can imagine he'd want 50/50 custody. I grew up poor without a Dad and I don't want that for my DCs. I also can't imagine sharing custody and not seeing them every day, they're my entire world.

I don't know what I'm looking for really but it helps to write this down. I suppose if anyone has been in a similar situation, did you manage to make it work? Or if you've been through divorce in similar circumstances, was it the right thing to do?

I've got counselling scheduled and an STI kit in the post...

OP posts:
supersop60 · 22/07/2024 16:52

AnotherObliviousWife · 22/07/2024 15:55

Just to clarify a few things - OW definitely knew me and DH were still sleeping together but didn't know we were TTC so it's possible the pregnancy made her think things through. DH says they had multiple cycles of on again / off again anyway over various things so it might just have been coincidence that they went 'off' again after the pregnancy announcement.

For those saying I should deceive DH and plan to leave him in future, it's just not something I can do. I'm an honest person, I can't lie to save my life which is why i find this deception so hard to understand. I appreciate having a level of being prepared is a good idea and I know I could be strong and manage to leave if it comes to that.

DH has sent a final message to OW which he showed me before he sent it. Essentially saying he couldn't live with the guilt anymore and had told me everything. He's blocked her on everything and deleted her number. Obviously not to be 100% trusted given his past but its a gesture.

He has also sent a similar message to his friend, not telling him what's happened but saying he can't do hobby or be friends anymore and goodbye. Also blocked and deleted his number.

I'm not making any decisions yet. I know the sensible thing would be to leave but it's honestly so hard when it's your whole life you're taking apart. I'm starting counselling tomorrow and DH has also agreed to counselling to look at why the affair happened. I'm focusing on my children and their routines and just seeing where we go from here. Thank you for all the support.

I know pp are saying ltb, but actually he is doing the right things now. He is answering OP's questions, he has gone nc with OW, he's agreed to therapy. Has he expressed remorse? That is essential. My DP didn't say sorry, until I told him I was looking for somewhere else to live, and he was about to lose everything.
I'm surprised that no-one has mentioned 'Not just friends', which lays out in detail what couples need to do if they want to find their way back.
OP - it's very soon to be making any decisions. Do whatever you have to do in order to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Your feelings will change from moment to moment; anger is very empowering!
I'm sorry you are going through this - you are not alone.

PinkLemonade555 · 22/07/2024 16:56

supersop60 · 22/07/2024 16:52

I know pp are saying ltb, but actually he is doing the right things now. He is answering OP's questions, he has gone nc with OW, he's agreed to therapy. Has he expressed remorse? That is essential. My DP didn't say sorry, until I told him I was looking for somewhere else to live, and he was about to lose everything.
I'm surprised that no-one has mentioned 'Not just friends', which lays out in detail what couples need to do if they want to find their way back.
OP - it's very soon to be making any decisions. Do whatever you have to do in order to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Your feelings will change from moment to moment; anger is very empowering!
I'm sorry you are going through this - you are not alone.

Very easy to just apologise. Does it indicate ‘true remorse’? Of course not.

cheaters are always ‘devastated’ and ‘upset’ when it all comes out because it’s hard for THEM.

I’m willing to bet the only reason he came clean was because he was going to be outed. He also said he couldn’t live with the guilt, so for selfish reasons, and then confessed he had feelings for the OW still.

WHY do people stay and put up with this shit. It baffles me.

Jonisaysitbest · 22/07/2024 16:57

AnotherObliviousWife · 22/07/2024 15:55

Just to clarify a few things - OW definitely knew me and DH were still sleeping together but didn't know we were TTC so it's possible the pregnancy made her think things through. DH says they had multiple cycles of on again / off again anyway over various things so it might just have been coincidence that they went 'off' again after the pregnancy announcement.

For those saying I should deceive DH and plan to leave him in future, it's just not something I can do. I'm an honest person, I can't lie to save my life which is why i find this deception so hard to understand. I appreciate having a level of being prepared is a good idea and I know I could be strong and manage to leave if it comes to that.

DH has sent a final message to OW which he showed me before he sent it. Essentially saying he couldn't live with the guilt anymore and had told me everything. He's blocked her on everything and deleted her number. Obviously not to be 100% trusted given his past but its a gesture.

He has also sent a similar message to his friend, not telling him what's happened but saying he can't do hobby or be friends anymore and goodbye. Also blocked and deleted his number.

I'm not making any decisions yet. I know the sensible thing would be to leave but it's honestly so hard when it's your whole life you're taking apart. I'm starting counselling tomorrow and DH has also agreed to counselling to look at why the affair happened. I'm focusing on my children and their routines and just seeing where we go from here. Thank you for all the support.

