View Full Version : Stay or Go?
giggles96
Apr 7, 2006, 11:41 AM
My husband and I have been married for 11 months. I recently discovered that he's been talking to another woman behind my back (the second time in three months and a different woman from the first time). The first time this happened he explained that he was talking to her for a friend. I let it go and he promised to be more open and honest with me. However, three days ago I discovered another woman's number in his cell phone. The phone records show that he always talks to her during the day or early evening, when I'm not around. There were also several calls where I remember him telling me he was talking to one of his guy friends, but the records disprove that. I confronted him and he explained she is just a friend. But then why the secrecy? I also found evidence that doesn't match up with an explanation he gave me about his whereabouts one particular day and the phone records confirm that he had called her the night before. I am so confused and don't know if I should leave him. He swears that he has never cheated on me, but keeping secrets and lying is, in my eyes, cheating. If something is totally innocent, why hide it? I don't know if I'll ever be able to trust him again and what is a marriage without trust? I am so scared of being hurt by this again.
Depressed in MO
Apr 7, 2006, 12:43 PM
Sorry to be so blunt, but he is cheating. I could share some similar stories with you. I am still with my guy who cheats on me all the time-they will continue to do so even after being caught several times.
It's not easy no matter which way you go. I'm so sorry.
CaptainForest
Apr 7, 2006, 01:00 PM
I see 2 options here
1) He is cheating on you
2) You are a jealous wife
Here is a question for you. Are you the type of person that will get all jealous and go off on him for having a platonic relationship with a female friend?
If the answer is YES, then perhaps he is just keeping ot from you to avoid a fight.
However, if the answer is NO, then odds are he is cheating on you.
Unfortunately, cheating in marriages does occur.
I saw on the TV last night that Actor Donald Sutherland had an affair with Jane Fonda back in the 1970s. Sad really, I mean, why would you try and piss off Tommy Douglas by cheating on his daughter?
Back to the point, I think he is cheating on you. First time, maybe an innocent mistake. But a second time and you have proof he is lying to you? All the red flags are there.
Depressed in MO
Apr 7, 2006, 01:22 PM
You are married! He should not be talking to any females except for you, with the exception of relatives or someone that you knew he was close friends with before you were all married. I firmly believe that oppositte sex close friendship-relationships (if you will) should involve both you and your husband having the same friendship with this person. The fact that you don't know this person and he has been hiding it from you goes to show that he is doing something wrong-even if he is not sleeping with her... yet.
I know most of what I just typed is not understandable, but the last part of it is and I am telling you-she is getting the better part of him, not you.
kp2171
Apr 7, 2006, 01:39 PM
You are married! He should not be talking to any females except for you, with the exception of relatives or someone that you knew he was close friends with before you were all married.
As a husband in a healthy, happy relationship... married for 6 strong years and many to come, i could not disagree with you more.
Obviously a person needs to be aware of anything that takes vital energy away from the relationship... but to say that you should have no friendship with another person of opposite sex that you meet after marriage... well, that's just absolutely sad. If you cannot trust your spouse, then you married the wrong person (one who shouldn't have taken the vows) or you shouldn't have been married in the first place (for the lack of an ability to trust).
My wife and I spend a lot of time on our relationship... and this does make it less likely that you would have the time to begin a lot of new friendships, especially meaningful ones... but... I don't know... maybe my relationship is strange... if my wife goes out and has a drink with a guy from work or wherever... fine. She's coming home to me.
And I say this as a guy who has been cheated on my two previous gf's... in relationships that were 6 years and 2 years along. You find the right person and you're both dedicated to your vows... everything else then is easy.
Depressed in mo - I know your situation has been bad. I've read your posts and given you advice. But I think you've also chosen to be with a person who wasn't trustworthy over and over.
To tell a newly married person her husband is cheating, period, is just projecting your frustrations onto others. He might be. She might also be a really insecure person... and it sounds to me like she's a little obsessed with tracking this guys every move.
