Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

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

Unkind husband, frigid wife

195 replies

Wherewhenhow · 04/11/2025 18:40

I’m not sure how I’ve ended up here. Affair with my colleague. My husband isn’t kind to me and his wife isn’t intimate with him. I know this is a line for unfaithful men to use, but my area of expertise is focussed on determining honesty, I believe him. I’m in this situation because he makes me feel beautiful sexy funny clever: all things my husband actively doesn’t do. For him, I give him warmth, affirmation and sexual intimacy.

I’m not leaving my marriage yet, because I need to clock in another 5-10 years till our children are older. He’s not leaving his marriage because he magically hopes it will improve. In that way, we well matched.

I need to disconnect though, I’m not sure how. The chemistry is electric, I’ve never experienced this before. I would like a future with him, but it’s not possible.

I know I need to go cold turkey. I know there will be out roar from wives who have been betrayed. I don’t think about his wife. I’m not married to her, my marriage vows were to my husband and hasn’t upheld his either.

Has anyone made this disconnect from an affair partner? I want to step away. I’m trying to manage my diary to not coincide with his. Thank you

OP posts:
Falseknock · 04/11/2025 21:51

Wherewhenhow · 04/11/2025 19:03

I’m not sure why frigid has caused such umbridge. Perhaps sexless would work better.

I am a judge though, I literally can’t change my career path. But I can avoid this guy.

My whole structure relies on our nanny, rather than my husband. I don’t want to live apart from my DC. I’m trying to end this. I will try marriage counselling to see if we can keep a stable home for our DC.

Edited

You've made it very difficult for yourself because you work with him. Can you find work elsewhere as a judge?
Therapy is not going to help you when your husband doesn't know about the affair. Me personally I wouldn't throw away a marriage for lust. Dynamics change in relationships when children come along. On top of that your body is changing. Be kind to yourself and think practically what you want in the future and plan. With or without your husband. I wouldn't try and pursue a relationship with the man you are having an affair with. I don't think he will leave his wife for you and your children. You come as a package deal and it's whether he will leave his relaxed quiet life for you and your children. Think about what you are doing to yourself you are causing yourself a lot of emotional harm.

Lavender14 · 04/11/2025 21:55

Wherewhenhow · 04/11/2025 18:40

I’m not sure how I’ve ended up here. Affair with my colleague. My husband isn’t kind to me and his wife isn’t intimate with him. I know this is a line for unfaithful men to use, but my area of expertise is focussed on determining honesty, I believe him. I’m in this situation because he makes me feel beautiful sexy funny clever: all things my husband actively doesn’t do. For him, I give him warmth, affirmation and sexual intimacy.

I’m not leaving my marriage yet, because I need to clock in another 5-10 years till our children are older. He’s not leaving his marriage because he magically hopes it will improve. In that way, we well matched.

I need to disconnect though, I’m not sure how. The chemistry is electric, I’ve never experienced this before. I would like a future with him, but it’s not possible.

I know I need to go cold turkey. I know there will be out roar from wives who have been betrayed. I don’t think about his wife. I’m not married to her, my marriage vows were to my husband and hasn’t upheld his either.

Has anyone made this disconnect from an affair partner? I want to step away. I’m trying to manage my diary to not coincide with his. Thank you

I'm not even sure where to start with this.

Firstly 'frigid' is a disgusting and misogynistic phrase used to bully and manipulate women into intimacy they don't want so why a woman is using this term about another woman is beyond me.

Secondly, your husband may be unkind, but I'd argue that putting someone's physical and sexual health at risk, lying to them and gaslighting them is also unkind. I'd argue that long term affairs are a form of abuse so don't kid yourself that you're entitled to do this because he's unkind. You are still responsible for yourself. Your kids deserve better than parents who are awful to each other as their blueprint for what a healthy relationship looks like. Divorce him and raise your children with a healthy example of love and self respect instead of this mess you seem to think you owe them. Children can tell when their parents are not happy and they won't thank you for raising them in a toxic environment. This benefits them in no way.

