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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

Married man not happy in his relationship

143 replies

TheLimeQuail · 11/05/2025 21:49

I am seeing someone each week. they are trapped with kids and don’t like being in their relationship but feel obligated to stay. I like the company of this person but not going any further until I can figure out the truth. I know I have heard this story before and there is a chance that it is a lie. Even if it doesn’t lead to anything, what can I do to make them feel better?

OP posts:
FabulouslyFab · 11/05/2025 21:50

Absolutely nothing.
Stay away

arethereanyleftatall · 11/05/2025 21:51

You want to make someone who is cheating on their wife and children feel better?!? Why?

BarleyMcGrew · 11/05/2025 21:51

Stay away and not bring them further issues?

shouldbeworkin · 11/05/2025 21:52

If this person wanted to be single they would be, they have chosen not to be and therefore are not available.

NamechangeJunebaby · 11/05/2025 21:53

Tale as old as time and he’s spinning you a yarn. By saying he’s obligated to stay but he’s unhappy what he really means is he wants a shag on the side. Let him sort out his own problems and don’t get involved as you’ll end up hurt and you’ll also hurt his wife and kids.

Whocanbelieveit · 11/05/2025 21:53

Leave them alone to sort out their life. It is all lies anyway probably just a bit bored with family life and looking for a bit of excitement and ego (or other things), stroking!

50Balesofgrey · 11/05/2025 21:53

What a load of bollocks he's told you. Ditch him and get on with your life, you might find a man who's actually available

TheFormidableMrsC · 11/05/2025 21:54

You can’t be that naive surely?

BlondiePortz · 11/05/2025 21:55

The truth is divorce means to proceed it is simple really

Cerialkiller · 11/05/2025 21:55

'Trapped' ODFOD.

Op you are obviously the only one who can comfort him in these awful times, preferably with a cheeky shag, that'll make everything better! But shhhh...don't tell his wife as she's a psycho etc etc.

WallaceinAnderland · 11/05/2025 21:57

You know for a fact that this person is a liar and a cheat and yet you are considering getting involved?

You have to ask yourself why your bar is so low.

shouldbeworkin · 11/05/2025 21:57

Do you want to be the next one he isn’t happy with and is looking for someone who understands after his wife finds out? History has a habit of repeating itself and I bet his wife thinks they are blissfully happy

Partypops10 · 11/05/2025 22:00

Tell his wife. She can be free of him, he can become unstuck and the two of you can live happily ever after. Problem solved!

LivingLaVidaBabyShower · 11/05/2025 22:01

Run dont walk.

MmeChoufleur · 11/05/2025 22:04

He’s no doubt perfectly happy in his marriage and not trapped at all. He just wants to garner a bit of sympathy and turn you into a bit on the side so he can have his cake and eat it.

BeShyPlumLeader · 11/05/2025 22:05

Does his name begin with D? Wouldn't be surprised

outerspacepotato · 11/05/2025 22:09

Aww, poor manbaby doesn't like being a father and an adult.

Diaper him and give him a bottle and maybe that will make him feel all better.

HeddaGarbled · 11/05/2025 22:09

I am seeing someone each week

Stop it.

Londonismyjam · 11/05/2025 22:09

Oh dear.

LurkyMcLurkinson · 11/05/2025 22:09

Just carry on doing what you’re doing, being naive enough to believe his bullshit and amoral enough to not care about his wife and kids. I’m sure that will make him very happy.

cannynotsay · 11/05/2025 22:10

big mistake he’s not worth it

TwistedWonder · 11/05/2025 22:12

Raise your bar from the gutter, stop being so fucking naive and facilitating a lying piece of shit cheating on his wife.

What on earth is attractive about a liar? He’s shown you who he is - believe him!

Crushed23 · 11/05/2025 22:12

I’d forget about him and his marital problems and focus on you - why are you contemplating getting involved in this circus? Is your self-esteem that low? Maybe you need to look into therapy to unpick why your bar is so low.

BeNiceWhenItsFinished · 11/05/2025 22:17
Chelsea Peretti Eye Roll GIF by Brooklyn Nine-Nine

He's not happy in his relationship, and wants to fix that by shagging you.

SparklyGlitterballs · 11/05/2025 22:24

Best thing you can do is stop seeing him. Leave him be to either work things out with his wife or leave and get divorced. Don't be his affair partner or bit on the side. He needs to have the decency to end one relationship before embarking on another.