Moments like this are when I'm glad I'm married to my wife.
talaniman
Apr 7, 2006, 01:40 PM
Way back in the 70's when my wife and I first got together I introduced her to all of my female friends and to my surprise they became her friends as well and now 30 years later we all can get together for picnics, concerts, and almost any social event. My point is if there is nothing to hide then then don't act guilty by hiding something. It's a good rule of thumb for me that if I can't tell my wife then maybe I shouldn't do it. :cool: :rolleyes:
Depressed in MO
Apr 7, 2006, 01:49 PM
KP-thanks for the reply but no need to attack.
The guy is lying to her. She said so. That is why I said all that I said. Had that not have been mentioned, I would not have shared my thought because I wouldn't have thought that way.
There is nothing wrong with being friends with the oppositte sex after marriage, but both husband and wife should know about it. It's common courtesy so that nothing embarrassing happens say for example: your wife is having a drink with a guy co worker at a local bar after work. She didn't tell you... you just happen to go in with some of your buddies and have a drink yourself-oh-there she is. Even though nothing may be going on, it looks bad and it is disrespectful.
s_cianci
Apr 7, 2006, 03:58 PM
You are correct in that if everything is on the up-and-up then there's no need to hide anything. He is guilty of cheating, in spirit if not literally. I'd give him an ultimatum ; either them or you. If he insists on having his lady "friends" then it's without you in his life. Start networking to find a good divorce lawyer just in case. You've been married for only 11 months so hopefully you don't have any children yet. Hopefully he'll get the message and come to his senses and end it with these other women.
phillysteakandcheese
Apr 7, 2006, 04:16 PM
Let's not jump to conclusions just yet... Talking is not cheating.
There's not a lot of information in your post, but it sounds like you have other reasons to think your new husband is cheating.
Did something happen while you were dating, or was "talking" actually "cheating" last time?
kp2171
Apr 7, 2006, 08:45 PM
Omg
How freakin sexist is it to say a guy cannot be friends with a girl if married.
I know men can cheat. I know women can cheat. Believe me, I know that.
But if you think the only reason why a guy should hang with a friend that is a girl is to get a piece... I know it happens... but maybe this is why the divorce rate is so high. Not because of cheating, but because of screwed of conceptions about right and wrong and what makes a good marriage.
Those of you who say he's cheating... why isn't the idea of the wife being overly nosy and suspicious even a possibility? Is it possible that there is a self esteem issue? Even remotely? Before you declare the marriage burning down in flames why not think through ALL the possibilities?
never thought i'd be labeled a bad husband because i have a friend who has a uterus.
Unbelievable.
aqua@home
Apr 7, 2006, 09:24 PM
Giggles,
I have to say that if a person has reason to believe someone is cheating then they probably are. Unless you are just hypersensitive. If you believe that a man and a woman can be just friends then great. However, a relationship should be open and honest. If he has nothing to hide then he shouldn't hide anything. As another person said, he might feel he has to hide it because he is afraid of your reaction. I had to learn to tone down a little and I find my husband and children can be much more open when they are not afraid of my reaction. Maybe you could invite yourself along when he wants to meet his "friend" or invite her over? Maybe not. Either way if you don't have trust you're going to be in trouble in the future. I would be very hurt too if he'd promised to be more open. If this was me, I would definitely think he was cheating simply because he is hiding it. That's enough for me!
Take care and good luck.
Depressed in MO
Apr 10, 2006, 06:04 AM
omg
how freakin sexist is it to say a guy cannot be friends with a girl if married.
i know men can cheat. i know women can cheat. believe me, i know that.
but if you think the only reason why a guy should hang with a friend that is a girl is to get a piece......... i know it happens...... but maybe this is why the divorce rate is so high. not because of cheating, but because of screwed of conceptions about right and wrong and what makes a good marriage.
those of you who say he's cheating .....why isnt the idea of the wife being overly nosy and suspicious even a possibility? is it possible that there is a self esteem issue? even remotely? before you declare the marriage burning down in flames why not think through ALL the possibilities?
never thought i'd be labeled a bad husband because i have a friend who has a uterus.
unbelievable.
Dude, I bet you and WildCat are real good friends...