There are plenty of other men out there who can make you feel the things you've listed without you imploding some poor womans life. I'd also question why she's not intimate with him. A lot of men actually reject their wives and stop making the necessary effort in their marriage that leads to intimacy because they are wasting their time and energy in an affair partner. You have no way of knowing if he's intimate with her or not. Your job may be determining honesty but don't you think this is ironic given that he's clearly extremely good at lying or he either wouldn't be with you or he'd be separated? This guy is a liar and a gaslighter because that's par for the course when you're having an affair. You may not feel you 'owe' his wife anything and no you didn't make vows to her, but this idea that the other woman is somehow blameless is such shit. You are aware that he's endangering her, harming and being borderline abusive towards her, you know he's treating her in a way that can actually cause ptsd and could significantly impact on her welfare in all aspects of her life and you're absolutely willfully complicit. It's ultimately his responsibility yes, but you're still accountable for yourself and your posts make it clear that you are very good at talking yourself out of your own accountability. I think you need to get yourself a good counsellor who you feel safe with and you need to explore why this is because it reads like massive self sabotage to me in terms of your career, your relationships, your sense of self and morality etc. If your colleagues or your children found out, those relationships would be seriously damaged. The issue here is that the only person you're centering is yourself. It's very selfish and I think you need to think seriously about who you are and the type of person you want to be, for yourself and use that as your motivation to block and delete this waste of space.

You also need to take off the rose tinted glasses and see him for who he is - a liar, a manipulator, someone who wastes family time and money on his own selfishness, prepared to compromise your career in the process, doesn't give a shit about the impact of this on your kids if they found out, who's opportunistic and will look elsewhere when the chips are down on his commitments, disloyal and self motivated. You don't want the qualities this guy has and if he didn't have those qualities then op he wouldn't be cheating.

Best thing you can do here is divorce, change jobs, focus on getting fulfillment out of your life for yourself, go for counselling, date single men and delete this guy out of your life.

Notrees · 04/11/2025 21:55

NormasArse · 04/11/2025 19:05

He has no children but doesn’t want to leave his wife he’s unhappy with?

I’m not sure I’d believe him tbh. You’re up for it and he is getting plenty (probably some at home too, but she’s not as ‘grateful’).

Honestly, just leave it, or don’t- he will move onto the next willing shag and he won’t leave his wife, whatever you do.

You’re being played.

Edited

Definitely this. You're being played. You think because you're a judge you are infallible. You aren't. Your dopamine is taking over. That your judgement has been warped by this man should be enough to make you feel uncomfortable about him. A 10 year younger wife that he isn't having sex with, but wants to stay with? Bullshit. I know you have to be arrogant to be a judge, but you've let your self belief make you stupid. Get the ick from that.

NConthe · 04/11/2025 21:57

excelledyourself · 04/11/2025 21:49

What an outroarous thread. I’m absolutely upraged.

🤣

Theseventhmagpie · 04/11/2025 22:00

Your poor spouses. They deserve better than the pair of you.

CrochetOhYay82 · 04/11/2025 22:01

Wherewhenhow · 04/11/2025 18:40

I’m not sure how I’ve ended up here. Affair with my colleague. My husband isn’t kind to me and his wife isn’t intimate with him. I know this is a line for unfaithful men to use, but my area of expertise is focussed on determining honesty, I believe him. I’m in this situation because he makes me feel beautiful sexy funny clever: all things my husband actively doesn’t do. For him, I give him warmth, affirmation and sexual intimacy.

I’m not leaving my marriage yet, because I need to clock in another 5-10 years till our children are older. He’s not leaving his marriage because he magically hopes it will improve. In that way, we well matched.

I need to disconnect though, I’m not sure how. The chemistry is electric, I’ve never experienced this before. I would like a future with him, but it’s not possible.

I know I need to go cold turkey. I know there will be out roar from wives who have been betrayed. I don’t think about his wife. I’m not married to her, my marriage vows were to my husband and hasn’t upheld his either.

Has anyone made this disconnect from an affair partner? I want to step away. I’m trying to manage my diary to not coincide with his. Thank you

Nasty! Smh

Americano75 · 04/11/2025 22:01

ChristmasCwtch · 04/11/2025 21:28

OP - no good will come of this. Imagine him in an unflattering light, farting, snoring, leaving wet towels on the bed! You’re only seeing the best version. It’s not real. Tarnish the view of him as a romantic hero!

Not sure why there’s so much focus on correcting spellings.

@Americano75 ”outroar” is a word, but no space.

How have I never heard this word before? 😆 Quite like it.

Carzycat · 04/11/2025 22:03

Frigid? I’ve not heard that word since my teens when a guy labelled me with it because I wouldn’t put out. He doesn’t sound very nice OP - take off your rose coloured spectacles and run a mile,

winterwoes · 04/11/2025 22:06

If his wife who is presumably younger than you gets pregnant then you will have proof he is lying. That will also hurt like Hell.

Emma58hole · 04/11/2025 22:10

Are you mentally challenged in some way? Are you autistic or ADHD? If you're a fully functioning adult, then you're either a bit stupid or being led by your crotch. Neither are good.

