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Topic : Infidelity

Number of Replies: 4804
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Created on : Friday, July 01, 2005, 05:02:24 pm
Author : dataimport
Has your partner been unfaithful? Have you been the one to stray? Share your advice and support with others that have experienced infidelity.

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October 4, 2007, 8:59 am PDT

Get marriage counseling

Quote From: cuteebrownsuga

Good Morning, I need some advise on two things but right now the first thing? My marriage i am at a lost right now not knowing if i should stay or live my husband. My heart say stay but my mind say go. I live my husband but i am not happy as much as i try to make myself happy it does not work for me. First me and my husband have been friend for about ten years and we started talking about family October 2005 and in February of 2006 we got married so after we had a son. In my seventh month i believe my husband cheated on me but he says other wise but his action says another at that time. I brought in to his attention because i was upset about the texts i found but he denied them. My husband was in the hospital and he was diagnosed with diabetes and i was devastated he was in the hospital for two weeks in ICU. But later got out and is living with it as of right now. But my issue is my husband has not been helping me out and whenever i bring it to his attention he says he paying me back for when i was on Maternity leave sitting around doing nothing.Which i told him was unfair because i was having his child. Also my husband thinks it s okay too chat on the singles phone lines to different girls he says that i dint give him attention so he gets it from others also mt husband receives texts from women on there body parts,etc.... He says he receives them but don't send them but i have looked in his phones and have seen different. My question is I'm i being wrong or right what should i do? I have even contemplated divorce not just because of this but its other things as well.
 Your situation is in a downward spiral and it's not going to get better unless you two both decide that it's worth it to find some answers. You have a child now, you owe to that dependent little soul to heal the rifts between you. Don't throw away your marriage until you have done some work to try to fix it. The work you do to right things is never regretted, no matter how things turn out in the end. You will always gain some benefits in areas of knowing yourself and in communication with others.
 
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October 4, 2007, 9:03 am PDT

Hello

Quote From: girlmoveon

Ive been married for 12 years to my husband, we have two children ages 11 and 5.  I am working full-time and I travel for work frequently. Two days after my 35th birthday, I found out he has been seeing another woman who is married as well. They have known each other for 4 years when the other woman was still single and it got serious in the last two years, with the woman being married and have two little children at the same time.  

He has been seeing this other woman only once in a while because she lives in another city. Even though he has only been seeing her for quite some time they exchange e-mails, calls each other on the phone or mobile, sends SMS and chats over the internet - so there is communciation goinng on, with this he said he is in love with her and not in love with me. He said it has nothing to do with methat its him. He said I he loves me but does not want to hurt me anymore.  As far as the other woman, it seems like she wants out of her marriage as well as my husband tells me that other woman is out filling for a divorce and showed him the papers.

The day of dicovery, I asked him to go home to his mother while we think things thru but the next thing I knew on that very same day he went with other woman looking for an apartment together and that they will be living together. The other woman's husband is not in the country and their two children are living in the country in a house together with the other woman's parents.

Its been two and a half months now and my husband does not call, he does not even call to check our children. He had emotionally shut himself off even from his brother, sister , parents, cousins and even friends - he just doesn't want to talk. I take the initiave to call him, i take it in stride showing a very postive outlook - but i can feel that we is still very distant so its been three weeks now and i have not communicated with him.  The last time we talked he even asked to whom have it told it already - after this time he still expects it to be a secret.

As for myself, i have started focusing on myself and my two children. I have gone back to the gym and working on my physical strength. I continue to do best at work, though i have let my office know what i am going through at the moment and I have been getting great support.  It is very very tough trying to plan our lives without my husband in the picture. I sulk in everynow and then but i know i need to be strong.  We are moving to another state this November. I am currently looking for a house and i just can't help but think about him, hence this message board - i am in one of those days =(

Part of the roller-coster ride is going back to being confused and uncertainty. I love my husband more than anything in the world and I tell myself that as long as i still feel strongly about him I would continually to do my part on trying to save the marriage, keep the communication lines open but as he is not responsive to any of this, i feel so down about what is happening.

I am totally stressed out. Please help.

I am writing only because I am partially in the same situation. But i have learned that you should never think you are the cause of your husband cheating because it them he may lack in self esteem or don't feel good about himself to cheat on his wife. So my advise too you is the advice i give my self you need to think about you and your kids because the truth is they need you more and you have to be strong for them.