You know what? You are right, there is nothing wrong with having friends of the opposite sex while you are committed to someone else. But here in the real world, it doesn't work exactly like that. The woman just got married. This guy is giving more of his "quality" time speaking to other women than with his own wife. The fact that he had to hide this from her (let's not forget this is the SECOND time) goes to show that he is doing something wrong-and he knows it himself.
So, to whoever it was who started this question, just to be fair and not jump to conclusions as some people may think you are (however, half of us don't) tell your husband "OK, so you have a new lady female friend. Why don't we all go out for drinks and talk so I can meet her too?" See what he says-see how he acts. Chances are, she doesn't even know about you.
Krs
Apr 10, 2006, 06:38 AM
You are married! He should not be talking to any females except for you, with the exception of relatives or someone that you knew he was close friends with before you were all married. I firmly believe that oppositte sex close friendship-relationships (if you will) should involve both you and your husband having the same friendship with this person. The fact that you don't know this person and he has been hiding it from you goes to show that he is doing something wrong-even if he is not sleeping with her...yet.
I know most of what i just typed is not understandable, but the last part of it is and I am telling you-she is getting the better part of him, not you.
I said Spot on, but actually almost spot on.
Firstly there is NO harm with a husband or a wife talking to a person of the opposite sex, god if we couldn't it means we are going back 50 odd years. But you're lying or being secretive about it than that where the problems start, because if its all genuine then why hide it, so I don't blame you for being all suspicious.
kp2171
Apr 10, 2006, 07:20 AM
You know what? You are right, there is nothing wrong with having friends of the opposite sex while you are committed to someone else. But here in the real world, it doesn't work exactly like that.
no. I have relationship with a person who has lots of guy friends... and you'd better believe that our world and relationship is more "real" than many of the disillusioned relationships I've seen other waste their time on. It CAN work that way. It SHOULD work that way. And I can tell you when it's a strong relationship it DOES work that way.
I don't know. Maybe people in strong relationships believe in the positives first and people who have been hurt and in bad relationships just believe in the worst.
But, there is some truth there. In the real world half of marriages end in divorce. In the real world people choose to be with a mate who lies, who has a history of bad decisions, who makes abusuve or destructive choices about their lives. It happens. I've been in two relationships where the other person snuck around and cheated. Stayed in one much too long. Most people probably find themselves in a relationship along the way where the other person is just not on the same page. So yeah, it happens. And people can and do sneak and cheat.
The fact that he had to hide this from her (let's not forget this is the SECOND time) goes to show that he is doing something wrong-and he knows it himself.
I would say there is something wrong. His hiding his actions are not good for the marriage... yes, even if the female is simply a friend she shouldn't have to dig around to find out the truth. My contention is that it might, just might, be two sided. I know a person who is absolutely controlling of her mates time. viciously mean if he spends time away from her, guy or girl. Some people are untrusting by their nature, and sometimes to an extent that is unhealthy or unwarranted.
Some people live their lives with destructive men. Some people destruct their lives around decent men. It happens.
...just to be fair and not jump to conclusions as some people may think you are (however, half of us don't) tell your husband "OK, so you have a new lady female friend. Why don't we all go out for drinks and talk so I can meet her too?" See what he says-see how he acts. Chances are, she doesn't even know about you.
The most reasonable thing I've heard so far.
Sorry to be so blunt, but he is cheating.
...just to be fair and not jump to conclusions ...
Consider the possibility that he is, but do not jump to this conclusion as well (as half of us also agree) without more information. I guess I'd like to believe in the best possibility... that the marriage isn't yet pronounced dead and over. I don't know. Maybe I'm just not enough of a pessimist or cynic. I just don't feel like telling another person that the spouse IS cheating without better knowledge.
He might very well be cheating. She might very well be untrusting. Heaven help them if its both.
