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Found out my husband had an affair. I don't know what to do

46 replies

ForQuickGreenLion · 11/10/2026 21:12

A few weeks ago a woman knocked on my door, handed me an envelope and said I need to read what was inside. She was his affair partner. She had written me a letter explaining everything. That she didn't know he was married at first, later down the line when feelings had already developed he told her that our marriage was dead and I think she truly believed this was an overlap situation. He told her he loved her. I don't hate her as I have friends who have met in situations like that, I'm aware life isn't black and white. She left her phone number and we had a brief phone call where I wanted to clear up some questions. She was very polite. In the envelope was also letters he'd written to her while we had been on holiday together. She also included screenshots where he says he loves her, she's different to everyone else and he feels like he bores me. There was also a message where she asked if he needed/wanted her to step back and he said "no not at all". If all this wasn't bad enough I also found out through her letter that a couple of years ago he took 12-18 months off work sick due to some disciplinary action. I did question her about this and what she says adds up. He told her I left for work before him, which I do, and he got home before me, which he did, so he just put his uniform in the wash bin. When she questioned him about the school holidays (as I work in a school) he told her he told me that he had banked up his annual leave, which is what he told me. She confirmed that they spent his birthday together and that was when they had their first kiss and she knew the name of the friend he had told me he'd gone with.

We've been together 37 years. He told her I got pregnant early and entrapped him but he was the one who persuaded me to come off the pill.

When I asked her why she told me now she said she had asked him if their relationship was building towards anything and his reply was something like "I've thought about leaving but all my stuffs tied up there and I'm happy to plod along". She said at that point she thought 'fuck him'. She didn't want to keep his secrets anymore. She didn't like feeling misled. She didn't like that his answer was selfish.

I don't know how to feel. I'm angry at them all and I can't stop crying. I don't want to hate anyone but I hate them both. I'm 63 and I feel it's too late to start again but how can I look at him now knowing what he did and what he's lied about. I just don't know where to begin or what the road ahead looks like. My worlds be turned upside now. I wish I never knew but also glad I know. I don't have anyone to speak to about this

OP posts:
crowow · 11/10/2026 21:16

Does he know that you know? So sorry, what an arsehole he is

cestlavielife · 11/10/2026 21:16

You are saying he took 12 to 18 months off work and you never knew?
Was he paid in full?

Gmhopkins · 11/10/2026 21:19

You won’t forgive him. It’ll corrode your sense of your life together. Start quietly imagining a life without him. While it’ll be very very difficult at first. Especially after this level of dishonesty. One day It’ll be a better life than this fake life.

Itsthewoluff · 11/10/2026 21:21

So he consistently lied for years about her and also going to work!
How awful for you, but you have no choice to end the marriage now surely? You will never be able to ever trust him again.

Boreded · 11/10/2026 21:23

💐

I’m sorry this happened to you, and I’m glad that she told you so that you can work out what to do next.

Personally I would divorce him, but you have to make that decision yourself. Sending you a handhold though

500mileslong · 11/10/2026 21:24

I’m so sorry, what an awful shock for you. Is there anyone you can tell, any family or friends at all? This is such a difficult thing to carry alone Flowers

TiramisuTastesDreamy · 11/10/2026 21:27

Simply sending a hug, what a massive shock to discover so much deceit on so many levels.

sillysusan · 11/10/2026 21:28

Aw darling this is awful, I couldn’t see past this, and I do have overcome infidelity by my DH. It’s took a hell of a lot of work but it was a shag not an affair, the vastness of his lies, I’m not sure how you could move through that.

Natty13 · 11/10/2026 21:29

She got sick of being strung along by him so told you because she she hoped you'd leave him and she could have him for herself. She was with him for how many years knowing he was married and said nothing? Only saying something because it affected HER.