 

I hope you and your kids be okay?

 
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October 4, 2007, 9:24 am PDT

Thanks for the Advice

Quote From: ritehere

 Your situation is in a downward spiral and it's not going to get better unless you two both decide that it's worth it to find some answers. You have a child now, you owe to that dependent little soul to heal the rifts between you. Don't throw away your marriage until you have done some work to try to fix it. The work you do to right things is never regretted, no matter how things turn out in the end. You will always gain some benefits in areas of knowing yourself and in communication with others.

I dont think he will go because he says they just be in his bussiness.

 
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October 4, 2007, 9:27 am PDT

hubby

Quote From: cuteebrownsuga

Good Morning, I need some advise on two things but right now the first thing? My marriage i am at a lost right now not knowing if i should stay or live my husband. My heart say stay but my mind say go. I live my husband but i am not happy as much as i try to make myself happy it does not work for me. First me and my husband have been friend for about ten years and we started talking about family October 2005 and in February of 2006 we got married so after we had a son. In my seventh month i believe my husband cheated on me but he says other wise but his action says another at that time. I brought in to his attention because i was upset about the texts i found but he denied them. My husband was in the hospital and he was diagnosed with diabetes and i was devastated he was in the hospital for two weeks in ICU. But later got out and is living with it as of right now. But my issue is my husband has not been helping me out and whenever i bring it to his attention he says he paying me back for when i was on Maternity leave sitting around doing nothing.Which i told him was unfair because i was having his child. Also my husband thinks it s okay too chat on the singles phone lines to different girls he says that i dint give him attention so he gets it from others also mt husband receives texts from women on there body parts,etc.... He says he receives them but don't send them but i have looked in his phones and have seen different. My question is I'm i being wrong or right what should i do? I have even contemplated divorce not just because of this but its other things as well.
Please know that NONE of your husband’s actions have anything to do with you; it isn’t your fault. The reason he sits around doing nothing is NOT because he’s “getting you back for being on maternity leave..” The reason is because he can, he knows that you’ll tolerate it and that you’ll stay. If you need things to change, you’ve got to be vocal about what you want. When he brings up those lame excuses- saying he’s getting you back for this/that; or that it is your fault, do not take the bait and change the subject to defend yourself. That is exactly what he wants you to do! When you bring up something that bothers you, he blames it on you, then, you defend yourself; so you lose the original topic, correct? In the future, when he gives you those excuses, saying it is your fault, etc., remind yourself to not take that bait, to stay on the original topic. You simply want him to take out the trash, maybe run the vacuum; why is that so hard?
It sounds like you have more issues than him not helping around the house. But, I have some other advice on how to try to get him to help out. This is what I’ve had to do, I use the “validation” method. It is when you say something like this, “Hon, I appreciate all that you do for our family. Could you please take out the trash and help pick up the house today? If we work together, it won’t take long. *child’s name* and I love you so much!” and then, leave the room to go start picking up. If he doesn’t follow, you’ve got a big problem on your hands. If he does follow, then use this method whenever you need some help- I know, I know, it makes me gag to have to talk like a baby sometimes to my husband, but I have discovered that we all need to hear that we are appreciated sometimes. That is, if we are the type of person who wants to help out our partner; your hubby might not be that type. I wish you the best!
 
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October 5, 2007, 7:29 am PDT

Listen to what you are saying-

Quote From: cuteebrownsuga

I dont think he will go because he says they just be in his bussiness.

 You "don't think he will go".  So you're going to let your marriage go down the tubes because you're not even willing to ask him to get some help with you? You're just going to let your child's future with a daddy fizzle away because of an assumption you've made about how your husband thinks?!
You deserve better from yourself, and your child certainly does too.
You are not a mind-reader, how do you know your husband is going to say no? And so what if he does? At least you made the effort! At least you made a passing attempt to do the right thing! At least you won't beat yourself up in the future for not taking a chance when you had the opportunity!
Girl, where's your gumption, your assertiveness, your sense of self respect and preservation? If you can't find the pluck to make valid requests of your husband, how in the world are you going to handle a teenager some day?
 
