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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

My friends husband is cheating

8 replies

SofiaJessica4 · 25/03/2026 23:42

Around 5 months ago I posted a thread about having found my friend's husband's profile on Bumble. It was an old profile but it seemed to be 'active' as his current address was showing.

At the time I told my friend about it, and it all seemed to be a misunderstanding, he had a Bumble BFF profile, they were fine and I let it go. He even thanked me for bringing it to her attention.

I had misgivings but it's not my business anyway. I get on well with the guy and was happy/hopeful that was the end of it. Well, my friend just called me because her husbands former lover contacted her and said her husband asked her for 'fun'. He'd met her a few days before for a (non erotic) massage - she's a masseuse. This was behind my friends back.

The reason I'm posting is I am messed up about this. I'm going through my own breakup at the moment and not feeling 100% steady. My own situation probably was for the best but is still exhausting. My ex is a 'fearful avoidant' attachment so there was a lot of push and pull. It's tiring. My friend is wondering if her marriage can be saved - can this guy change? He's 39. I don't think people change easily, neither does she. She's upset she is going to have to put in the work to fix things, if it is going to be fixed, as he won't take the lead on therapy etc on his own

Why are things so often this way? She's my closest friend, and I thought they were an example of a happy marriage. He always seems so loving towards her. Cooks for her and her friends. Dotes on her.

I'm really sad right now in general and I guess wanted to vent, hear from people. Also to hear that it doesn't have to be this way, that it doesn't always have to be so damn hard and complicated in relationship with men.

OP posts:
Pipersouth · 25/03/2026 23:46

He’s a cheating idiot and you will be shot as the messenger if you say that. She deserves better but doesn’t sound like she’ll want to hear it

Purplerubberducky · 25/03/2026 23:47

There is zero chance he’s going to change:(. She needs to come to terms with that. I’d bet my bottom dollar that he’s cheated before. Hope she gets rid.

NoCommentingFromNowOn · 26/03/2026 00:51

She's upset she is going to have to put in the work to fix things, if it is going to be fixed, as he won't take the lead on therapy etc on his own

My ex said he would arrange counselling (no other women, we split for other reasons) as I said that was his job to organise it. That was 23 years ago. I’m ready and waiting…….

MrThorpeHazell · 26/03/2026 10:35

Stay out of it.
Nobody will thank you whatever the outcome.

Farewelltothatid · 26/03/2026 10:44

I remember your thread about finding this guy on Bumble.
You did exactly the right thing telling your friend.
However I don't think that means you have not got a role as marriage councillor to your friend. If you have your own problems and are dealing with your own relationship breakup you really need to put yourself first and she needs to deal with this herself.
Fwiw I would never trust a man who openly dotes on his partner. To me its usually an act hiding something and allows him to get away with what is really going on.

Thatsthebottomline · 26/03/2026 14:06

MrThorpeHazell · 26/03/2026 10:35

Stay out of it.
Nobody will thank you whatever the outcome.

I agree. It can only end badly for you.

TheMoonlit · 26/03/2026 14:35

My opinion: this is a family matter, and you shouldn't get involved. Even with good intentions.
Yes, people are not perfect. Infidelity happens with both men and women. There are marriages where it is acceptable. There are spouses who know but pretend that everything is fine. There are those who are happy in ignorance.
There are no norms or rules here. If people are happy, then everything is right.
I follow this rule: in someone else's family, I only do what I am asked to do, nothing more.

Derbee · 26/03/2026 14:43

Stay out of it. Your friend is an idiot who got presented with a situation which she chose to ignore. She’s now wanting to single handedly save a marriage that her spouse doesn’t respect.

She’s in for a shit time. You either nod along sympathetically, or you tell her she deserves better than being married to a dickhead. Likely to take it out on you if she hears something she doesn’t like.

Or step away from the friendship. This is what I did eventually, in a similar situation. We were all there to pick up the pieces when he kept cheating during her pregnancy. Had the baby, he carried on. She decided to trust him, despite anyone’s advice. Found out during her second pregnancy that he was cheating again.

These men dont change. Don’t make it your problem

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