Honestly, my marriage would be over. But I'd fuck over both of them before I called it. I'd let him convince me to stay together, I'd agree to work towards forgiveness, listen to any promises and excises he made and stay together...while quietly plotting an exit that suited me. If you kick him out now he'll just go straight to a relationship with her and they both win, taking the last of your dignity in the process. I'd let her find out she means nothing to him by having him choose his marriage, and as for him I'd blindside him later by leaving when he didn't expect it. You've been blindsided yourself - think strategically.

whippersnapper55 · 11/10/2026 21:34

I'm so sorry, what an awful shock 😔

He's quite the practiced liar, isn't he? The depths of his deception and betrayal are hard to fathom.

For what it's worth, I don't think 63 is too late to start again. I think you could have a perfectly nice life without him. You are at an age where you can please yourself, no dependants and free to pursue anything that takes your fancy - a fresh start in a city, the country or by the sea, volunteering, hobbies, travel, new friends - the possibilities are endless. Don't let fear hold you back, life has lots of opportunities and adventures to offer you.

I hope you have friends and family to lean on. Don't feel shame or embarrassment, tell people who can support you what's going on. The shame is all his - you have done nothing wrong.

Take some time to think about what you really want in the next chapter of your life. You don't have to rush to a decision. But I would have a very hard time forgiving what he's done.

ForQuickGreenLion · 11/10/2026 21:36

cestlavielife · 11/10/2026 21:16

You are saying he took 12 to 18 months off work and you never knew?
Was he paid in full?

I honestly had no idea. He only worked part time and nothing flagged up

OP posts:
ForQuickGreenLion · 11/10/2026 21:36

Itsthewoluff · 11/10/2026 21:21

So he consistently lied for years about her and also going to work!
How awful for you, but you have no choice to end the marriage now surely? You will never be able to ever trust him again.

The affair was only a few months but it's still broke me

OP posts:
NortieTortie · 11/10/2026 21:40

I'm so sorry. I'd absolutely hate them both and feel no guilt about it. This kind of long term cheating - the manipulation, depth of the deceit, putting your health at risk etc - is inherently abusive imo. What kind of sick freak makes the decision to betray someone on that level, someone they're meant to love and protect above all others?

Be careful. The OW is not your friend and your husband will be in damage control mode.

There is no right or wrong way to feel right now. Give yourself time to digest the news before making any decisions. Look up hysterical bonding, it can hit HARD. Ideally get counselling when you're ready 💐

moderate · 11/10/2026 21:43

ForQuickGreenLion · 11/10/2026 21:36

The affair was only a few months but it's still broke me

Does he know you know?

BeardySchnauzer · 11/10/2026 21:43

Are you the breadwinner? His reason for staying seems to be that he has an easy life. I think you need to consider if he makes your life any easier because I suspect he doesn’t and this might be what you need to break free and look after yourself

Superhumanfemale · 11/10/2026 21:55

My heart goes out to you. This is such a betrayal of your trust. Only you know how you feel about him in your heart. Is this someone your future self will enjoy growing older with. Can you take your time and see how your feelings clarify once you get over the shock. You can then make some decisions about what you want. These things are awful and shocking but you absolutely will be ok ❤️

wildnwilde · 11/10/2026 22:48

Oh god you both need to fuck him off and become friends

caffelatte100 · 11/10/2026 23:36

Natty13 · 11/10/2026 21:29

She got sick of being strung along by him so told you because she she hoped you'd leave him and she could have him for herself. She was with him for how many years knowing he was married and said nothing? Only saying something because it affected HER.

Honestly, my marriage would be over. But I'd fuck over both of them before I called it. I'd let him convince me to stay together, I'd agree to work towards forgiveness, listen to any promises and excises he made and stay together...while quietly plotting an exit that suited me. If you kick him out now he'll just go straight to a relationship with her and they both win, taking the last of your dignity in the process. I'd let her find out she means nothing to him by having him choose his marriage, and as for him I'd blindside him later by leaving when he didn't expect it. You've been blindsided yourself - think strategically.

This could actually work quite well - it's pretty clever.

Not only would you be dealing with the pair of these cheaters, but it would also allow you more time to get your ducks in a row, see a lawyer and plan financially going forward. I am so sorry that you find yourself in this situation.

