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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

what to say to friend whose husband left for second time

3 replies

Mummyjoon · 12/01/2010 21:35

my friend's DH had an affair very shortly after birth of DS1. He moved in with other woman.
I listened and supported, expecting them to resolve things and get back together.

They did and had DD.

A year and half on he's had several affairs and she is organising a divorce. We were friends for many years and i liked her DH.

She made no effort to maintain friendship when they got back together, why? I don't know. Maybe embarrassed at what i'd been privy to.

She has now contacted me, first time in 1 and 1/2 years. Meeting up tomorrow.

So glad she felt she still has a supportive friend in me but unsure what to say- i stayed on the fence at times because she so desperately wanted to get back together.

want to support & help unsure how!

OP posts:
dollius · 12/01/2010 21:39

Just be there for her.
I know it's annoying, but just this once she really needs a rock to support her.
She trusts you. She tried to give her marriage a chance and it failed. Just make sure she doesn't let herself believe it was her fault.
You are a good friend.

Mummyjoon · 12/01/2010 21:45

Thank u dollius!
She probably wants someone who knows her really well to just listen without judgement.

It's hard to just listen without offering opinions & 'resolve' things but i think that would be best.
Thank u for the advice

OP posts:
dollius · 12/01/2010 21:59

Yes, definitely just listen. If you feel the urge to say something, try to "reflect back" what she has been saying to you in the previous few minutes - ie, summarise what she has said in your own words and ask if she agrees with you on that.
It will make her feel supported.
Good luck.

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