You shouldn't be the one leaving, OP - if anyone leaves the marital home it should be him.
You are right to focus on the routines etc for your children and to want to put their needs at the centre of this. Hopefully their father will do the same.
I take exception to people asking if he is a good father. In my book, a good father doesn't play fast & loose with his children's happiness & security the way your children's father has. But hopefully he will be good enough to step up now & take his share of the responsibility.
Definitely explore how life would be if you split because, as others have said, it's easier for the children if the split happens when they are very young. Hanging on as I did made it much harder for my kids when we split & they were teens.

Obviously you are still in shock now, but don't fall into the trap of thinking that staying is the only option you have because it really isn't. Yes, leaving is hard but this is a man you trusted who treated you appallingly for a long time. This wasn't a one night stand, it took planning and deliberate deviousness on his behalf.
Don't sell yourself short or sacrifice yourself. It's possible to co-parent well and for your kids to still be happy.

Decompressing2 · 22/07/2024 17:16

My friend moved her ex husband into the basement / first floor / kids bedrooms on the middle level and she had the top floor - that way they could both watch the kids grow up. Worked for her - eventually her new boyfriend moved in with them

CatamaranViper · 22/07/2024 17:19

OP, can I just say, you absolutely do not have to make any decision now, tomorrow, next week or even next month. You decide when you're ready to, and even then it's not final. You may choose to stay and realise in a couple of months that it's not right and choose then to leave which is absolutely fine.

I would be weary about him taking the decision out of your hands though. He may find that he doesn't want to stay, or he may try and get back with the ow.

WaitingforSpring24 · 22/07/2024 17:29

I would urge you to ask your DH to move out for a while. There is no way to properly think through and get perspective while he is in your home and it’s way too easy to just get on day to day, which stops your anger and upset from fully coming out.

This is not to say that it would be forever, but it’s a huge thing to have happened. I know this happened to me and I kept on in the relationship. BUT we are breaking up, a few years later. And one of the reasons I think is that no matter much your DH is saying sorry now, like my exDH, and I’m sure they truly mean it at the time…

…but to have an affair in the first place devalues us, and your DH devalued you as a person and your kids together.

And if you are not careful, your willingness to immediately make a go of it will make him devalue you more. And in around year, he will start getting really cross at you if you feel triggered or sad that he’s going out and coming back late.

Also counselling will work much better if he has to fight to get to you back through it.

Think about it.

XChrome · 22/07/2024 17:39

PinkLemonade555 · 22/07/2024 16:56

Very easy to just apologise. Does it indicate ‘true remorse’? Of course not.

cheaters are always ‘devastated’ and ‘upset’ when it all comes out because it’s hard for THEM.

I’m willing to bet the only reason he came clean was because he was going to be outed. He also said he couldn’t live with the guilt, so for selfish reasons, and then confessed he had feelings for the OW still.

WHY do people stay and put up with this shit. It baffles me.

Co-sign.
From what I've seen, they put up with it for a number of reasons; fear of the unknown and of being alone, financial security, being a doormat by nature, and, worst of all, because unscrupulous therapists and writers on the subject tell them that they are partly to blame, that the cheater will change and that they can "affair proof" the relationship, which is all a pack of lies.
They also tend to believe old fashioned notions of how staying married, even if the marriage is deeply dysfunctional, is always better for the kids.

tothelefttotheleft · 22/07/2024 18:58

So many posts on this thread saying he will have to pay maintenance.

If a man doesn't want to pay he won't. Especially if he's self employed.

Also @op

The message he sent to his friend was so poor. As if his friend is not going to ask him what's going on when he sends something vague like that.

LouOver · 22/07/2024 19:08

Men who do this to let go of their guilt are truly selfish fuckers. The fact he's dine whilst your on maternity leave 3 months post partum is calculated.

If its truly over you could have gone the rest of your life as happy but instead if you stay together you have to Bury or release the resentment but he got to give away his guilty.

Secondstart1001 · 22/07/2024 19:15

@AnotherObliviousWife I think you need to process it all before you see a therapist. The turn around time is too quick. You are sticking a band aid on it and your willingness to forgive gives your H the message that he can do what he wants.

Tell him you need space and time to think. Let him stew in his own shit seeing as you seem to be set on staying with him.

Something factual for you though. I’m divorced, high earner though not as high as ExH. My kids don’t live in poverty. I give them everything they need with treats, necessities, trips out and abroad. Another insight is if you did split your kids 50/50 you have more time to focus on your career, earn more and even in time look forward to your child free time to rest, spend time dating / new partner. The world out there isn’t small. Ending something will always start new beginnings. I think you need to take it hour by hour. Good luck x

Blueberry911 · 22/07/2024 19:35

He's not told you because he couldn't live with the guilt. He's told you because someone has forced his hand.