MyMilchick · 12/10/2026 14:17

I don't think I could ever forgive an actual affair, one that requires him to look you in the face and lie like that. Not mention him basically saying he's only staying because of financial reasons. It would be over for me

favouriteflowers · 12/10/2026 14:23

Natty13 · 11/10/2026 21:29

She got sick of being strung along by him so told you because she she hoped you'd leave him and she could have him for herself. She was with him for how many years knowing he was married and said nothing? Only saying something because it affected HER.

Honestly, my marriage would be over. But I'd fuck over both of them before I called it. I'd let him convince me to stay together, I'd agree to work towards forgiveness, listen to any promises and excises he made and stay together...while quietly plotting an exit that suited me. If you kick him out now he'll just go straight to a relationship with her and they both win, taking the last of your dignity in the process. I'd let her find out she means nothing to him by having him choose his marriage, and as for him I'd blindside him later by leaving when he didn't expect it. You've been blindsided yourself - think strategically.

I think this is a great response but I’m afraid the mental strength it would take would be beyond me. I’m so sorry this has happened to you. You seem such a level headed person. However I agree she has only told you because it affects her. That makes her as bad as him in my book. Sending hugs and positivity

Goaliestar · 12/10/2026 15:35

What is your housing and finance situation?

Lsquiggles · 12/10/2026 15:46

What a spineless liar, I'm so sorry he's done this to you.

user1464187087 · 12/10/2026 15:53

ForQuickGreenLion · 11/10/2026 21:12

A few weeks ago a woman knocked on my door, handed me an envelope and said I need to read what was inside. She was his affair partner. She had written me a letter explaining everything. That she didn't know he was married at first, later down the line when feelings had already developed he told her that our marriage was dead and I think she truly believed this was an overlap situation. He told her he loved her. I don't hate her as I have friends who have met in situations like that, I'm aware life isn't black and white. She left her phone number and we had a brief phone call where I wanted to clear up some questions. She was very polite. In the envelope was also letters he'd written to her while we had been on holiday together. She also included screenshots where he says he loves her, she's different to everyone else and he feels like he bores me. There was also a message where she asked if he needed/wanted her to step back and he said "no not at all". If all this wasn't bad enough I also found out through her letter that a couple of years ago he took 12-18 months off work sick due to some disciplinary action. I did question her about this and what she says adds up. He told her I left for work before him, which I do, and he got home before me, which he did, so he just put his uniform in the wash bin. When she questioned him about the school holidays (as I work in a school) he told her he told me that he had banked up his annual leave, which is what he told me. She confirmed that they spent his birthday together and that was when they had their first kiss and she knew the name of the friend he had told me he'd gone with.

We've been together 37 years. He told her I got pregnant early and entrapped him but he was the one who persuaded me to come off the pill.

When I asked her why she told me now she said she had asked him if their relationship was building towards anything and his reply was something like "I've thought about leaving but all my stuffs tied up there and I'm happy to plod along". She said at that point she thought 'fuck him'. She didn't want to keep his secrets anymore. She didn't like feeling misled. She didn't like that his answer was selfish.

I don't know how to feel. I'm angry at them all and I can't stop crying. I don't want to hate anyone but I hate them both. I'm 63 and I feel it's too late to start again but how can I look at him now knowing what he did and what he's lied about. I just don't know where to begin or what the road ahead looks like. My worlds be turned upside now. I wish I never knew but also glad I know. I don't have anyone to speak to about this

I'm so sorry OP, that's awful.
Also I doubt she has told you to do you any favours. She will be hoping that you kick him out and he goes running to her.

user1464187087 · 12/10/2026 15:59

wildnwilde · 11/10/2026 22:48

Oh god you both need to fuck him off and become friends

Hardly, I strongly suspect the other woman has not done this out of kindness to the OP.
She want's the OP to kick him out and then she can have him to herself.
Nothing friendly about that. Nasty is the word I would use.
The husband sounds very cruel to have done this.

WallaceinAnderland · 12/10/2026 16:06

What is your financial situation? He is not earning but presumably living off savings or pension that you might have a claim on. Likewise, he might be able to claim some of your pension. Do you own or rent your home?

Don't carry on just because it's difficult to split. You need to know what life would actually look life for you if you were single.