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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

Did I cheat?

20 replies

TheCoolPinkLurker · 05/05/2026 18:26

I 21f have been with partner, 22m for 4 years. On and off at times, long distance now and then, but did live together nearly 2 years of that time. We were each others first everything, but were toxic and come from different backgrounds.

It came to a point it became physical, he did hide things in the beginning from me, he grew increasingly angry when living together and destroyed my stuff at times, threatened my dog, left me bloodied and bruised many times. But I reacted retroactively myself at times too. I moved across the country and couldn’t find work and had no friends or family so no one knows except a friend.

He knows how wrong it was and that he doesn’t deserve me. I feel immense attachment to him. I converted faiths and was ready to marry the guy. I still really want it to be him one day but I know if I don’t cut it off for good if true change can happen. Anyway, I moved away 4 months ago with the last bit of money in my account and just told everyone I was tired of being without work, and have been doing well on my own.

he’s saying he’s planning to move back for me within WEEKS now, and do anything for me. I broke up with him for good cut him off for one whole week- and I slept with someone else. He met me organically, made me feel young beautiful and appreciated. And we met up a couple times. I know it was fast, but I didn’t regret it at the time. Until BF came to my place begging and crying on his knees with flowers handwritten letters and promises.

I was overcome with emotions I wanted to be cut off completely for some time but I gave in and was intimate with him and we spent a night together went out to dinner and spoke like normal again it felt great and I know it’s not healthy but it felt right in the moment. He asked me during intimacy if I was only his, and how beautiful we’ve only ever been with eachother. And when I was drunk he asked me if I had been with anyone else and I lied to his face.

I need any and all advice, experiences , perspectives I can get. I feel guilty for having done that and lying to him— and being the kind of person he is if I’m ever honest about it even given the circumstances I feel he’d be completely closed off to reconciliation, is this a test for him of true change staying despite what happened ? Or will I be able to have distance and just say it happened another time further into the distance ? Can I die with this secret..? Thank you for your help.

OP posts:
TheFarmatLittletown · 05/05/2026 18:28

You need to get away from this horrible man. If he has left you 'bloodied and bruised' he is capable of killing you.

The sleeping with someone else while you were not together is the least of your worries.

Dugdale · 05/05/2026 18:28

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

DropOfffArtiste · 05/05/2026 18:29

Block this guy and have nothing more to do with him. He left you "bloodied and bruised". Do the freedom programme and spend some time on your own before getting together with anyone else.

ThatFairy · 05/05/2026 18:32

No you didn't cheat, but you could say you were unfaithful

BuffetTheDietSlayer · 05/05/2026 18:35

You’ve posted this at least 4 times across various websites in the space of 30mins. Why?

Arlanymor · 05/05/2026 18:39

He's a domestic abuser. If you can't break away without help then seek out help.

suburberphobe · 05/05/2026 18:49

@ThatFairy

You know nothing about violent men. Best not to comment, then.

Women are killed every day in violent relationships.

I managed to run to the far side of fuck you! Thanks to friends.

ThatFairy · 05/05/2026 18:56

@suburberphobe I wasn't commenting on that. Just answering OP's question on whether she cheated

NovemberMorn · 05/05/2026 19:03

You owe him nothing, not even the truth.
I would go so far as to say if you did tell him the truth you could be in danger of being bloodied, bruised, or a lot worse again.

ThatFairy · 05/05/2026 19:07

if you did tell him the truth you could be in danger of being bloodied, bruised, or a lot worse again

my thought on the matter

Freddiesfortune · 05/05/2026 19:21

Oh ffs. You ARE young OP. You need to either tell the police about this violent man or remove every single access point he has to you. He is vile and very dangerous

Endofyear · 05/05/2026 19:56

No you didn't cheat but none of that matters anyway.

What matters is that you want to be with a man who physically abused you. You would be very very foolish to stay with him. Men who hit women don't change and it will only get worse. You need to cut all contact with him. Work on yourself so that you understand that domestic violence and abuse is never ever acceptable.

Zanatdy · 05/05/2026 20:04

Please don’t go back there. He has not changed, and they always cry and beg and say they have changed. But they haven’t. Or maybe for a month, or two, then slowly it will start to creep back. They never change permanently. This guy is dangerous. Whatever you do, do not tell him about the other guy, for your own protection. Please speak to women’s aid; or other charities who can help you.

MrsTerryPratchett · 05/05/2026 20:35

Run.

Tillow4ever · 05/05/2026 20:44

What everyone else has said. You need to RUN. Block him, delete his number, make sure he can NEVER find you. He will only get worse. Did you see on the news about that man who went to his ex’s house with an explosive device and blew them both up? That could be your future if you continue down this path with him.

He is dangerous and should be reported to the police. Don’t tell him about the other guy. You were separated and it’s none of his business.

RawBloomers · 05/05/2026 20:51

As others have said, You need to find the courage to get and keep this man out of your life.

I am so glad, though, that you had the sense to lie to him about the other man you slept with. That was absolutely the best response.

Also, get some counseling. You need to work out why you want to be with someone who is so awful for you.

Samsdat · 05/05/2026 20:58

Please get out of this relationship as fast as you possibly can and seek therapy. You deserve better.

Sunshineandgrapefruit · 05/05/2026 21:12

Run as fast as you can in the opposite direction. He is abusive. He won't change.

ilovesleep6 · 05/05/2026 21:32

Good lord. Whether you cheated or not is totally immaterial, you need to get away from this man completely. And do NOT tell him about the other man, I fear your safety would be in danger if you do. Please please get some support, google domestic abuse services in your area, they will be able to help and signpost you.

ChamonixMountainBum · 05/05/2026 21:36

It came to a point it became physical, he did hide things in the beginning from me, he grew increasingly angry when living together and destroyed my stuff at times, threatened my dog, left me bloodied and bruised many times.

Stopped reading at this. Just get away from this man for good. Work on your self esteem and confidence before dating again.

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