HideousKinky · 04/11/2025 22:15

I am not sure why frigid has caused such umbridge

Really?? It is a deeply misogynistic word

homelovingalme · 04/11/2025 22:26

Wherewhenhow · 04/11/2025 18:50

It’s his phrase, not mine. No, they don’t have DC. I have two. He could be lying, I don’t think so. I also appreciate it’s a tale as old as time. I’d like to disconnect. I don’t need people telling me I’m awful. Hopefully there are a few people on here with practical advice. Thank you

I'm sure you don't need people jumping on to verbally batter you. Not sure why so many people in forums feel the need to do that! I think you've explained the situation very well and I understand why you were drawn into an affair.
Just tell him straight how you feel about everything and/but you don't feel you can do it anymore.

Charlize43 · 04/11/2025 22:27

Isn't the line, 'my wife doesn't like sex' the standard for sleazy men having affairs?

Maybe I'm old fashioned but I always think affairs at work are just tacky beyond belief. I once worked with someone who systematically worked her way through three of the managers and all the time saying to anyone who'd listen that this 'was the one'. They were all married, as was she. Everyone else saw it for what it was... seedy.

Caleb64 · 04/11/2025 22:29

Every time you think you want him, say to yourself. “If I sleep with someone else’s husband and break my vows I am a massive cunt that deserves every unhappiness that comes my way.”

Should help,

homelovingalme · 04/11/2025 22:29

Ihavepaidalotforthisstory · 04/11/2025 18:51

You don't care about his wife and his family, fair enough. But you are risking destroying your own. Putting your own selfish shallow needs before your family. Gross.

Sounds like someone else has been playing a part in destroying it before OP!
I think all the 'Saints' here could try reading between the lines a bit in the original post!

homelovingalme · 04/11/2025 22:33

Donttellempike · 04/11/2025 19:02

It’s absolutely vile. 1970s misogyny

It is if you impute that on it. 🤷
I just took it to mean 'doesn't have sex with him', got the gist and moved on.

homelovingalme · 04/11/2025 22:39

Mistyglade · 04/11/2025 19:11

I’m afraid you’ve misjudged and come to the wrong place for gentle understanding with warm wise words and a hand hold when you’ve just admitted an affair riddled with textbook cliches. You’ve had a drink and sound like you need affirmation to continue this exciting affair whilst your respective marriages dwindle away but it doesn’t work like that, as you know. If I were you I’d set my impudent loins aside and consider the impact all this will have on both your families.

She's straight out said she's ending it. 😆

Stringervest · 04/11/2025 22:40

Dunderheided · 04/11/2025 20:50

And the OP is a judge who can’t spell umbrage 🤔

THANK YOU. At last.

Emptyandsad · 04/11/2025 23:04

Orangelotusflower · 04/11/2025 19:11

You don't have to carry all the blame OP. Those vows also included 'loving and cherishing' and you're not getting that at home. Obviously in an ideal scenario, a person would make a clean break with their spouse before embarking on another relationship but life is seldom that uncomplicated. I always feel uneasy about vilifying the one who looks elsewhere because if things were rosy, they wouldn't be looking, would they?
I think people decide what to do either based on their own happiness, or their children's, and it might well be possible to bring the children up in a stable home and work on an amicable relationship with your H with the notion that you might leave later on.
Some say life's too short; you might even find that things improve with your H while you do what you think is best for your children.

The trouble with deciding unilaterally that she's going to leave him in 5 years time is that this narrows his life choices without him realising. If they break up now then they both have 5 more years to form a new life plan, meet a new partner. Otherwise she gets 5 years to plan her life and he just gets dumped, and feels like a mug.

People here are taking her word for the state of the marriage and that he isn't nice to her. But she's the one cheating and lying; she's hardly going to paint him in a good light, is she! She's justifying her behaviour and making herself into the victim

homelovingalme · 04/11/2025 23:10

SirRaymondClench · 04/11/2025 20:05

Unkind husband/frigid wife?

Imagine what they'd say about the pair of you!

Get some self respect OP and leave your husband, stop fucking someone else's husband (he's lying by the way) and stop lying to yourself.

This isn't even your first time is it?

"This isn't even your first time is it?"

Wow.

Notrees · 04/11/2025 23:16

homelovingalme · 04/11/2025 22:33

It is if you impute that on it. 🤷
I just took it to mean 'doesn't have sex with him', got the gist and moved on.

'If you impute that on it' is the get out of jail free card that every bigot and racist plays whenever they use an offensive term, but 'didn't mean it that way'.