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October 6, 2007, 3:47 pm PDT

Infidelity

Quote From: sandy0914

I'm glad that you have come to your senses ad realied that this affair needs to end.  Not only are you short changing yourself by being with a man who is already taken, but think of what his wife will go through should she ever find out.  Put yourself in her place, would you want your husband sleeping around on you? 

He was your professor and broke that code of ethics which shows  his lack of morals, character and values.  Any man who would cheat on his wife will cheat on his GF as well.   I'm not sure why you are so confused as to how you will break this off... Pretty simply.  He's married, it should have never happened in the first place and you need to find a man who is available.  Learn a lesson from this, stay away from the married ones, there are plenty of single guys out there. 

  Nothing involving the heart is simple - right or wrong. 

 

 
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October 6, 2007, 7:29 pm PDT

Do I Call it Quits.....

Hi everyone. After almost 11 years of marriage I am at a loss on what to do. My hubby has left our family more times than I can count. The easiest way for me to begin to describe things is that he lives in this odd little world. It started a long time ago between us where he would just take off for a weekend when he got angry about things. Once the whole computer age took over it turned into chatting with women and viewing porn. This seems to be sporadic but consistent. Often he blamed our relationship issues on one of my children (sorry he knew I had them when he met me......) Two years ago he moved out and I caught him attempting to cheat with a woman. She was furious as he had deceived her too. His world is not just the whole sex issue but he used to lie and tell stories that he was in a war etc.....Once again I recently I found him online on swinger sites and in his email he had set up meetings that he swears he has not followed through on. (he had a stroke almost a month ago and his business trips were cancelled so his meetings went down the drain) He had the guts to tell me he didn't know if we were together or not. (ummmm-I live here and so do you etc....Marriage is a yes or no answer in my book)  He later wrote me a letter apologizing for his behavior and acknowledges that he has a problem and has had it for years long before he ever met me. He feels remorseful but has done little to get help. Together we have a daughter who adores him and of course she is the ultimate concern for me. I hate to  tear up her world but I can only play pretend for so long. The pain is beyond words and I do truly pity him at this point. After his stunt two years ago I am not so quick to forgive but I truly do have religious beliefs that make me want to hold on a well. Where do  I stand with God and what about unconditional love vs self respect, mentally, emotionally and physically? Any help is appreciated...Thanks!
 
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October 6, 2007, 8:39 pm PDT

Done little to get help?

Quote From: jelebean1

Hi everyone. After almost 11 years of marriage I am at a loss on what to do. My hubby has left our family more times than I can count. The easiest way for me to begin to describe things is that he lives in this odd little world. It started a long time ago between us where he would just take off for a weekend when he got angry about things. Once the whole computer age took over it turned into chatting with women and viewing porn. This seems to be sporadic but consistent. Often he blamed our relationship issues on one of my children (sorry he knew I had them when he met me......) Two years ago he moved out and I caught him attempting to cheat with a woman. She was furious as he had deceived her too. His world is not just the whole sex issue but he used to lie and tell stories that he was in a war etc.....Once again I recently I found him online on swinger sites and in his email he had set up meetings that he swears he has not followed through on. (he had a stroke almost a month ago and his business trips were cancelled so his meetings went down the drain) He had the guts to tell me he didn't know if we were together or not. (ummmm-I live here and so do you etc....Marriage is a yes or no answer in my book)  He later wrote me a letter apologizing for his behavior and acknowledges that he has a problem and has had it for years long before he ever met me. He feels remorseful but has done little to get help. Together we have a daughter who adores him and of course she is the ultimate concern for me. I hate to  tear up her world but I can only play pretend for so long. The pain is beyond words and I do truly pity him at this point. After his stunt two years ago I am not so quick to forgive but I truly do have religious beliefs that make me want to hold on a well. Where do  I stand with God and what about unconditional love vs self respect, mentally, emotionally and physically? Any help is appreciated...Thanks!
"..has done little to get help." To me, thats not really interested in changing. It's one thing to admit you have a problem. It's something else to make the decision that he is not going to cause any more pain, and is going to find some way to heal.

It appears he is not there yet - which is unfortunate. He needs professional counciling (impulse control issues, among others).

I know this takes a lot of strength on your part and I wish you the best.

Chris
 
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October 7, 2007, 12:15 pm PDT

Thanks for the input.......