Snippit · 22/07/2024 20:16

Ger1atricMillennial · 22/07/2024 03:15

Oh no, this is terrible terrible news.

Hand hold and and a hug. Take your time. You don't owe him anything.

When the anger hits (and it will) focus only on yourself and your DC.

Flowers

The anger will hit you, believe me I’ve been there. No matter what anyone says you and only you can decide what’s best for YOU, and you will get there. I cried and cried every day alone after the school run, he was working abroad and very distraught that I was so upset, or caught out, not sure which?

I found out from the disgruntled separated husband of the other woman, she’d moved out and lived with their son at a separate address. My husband had called it a day but he was adamant that I needed to know. He probably wanted to make someone else suffer the way that he had. Perhaps she thought my husband would move in with her when she moved? Who knows, she did turn out to be a bit of a bunny boiler, really scary.

We are still together, it happened in 2007. He really has had to earn my trust, and somehow I feel stronger and more in control. He knows that there are no more chances, I’ll take him to the cleaners and leave no stone unturned, nothing like a woman scorned 🧐

BlueberryPancakes17 · 22/07/2024 20:26

I’m so sorry you’re going through this.

It is a huge betrayal, and I’m not sure you could ever truly get past that, quite rightly.

If I were you I would bide my time if you can. Put money away, get yourself in a stronger position, get legal advice, build yourself up and when you are ready, leave.

PinkLemonade555 · 22/07/2024 20:46

Snippit · 22/07/2024 20:16

The anger will hit you, believe me I’ve been there. No matter what anyone says you and only you can decide what’s best for YOU, and you will get there. I cried and cried every day alone after the school run, he was working abroad and very distraught that I was so upset, or caught out, not sure which?

I found out from the disgruntled separated husband of the other woman, she’d moved out and lived with their son at a separate address. My husband had called it a day but he was adamant that I needed to know. He probably wanted to make someone else suffer the way that he had. Perhaps she thought my husband would move in with her when she moved? Who knows, she did turn out to be a bit of a bunny boiler, really scary.

We are still together, it happened in 2007. He really has had to earn my trust, and somehow I feel stronger and more in control. He knows that there are no more chances, I’ll take him to the cleaners and leave no stone unturned, nothing like a woman scorned 🧐

Sounds miserable.

Peachy2005 · 22/07/2024 23:01

Think I agree with @Secondstart1001 above who said ask him to move out temporarily so you can process things. It’s too easy for him if you just continue on as before, with no immediate consequences. Is there anyone who could come stay, give you a little bit of support?

honestyISkind · 23/07/2024 06:30

PinkLemonade555 · 22/07/2024 20:46

Sounds miserable.

God, yes. There is never anything positive, not the slightest tiny positive thing, that comes from someone destroying your trust and pissing all over your lives. Utterly dreadful, a prison sentence.

honestyISkind · 23/07/2024 06:35

So please, again, DO NOT TRUST HIM. You cannot trust him. About anything.

It would be a good idea, a safe idea, to lie him and let him think he's conned you, while you quietly get yourself organised with a lawyer and sort out what you can take to look after you and your kids.

Please, for the love of God do not go to couples counselling with him. If you elect to stay with him (which I truly believe you will regret deeply) then you are at minimum 6 months away from any couples therapy. You need a therapist who will support YOU and not minimise in any way what he's done to you.

He cannot ever be trusted again. He will almost definitely do it again. There is more he is hiding - there is ALWAYS more. In a couple of miserable years you will realise you are still constantly worried and untrusting and it will be even harder to make the move.

Please go to Chump Lady and read the reality of what these men are and do.

Whatever you do, remember he is an unsafe, lying snake.

AnotherObliviousWife · 23/07/2024 09:10

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and supporting me, this has made me feel much less alone, particularly those of you who have experienced similar.

I think I'm going to leave this thread now as my mind is just all over the place. I have my first counselling session today and I just want to focus on me and moving forward, however that may be. I don't know what I'm doing yet, I'm taking each day as it comes.

Thank you all.

OP posts:
Feelingmentallyunsettled · 23/07/2024 09:29

Yes you are doing the right thing OP.
Taking time to digest things and not rushing into any hasty decisions.
All best wishes to you.

pikkumyy77 · 23/07/2024 11:45

Take care, OP. Its a lit to take in. I do second a) Chump lady and b) not doing couples counseling right away.

In couples counseling the relationship is the client and the therapist will not hold one person more to account than the other. You won’t get support as the wronged wife and if you did he would be so aggrieved he would leave the therapy. Its very hard to manage the grievances of such a couple: you want clarity and forgiveness and restoration of trust and he just wants to go back to (his) old normal. Its too unequal.

