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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

Help! I found out he cheated via a YouTube video

37 replies

Newbeginningsstartingafresh · 31/03/2025 07:30

You might remember me posting two months ago because my boyfriend of 2 years had broken up with me because he might want children.

A little backstory, I am a single mother with 4 children after having left an abusive relationship. After 4.5 years of therapy bland just focusing on myself I started dating and found recent ex. He is 38 and I am 41. He has no kids, lives with his grandmother as a caregiver and has never been married. I told him when we met I was done having kids and he said he wanted kids but it didn’t matter whether it was biological so he was happy to continue.

It was going ok with the usual ups and downs, however I never met all his friends and family just the ones we bumped into - he would introduce me as his girlfriend. He mentioned he likes introductions to just happen authentically etc. my kids got on with him and we had all been on 4 holidays together.

fast forward New Year’s Day, we celebrated together and then celebrated our 2 years on the 6th where we discussed the next step would be an engagement . He had a 10 day holiday booked for 4 days later so I helped him pack etc. he likes to travel and I would join when I can depending on child care and work commitments. Anyways he left for holiday and I hardly heard from him, which was off. When he returned he had an accident and he kept refusing to make plans with me saying he was feeling traumatised and had to go to the doctor, so we met up almost 3 weeks later. Due to my kids and him being self employed and saying his schedule is tight, we would only see each other once a week.

we met up in Feb and I told him I was unhappy about his communication and lack of meeting his family and the fact that he has never told me he loves me (his response is always actions speak louder than words). I asked him where does he see the relationship going and he told me he wanted to marry me but after his accident he realised he didn’t have a legacy to leave behind and that it is natural for a man to want kids after wanting marriage. I told him I have always been clear that I am not open to more kids. He said the logical thing was to break up. I wished him the best, walked away and went no contact.
He had formed a relationship with my oldest so he has still been checking in to see how they are and telling them that he missed them and hopes to see them one day soon. He even told them I was a good woman and it’s a shame I wanted no children as he thought I was going to marry. He has been checking in twice a week with her and I respected that he just didn’t cut them out.

it was hard for me but but I made peace that at least we broke for good reason to avoid resentment in the future. I’ve been no contact, counting down the days and healing well. Fast forward day 49 no contact, I’m scrolling through YouTube and I see a travel blog of a woman talking about her visit in London to see her long distance boyfriend, I don’t know why I was intrigued but I clicked it and low and behold guess who her ldr boyfriend is?? My ex! I was shocked so I looked and her last travel video and it’s the same country he travelled in January and she’s done a good job hiding him but it’s him in there with her. They are having cocktails, at the same hotel room, on excursions together etc. the same holiday I helped pack for.

it all made sense, him not contacting me on holiday, his distance when he returned, his doctors appointment probably to get checked out and his decision to end the relationship stating he has now realised he wants kids. I honestly feel so betrayed. I did not beg him the first time and walked away with grave deleting. When I found out I got his contact from archive forwarded him the video with karma is a thing and blocked him. Then commented on her video in case she didn’t know. Also wrote her a private message. She deleted the comments so it’s either she is embarrassed by what’s happened or she knew. I also told all the kids who are old enough to understand what’s going on to just block him as I suspect he was using them to just soothe his guilt.

i feel like im back at day one. My ex husband cheated on me so it’s a soft spot and i think it’s the fact that he made our last conversation seem like it was the kids issue and that I kept demanding more time and to meet his family and I didn’t seem to understand him.

the last time I wrote on here it really helped to read responses, I’m just asking for a virtual shoulder, tough love, positive talk, insight anything

OP posts:
mommyduties · 31/03/2025 09:46

Newbeginningsstartingafresh · 31/03/2025 07:30

You might remember me posting two months ago because my boyfriend of 2 years had broken up with me because he might want children.

A little backstory, I am a single mother with 4 children after having left an abusive relationship. After 4.5 years of therapy bland just focusing on myself I started dating and found recent ex. He is 38 and I am 41. He has no kids, lives with his grandmother as a caregiver and has never been married. I told him when we met I was done having kids and he said he wanted kids but it didn’t matter whether it was biological so he was happy to continue.

