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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

Poetry gift from his colleague that he didn't tell me about

205 replies

poetryslam · 05/06/2025 11:22

I can't really discuss this with anyone in real life so trying here to see if I'm overreacting and get some advice on how to proceed. I have a new baby and a DD who is 2.5. DH and I have a happy marriage (I thought) if a little distracted with children at this moment in life. Both work demanding jobs though I am on mat leave.
I finished my book today and noticed a book of poetry on the shelf that I hadn't read. Love the poet so picked it up and a postcard fell out. It was from his favourite museum in Paris, and on the back had a note for his most recent birthday, stating that he had big changes ahead, and signed off by colleague with an x. I flipped through the book and a photo of them with another couple was holding a page - probably from a work trip dinner. The poem was about seizing the present moment (future and past are non existent, must seize the now).
I felt sick. It's not sexual or anything but it's somehow worse because it felt so intimate and he has never mentioned it.
I know they are friends and see each other for runs every once in a while. We have socialised with her and her husband before, though not since our eldest was born.
I took a photo, put it back on the shelf and I haven't mentioned it.
I feel sick, and can't eat. I am breastfeeding a newborn and trying to look after a toddler and can't stop thinking about it.
It's bad, right? I am tempted to snoop further but scared of what I'll find.

OP posts:
Rapunzle · 14/06/2025 01:13

I’m not sure if these gestures are that meaningful - he’s over a barrel & will say whatever you want to hear. I totally understand why you might want to but I just feel he’s being so perfect, begging, promising, volunteering his accounts, full transparency - making it so hard for OP bcos she would seem really unreasonable if she didn’t agree to him basically saying he is now a unicorn. And he knows it. It’s a manipulative & successful tactic. But full accountability? Genuine remorse? Ability to truly empathise & atone for what he put his DW through by disrespecting & betraying her? When at her most vulnerable too when she’s dependent on him from recent birthing his DC. That’s what he does while she’s doing that. Sorry but no. Whether they Fkd or not that’s so hurtful.

Profpudding · 15/06/2025 19:59

poetryslam · 13/06/2025 18:56

Thank you all for your support and advice. On lifting the toddler, I'm being a bit dramatic, I'm technically cleared after the c section but it's still painful. We paid for some morning and evening help to manage the most hectic periods while my husband was away. I can do that again, but doing this alone with a bit of help indefinitely feels very big right now. I agree I need space, and we're sleeping separately and dividing and conquering the children. I may ask him to stay with a friend for a week or so, but much longer feels daunting.
I think it was @OchreRaven who suggested having him sign a postnuptial agreement and put the house in my name. Though I've not decided if I'm going to stay or go, I tested this suggestion and he said yes without hesitation. I think it's probably a good idea regardless of what I decide. So thank you for that! (And apologies if I've attributed wrong)

He’s agreed to it because he knows it isn’t legally enforceable 🤦‍♀️

Ruralretreating · 15/06/2025 20:42

Just read thread yesterday @poetryslam , I’m so sorry. Hope you’ve got through today okay. Thinking of you.

OchreRaven · 09/07/2025 16:30

@poetryslam how are you getting on? I hope you and your children are doing ok.

MsDogLady · 27/08/2025 06:40

@poetryslam, I’ve been thinking of you. How are you doing?

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