MintyVesta · 23/07/2024 16:16

I can’t quite my head round - ‘hobby’ (golf??), then back to the hobby friends house : staying there pretty late until hobby friend and kids are asleep, and then sex with hobby friends wife…

I mean even with my very best friend, if she was off to bed - it would look so awkward if I said ‘ok I’ll just hang round for a bit longer, sweet dreams”….

imfae · 23/07/2024 18:44

I am so sorry Op that you and others like me have to go through this .
You will get lots of great advice from those who have experienced the level of shock and pain and other well meaning advice from those that haven't . Sadly you will not know how you will react until you experience it yourself .

Each relationship is unique with your own family set up and strengths and weaknesses .
You are currently in shock , your world as you know it has just imploded .
The most important thing that you can do first is to look after your own well being physically and mentally . You need to prioritise this as otherwise you will not be able to look after your children . Do not beat yourself up - you did not cause this . You were in the dark until recently. Your H was aware of what had happened and was able to deceive you for a sustained period of time . Be kind to yourself , concentrate on feeding and looking after you and the kids .

As others have said I think you should get individual counselling . You may be able to access some through your work if your Employers are signed up .

It would also be useful for your husband to get individual counselling as well and then if you are both still willing - to then undergo joint counselling .

Also lean on your support network , do you have family / friends who can help out or at least be available to speak to you on the phone ?

I think it would be helpful if your H was able to stay elsewhere to give you some breathing space but you will have your weigh up re childcare if this will be better for you or not .

I think in your situation a lot of people's instinct is to stay together . If you could turn back the clock to before this happened , who wouldn't want to do so ? You are in shock and pain and this is the "easiest " position i. e the status quo.
You do not need to make a decision quickly . Take your time , even if you come down one way , this can be changed . You need to do what is best for you and your children .

People can survive affairs if they are both willing to work at it . The emphasis has to be on the cheating partner doing most of the work . However realistically you will need to be prepared for the odds being against you .

I say this with kindness as I don't think it will be helpful for you long term not to be aware of the blunt facts here and why it will be difficult for you to stay together . Difficult but not impossible .

Your H was able to continue to cover up & continue the affair for 2 years . I think it was clear that he and the Ow got a thrill from the illicitness of this . This was not a drunken one off . It also looks like it was the OW who called it off and was uncomfortable with the situation - not your H .

Only you will also know your H's reaction and remorse . An important factor is why did he tell you when he did ? What was his for motivation for doing so . Was it guilt or his feelings for the OW . Sadly even if the OW does not want to be in a relationship with him , what would your H want . If she was open to this - what would his honest answer be ?

What is your H prepared to do to repair your relationship ?

I know it will be painful but I think you need to know what you are dealing with , get a timeline from him and also ask for access to their messages etc .

Finally , I know that you have also said that you don't think you should speak to the OW's H . I appreciate that you said they are now separated , but I think it would also be beneficial for him not to be kept in the dark . Additionally he may also be your ally in piecing together the facts and also may alert you to any possible reigniting if the relationship between your H & the Ow .

Statistically also when your H has already cheated , he is more likely to do so again .

I wish you and your family the very best for the future , whichever way that turns out . Look after yourself FlowersFlowersFlowers.

OVienna · 23/07/2024 21:12

MintyVesta · 23/07/2024 16:16

I can’t quite my head round - ‘hobby’ (golf??), then back to the hobby friends house : staying there pretty late until hobby friend and kids are asleep, and then sex with hobby friends wife…

I mean even with my very best friend, if she was off to bed - it would look so awkward if I said ‘ok I’ll just hang round for a bit longer, sweet dreams”….

Agreed. So weird.

honestyISkind · 23/07/2024 22:24

AnotherObliviousWife · 23/07/2024 09:10

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and supporting me, this has made me feel much less alone, particularly those of you who have experienced similar.

I think I'm going to leave this thread now as my mind is just all over the place. I have my first counselling session today and I just want to focus on me and moving forward, however that may be. I don't know what I'm doing yet, I'm taking each day as it comes.

Thank you all.

Good luck.

BeenThereAlready · 24/07/2024 12:52

Hi, I am so sorry you are going through this. Been in that situation, he said it only happened once in OUR car. Prepare yourself for one hell of a time. It is almost a year since I found out, and honestly, it does not get better. I stayed. We have so many fights. You question your worth, sanity, everything. Do not make any decisions now. Find a therapist for YOU first. Then the two of you. Take it one day at a time, and prepare for when you are ready to make a decision. I am in the same financial position as you, so that is one of the main reasons I stayed. But i can see the toll this is taking on our children. Just remember, your loving family will and can never be the same. There is a line in your life now - before / after. Make sure you do what is best for you and the children. And always remember: YOU ARE ENOUGH!!!