Sashya · 04/11/2025 23:17

Wherewhenhow · 04/11/2025 18:55

Bingo. He’s more junior. I am very attracted to him. He’s a decade younger. I won’t jeopardise my career. That’s the crux of it. The affair has to end. It never should have happened. I take responsibility, my hormones are all over the place. I’ve started HRT, I’ve had two sessions with a therapist. I am trying to be a better person.

Well - in this case, it makes sense. Office affairs are rarely a good idea. And being more senior - in this day and age is a problem.
Peri often causes a the explosive libido - almost as if our body is having it's last party season. So - maybe there is a way to enjoy it and reconnect with your H?
Or, at the very least - have your fun outside of workplace

AnonymouseDad · 04/11/2025 23:34

In what way is your husband unkind towards you?

As the husband on the receiving end of an affair my wife had. She had allsorts of justifications on how my unkindness went towards the affair.

Its all nonsense. It was just a way of trying to deflect extreme selfishness and guilt.

Ill give you some examples my wife gave to our marraige counselor when she tried justifying her actions. All of which were debuncked and thrown out through reason and it did actually sink in. It didnt when i said it but we had an amazing counselor who was far better with words.

I'd lost a job over a decade before and for a few months we struggled. That burden on her became a grudge and a reason.

Long before we were married we broke up briefly and she then said she was pregnant. The reason for the breakup was me not wanting kids.
I had a lot of childhood trauma and the thought of being a parent scared me as I had nothing to base good parenting on so I shut down and it took a few months to accept my new reality. Now being a parent is the single greatest thing to me. But that initial reaction was a grudge apparently held for 15 years.

I had a mental breakdown several years back from lots of stuff coming out related to my childhood trauma and horrific memories became unlocked. I saw a counselor and that helped.
But the hidden memories it turns out my wife thought I was lying and knew about them because how could you forget something like that. And that was another grudge held where I was unkind.

We stopped sleeping together because she was suffering from depression and had asked me to respect her lack of confidence and wait until she felt comfortable enough again to initiate anything. But me respecting her feelings and basing our marriage on more than sex was me not making her feel wanted.

My point is. What has he done to you that is so unkind that you would willingly tear his heart out?

Because that is what it feels like when you find out your wife is sleeping with another man. Going on dayes with another man. Sharing thise close moments with another man when you have received nothing but rejection.

It leaves you utterly hollow and broken. I've experienced deaths of close friends and family unexpectedly that hurt far less.

Grief isnt a strong enough word to describe the complete destruction in your sense of self, confidence or mind.

I shattered a bone in my ankle and had it misdiagnosed leaving me walking on a broken foot for years. I had my arm torn apart by a dog. So I am very aware of extreme pain and those do not compare to the pain of finding out your wife has been having an affair.

So please explain what it is he has done to deserve this? If he makes you unhappy you should have stood up, had some respect and left him. Instead you took the selfish path.

I guarantee it is the same for your partner and his wife. Whatever he tells you you are looking at through the glasses of a liar and a cheat. You see your own justifications in him.

Nothing stays secret forever. One day your husband will find out. And until that day you will be waiting and wondering if he knows or when will he know. Maybe your partner isnt as good at keeping quiet and his wife finds out and tells your husband. Maybe you make the slip. Perhaps as I did. He just figures it out.

Tell him now. Save yourself the worry that I hope eats at you.

Notrees · 04/11/2025 23:48

@AnonymouseDad I'm so sorry you went through that. I'm not sure what OP has experienced with her husband. It could be very much worse than your experiences, or not. I think, as other posters have pointed out is that the thing she risks most is the relationship with her kids. She waits until they're 'old enough' and they resent her for making their lives feel like a sham, putting up with a miserable atmosphere at home, abuse. Maybe they are mindless droids and they'll just think "well that's done, let's move on". Although I think not. Maybe they don't like their mum much already, and she's scared that they'd choose their dad. All unknown as it's not been disclosed. What it does seem though, is that OP does care about their outcome, so maybe that should be good enough reason to knock this on the head.

Thewookiemustgo · 05/11/2025 00:07

bumptybum · 04/11/2025 21:13

You make out that this unkind husband is somehow a victim

He’s a victim of his wife’s ongoing betrayal and about to be used in a fake marriage for another five to ten years if he doesn’t find out.
Hes 50% responsible for the state of his marriage, absolutely, OP, who no doubt by her current standards is a long suffering saint, (not) is responsible for the other 50%, but he’s not at all to blame for his wife’s infidelity. Not one bit.
She chose deception over honesty. That’s 100% on her, so yes, even if he’s an unkind husband, he’s still a victim of betrayal and infidelity. Nobody deserves that. Everyone deserves honesty in relationships.

Swipe left for the next trending thread