It was going ok with the usual ups and downs, however I never met all his friends and family just the ones we bumped into - he would introduce me as his girlfriend. He mentioned he likes introductions to just happen authentically etc. my kids got on with him and we had all been on 4 holidays together.

fast forward New Year’s Day, we celebrated together and then celebrated our 2 years on the 6th where we discussed the next step would be an engagement . He had a 10 day holiday booked for 4 days later so I helped him pack etc. he likes to travel and I would join when I can depending on child care and work commitments. Anyways he left for holiday and I hardly heard from him, which was off. When he returned he had an accident and he kept refusing to make plans with me saying he was feeling traumatised and had to go to the doctor, so we met up almost 3 weeks later. Due to my kids and him being self employed and saying his schedule is tight, we would only see each other once a week.

we met up in Feb and I told him I was unhappy about his communication and lack of meeting his family and the fact that he has never told me he loves me (his response is always actions speak louder than words). I asked him where does he see the relationship going and he told me he wanted to marry me but after his accident he realised he didn’t have a legacy to leave behind and that it is natural for a man to want kids after wanting marriage. I told him I have always been clear that I am not open to more kids. He said the logical thing was to break up. I wished him the best, walked away and went no contact.
He had formed a relationship with my oldest so he has still been checking in to see how they are and telling them that he missed them and hopes to see them one day soon. He even told them I was a good woman and it’s a shame I wanted no children as he thought I was going to marry. He has been checking in twice a week with her and I respected that he just didn’t cut them out.

it was hard for me but but I made peace that at least we broke for good reason to avoid resentment in the future. I’ve been no contact, counting down the days and healing well. Fast forward day 49 no contact, I’m scrolling through YouTube and I see a travel blog of a woman talking about her visit in London to see her long distance boyfriend, I don’t know why I was intrigued but I clicked it and low and behold guess who her ldr boyfriend is?? My ex! I was shocked so I looked and her last travel video and it’s the same country he travelled in January and she’s done a good job hiding him but it’s him in there with her. They are having cocktails, at the same hotel room, on excursions together etc. the same holiday I helped pack for.

it all made sense, him not contacting me on holiday, his distance when he returned, his doctors appointment probably to get checked out and his decision to end the relationship stating he has now realised he wants kids. I honestly feel so betrayed. I did not beg him the first time and walked away with grave deleting. When I found out I got his contact from archive forwarded him the video with karma is a thing and blocked him. Then commented on her video in case she didn’t know. Also wrote her a private message. She deleted the comments so it’s either she is embarrassed by what’s happened or she knew. I also told all the kids who are old enough to understand what’s going on to just block him as I suspect he was using them to just soothe his guilt.

i feel like im back at day one. My ex husband cheated on me so it’s a soft spot and i think it’s the fact that he made our last conversation seem like it was the kids issue and that I kept demanding more time and to meet his family and I didn’t seem to understand him.

the last time I wrote on here it really helped to read responses, I’m just asking for a virtual shoulder, tough love, positive talk, insight anything

You did everything right by setting your boundaries and walking away with dignity, and I’m so sorry you had to find out the truth like this. It’s totally understandable that it feels like day one again, but please remember, his actions say everything about him, not you. You were honest and upfront from the start, and he chose deception. That says everything about his character. Keep focusing on your healing, and know that you deserve so much better. Sending you strength.

Pudmyboy · 31/03/2025 09:57

mommyduties · 31/03/2025 09:46

You did everything right by setting your boundaries and walking away with dignity, and I’m so sorry you had to find out the truth like this. It’s totally understandable that it feels like day one again, but please remember, his actions say everything about him, not you. You were honest and upfront from the start, and he chose deception. That says everything about his character. Keep focusing on your healing, and know that you deserve so much better. Sending you strength.

This is lovely advice @Newbeginningsstartingafresh
I am sorry that your thread attracted the Nasties straight away, sadly it's now becoming a feature on Mumsnet that there will be a totally unjustified pile-on at the beginning and you have to wade past them to get to the supportive posts. I wish you strength and joy 💐

Newbeginningsstartingafresh · 31/03/2025 09:57

RunAwayTurnAwayRunAwayTurnAway · 31/03/2025 09:21

My feeling is that this is true OP, to counter the posters who are saying that this is made up.