Quote From: youngins

"..has done little to get help." To me, thats not really interested in changing. It's one thing to admit you have a problem. It's something else to make the decision that he is not going to cause any more pain, and is going to find some way to heal.

It appears he is not there yet - which is unfortunate. He needs professional counciling (impulse control issues, among others).

I know this takes a lot of strength on your part and I wish you the best.

Chris

I have to make some difficult decisions for sure. My mom is 400 miles away battling  breast cancer and my two older children have already  flown the coop and are in college with one being married herself.  I still have a 16 year old (from a previous marriage) at home as well as the 8 year old. If I could keep my 16 year old in this town so he can get through high school for at least this year I would go support my mom through her battle, which would help me get away from here as well. At least I would be appreciated there! I wanted to be with her months ago but stayed to take care of my hubby since his health is poor.  Life is short ya know! I totally agree when you say hubby is not seeking to change his issues. I have waited nearly a month for him to call for help. (and yes he has had physical issues but he can dial phone.....) I refuse to do it for him. That is something that is not my place to do. It is so difficult to love someone so much and want to hold them on one hand and on the other want to vomit on their shoes!

 

"I believe that everything happens for a reason-usually that reason is that somebody screwed up! "

 

Thanks so much for  your support. It really helps!

 

ANGIE

 

 

 

 
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October 12, 2007, 5:30 am PDT

I have questions...

Quote From: jelebean1

Hi everyone. After almost 11 years of marriage I am at a loss on what to do. My hubby has left our family more times than I can count. The easiest way for me to begin to describe things is that he lives in this odd little world. It started a long time ago between us where he would just take off for a weekend when he got angry about things. Once the whole computer age took over it turned into chatting with women and viewing porn. This seems to be sporadic but consistent. Often he blamed our relationship issues on one of my children (sorry he knew I had them when he met me......) Two years ago he moved out and I caught him attempting to cheat with a woman. She was furious as he had deceived her too. His world is not just the whole sex issue but he used to lie and tell stories that he was in a war etc.....Once again I recently I found him online on swinger sites and in his email he had set up meetings that he swears he has not followed through on. (he had a stroke almost a month ago and his business trips were cancelled so his meetings went down the drain) He had the guts to tell me he didn't know if we were together or not. (ummmm-I live here and so do you etc....Marriage is a yes or no answer in my book)  He later wrote me a letter apologizing for his behavior and acknowledges that he has a problem and has had it for years long before he ever met me. He feels remorseful but has done little to get help. Together we have a daughter who adores him and of course she is the ultimate concern for me. I hate to  tear up her world but I can only play pretend for so long. The pain is beyond words and I do truly pity him at this point. After his stunt two years ago I am not so quick to forgive but I truly do have religious beliefs that make me want to hold on a well. Where do  I stand with God and what about unconditional love vs self respect, mentally, emotionally and physically? Any help is appreciated...Thanks!
 Over the course of your 11 year marriage you say your husband has left you "more times than you can count."  He has also been active with inappropriate chatting and porn on the internet.  2 years ago you "caught him attempting to cheat with a woman."  He has always lied to you.
You say that you hate to tear up your daughter's world, but you can only "play pretend for so long." You say that after his stunt 2 years ago you are not so quick to forgive but you have religious beliefs that make you want to hold on. You ask where do you stand with God, what about unconditional love vs self respect?

This is what I'm wondering: has all of this taken on urgency now that your husband has had a stroke?
Your last question is a valid one and one that you should have been asking the second or third time your husband left you because he couldn't deal with whatever argument you were having. Where is your self respect? And where was your self respect when you found porn and the other things on the computer?
You say you are not quick to forgive, but what did you do about these immature and selfish things your husband was doing?
And last, if he is leaving you all the time and cheating on you, what kind of role model is he for your daughter? What are YOU teaching her? That it's OK for men to treat women this way?

I'm sorry, I know you have your plate full at the moment, and his cheating is not your fault. What is your fault is letting him get away with it all these years. Letting him strip away your self respect and dignity to the point that now that he is in a health crisis you have no pity for him and are considering leaving him. I guess he must have had some redeeming quality before, that kept you around even though he did the things he did. What has changed now that he has had a stroke? You have "played pretend" for 11 years, what is different now?
 
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