At least you now know and didn’t invest any more time in the relationship.

The other thing is you have a brilliant plot for a film. Revenge is would be sweet.

Thank you!, that made me grin.

But yes, I’m glad I didn’t invest anything further - I wish I’d never met him!

OP posts:
Newbeginningsstartingafresh · 31/03/2025 09:58

mommyduties · 31/03/2025 09:46

You did everything right by setting your boundaries and walking away with dignity, and I’m so sorry you had to find out the truth like this. It’s totally understandable that it feels like day one again, but please remember, his actions say everything about him, not you. You were honest and upfront from the start, and he chose deception. That says everything about his character. Keep focusing on your healing, and know that you deserve so much better. Sending you strength.

Thank you so much, I truly appreciate your commeny

OP posts:
Newbeginningsstartingafresh · 31/03/2025 10:04

Pudmyboy · 31/03/2025 09:57

This is lovely advice @Newbeginningsstartingafresh
I am sorry that your thread attracted the Nasties straight away, sadly it's now becoming a feature on Mumsnet that there will be a totally unjustified pile-on at the beginning and you have to wade past them to get to the supportive posts. I wish you strength and joy 💐

Thank you so much

OP posts:
SuspiciousChipmunk · 31/03/2025 10:20

Sounds like he’s moved on. Can you try the same?

Obvnotthegolden · 31/03/2025 10:36

Pp saying it can't be true don't understand algorithms.

Op as horrendous as it is, try and see it as a small setback, nothing more. Don't give it more power. You've done so well to recover and heal for over a month already. Healing isn't straightforward, part of growing stronger is overcoming these situations.

Definitely make sure your 18 yr old DD has blocked him, there's no reason for him to be in contact with her especially when you are NC with him.

mothersdayhmm · 31/03/2025 10:36

Thank your lucky stars you are only 41, and have bags of time to move on and find a genuine guy (if that's what you want). He sounds like a loser anyway. No job? Lives with his gran? No house of his own? You can do so much better than this. Thank goodness you didn't have a baby with him - you would have been left holding it whilst he swanned off with the travel blogger. Wonder what she earns from that. I bet either of them will have a penny to rub together. Meanwhile, a few years from now, your kids will all be grown, and you'll be on a beach somewhere with your DH.

Doggymummar · 31/03/2025 11:17

Thecatthatgotthesouredmilk · 31/03/2025 09:06

It does work like that. If someone has signed into to youtube via Google on your computer, it will show the history of the videos they have watched and recommended videos based on their algorithms. When you sign out or sign into your own Google account, will it show your youtube preferences/algorithms.

It definitely does, my partner is signed in on the front room TV and moans when his feed is full of my Mounjaro videos. Oops

Newbeginningsstartingafresh · 31/03/2025 13:05

SuspiciousChipmunk · 31/03/2025 10:20

Sounds like he’s moved on. Can you try the same?

I will definitely try

OP posts:
Newbeginningsstartingafresh · 31/03/2025 13:06

Obvnotthegolden · 31/03/2025 10:36

Pp saying it can't be true don't understand algorithms.

Op as horrendous as it is, try and see it as a small setback, nothing more. Don't give it more power. You've done so well to recover and heal for over a month already. Healing isn't straightforward, part of growing stronger is overcoming these situations.

Definitely make sure your 18 yr old DD has blocked him, there's no reason for him to be in contact with her especially when you are NC with him.

Thank you, you are absolutely right, we have blocked him and blacklisted his number as well. I appreciate your comment

OP posts:
Newbeginningsstartingafresh · 31/03/2025 13:07

mothersdayhmm · 31/03/2025 10:36

Thank your lucky stars you are only 41, and have bags of time to move on and find a genuine guy (if that's what you want). He sounds like a loser anyway. No job? Lives with his gran? No house of his own? You can do so much better than this. Thank goodness you didn't have a baby with him - you would have been left holding it whilst he swanned off with the travel blogger. Wonder what she earns from that. I bet either of them will have a penny to rub together. Meanwhile, a few years from now, your kids will all be grown, and you'll be on a beach somewhere with your DH.

Thank for this, this put a big smile on my face, I am manifesting this for myself.

OP posts:
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