Depressed in MO
Apr 10, 2006, 08:48 AM
no. i have relationship with a person who has lots of guy friends... and you'd better believe that our world and relationship is more "real" than many of the disillusioned relationships ive seen other waste their time on. it CAN work that way. it SHOULD work that way. and i can tell you when its a strong relationship it DOES work that way.
i dunno. maybe people in strong relationships believe in the positives first and people who have been hurt and in bad relationships just believe in the worst.
but, there is some truth there. in the real world half of marriages end in divorce. in the real world people choose to be with a mate who lies, who has a history of bad decisions, who makes abusuve or destructive choices about their lives. it happens. ive been in two relationships where the other person snuck around and cheated. stayed in one much too long. most people probably find themselves in a relationship along the way where the other person is just not on the same page. so yeah, it happens. and people can and do sneak and cheat.
i would say there is something wrong. his hiding his actions are not good for the marriage... yes, even if the female is simply a friend she shouldnt have to dig around to find out the truth. my contention is that it might, just might, be two sided. i know a person who is absolutely controlling of her mates time. viciously mean if he spends time away from her, guy or girl. some people are untrusting by their nature, and sometimes to an extent that is unhealthy or unwarranted.
some people live their lives with destructive men. some people destruct their lives around decent men. it happens.
the most reasonable thing ive heard so far.
consider the possibility that he is, but do not jump to this conclusion as well (as half of us also agree) without more information. i guess i'd like to believe in the best possibility... that the marriage isn't yet pronounced dead and over. i dunno. maybe im just not enough of a pessimist or cynic. i just dont feel like telling another person that the spouse IS cheating without better knowledge.
he might very well be cheating. she might very well be untrusting. heaven help them if its both.
You are right-people shouldn't be pessimists-and it is very difficult for those who have only been in bad relationships to be opposite of one-but you are right. I just read all this stuff and I'm thinking... I am going through that right now, and I know the truth, and it is not good and it is not right-but my life is not everybody else's life. Maybe I should not give my opinion like so, it just seems that the things I read about are so typical in my life and it's hard for me to see it any other way but bad because it's never been that way for me. So anyway-all apologies if I have given wrongful opinions...
kp2171
Apr 10, 2006, 09:23 AM
dont apologize about your opinions. Pick mine apart all you want. Ill learn more from people who challenge my opinion than from those who simply agree. By the time were done well both probably learn some things.
Your comment about wanting to meet the friend is probably one of the best suggestions so far.
If she can inquire and ask about this person, ask to meet her, and if he's very resistant...
... well then there IS a huge problem.
And one way or another, they both need to come to some understanding. If she's just resistant to his having friends who are female then he needs to respect that and try to pay her more attention. If she's getting attention but just jealous she needs to trust him and understand strong friendships can make her relationship better too. And if he's fooling around on her, well the sooner she knows this, the better.
But the point about meeting the friend at some point is valid, and maybe a good way to see if he really is doing more behind the scenes that talking.
Depressed in MO
Apr 10, 2006, 09:31 AM
dont apologize about your opinions. pick mine apart all you want. ill learn more from people who challenge my opinion than from those who simply agree. by the time were done well both probably learn some things.
your comment about wanting to meet the friend is probably one of the best suggestions so far.
if she can inquire and ask about this person, ask to meet her, and if hes very resistant....
....well then there IS a huge problem.
and one way or another, they both need to come to some understanding. if shes just resistant to his having friends who are female then he needs to respect that and try to pay her more attention. if shes getting attention but just jealous she needs to trust him and understand strong friendships can make her relationship better too. and if hes fooling around on her, well the sooner she knows this, the better.
but the point about meeting the friend at some point is valid, and maybe a good way to see if he really is doing more behind the scenes that talking.
I agree. His reaction alone when she suggests meeting the new friend may be all she really needs.
kp2171
Apr 10, 2006, 09:45 AM
and the one big issue with my reasoning, that things might be fine, that she might be overreacting... that he might just value friendships that she's overly sensitive about... is the friendships only work if the relationship is strong.
and I'm not sure how strong it is. Is he sneaking because she's overly jealous and its driving him mad or because he's looking for satisfaction outside the marriage.
neither is sustainable for long term health of the marriage.
Wildcat21
Apr 10, 2006, 10:48 AM
I think he is cheating. She's caught him lying already. 3rd time.
Women's gut instincts I have found are usually 100% correct.
This is also emotional cheating which can be just as bad or worse.
Did he cheat before you were married??
Depressed in MO
Apr 10, 2006, 01:07 PM
Wildcat, so-should a woman be a ***** in order to get what she wants just as a man should be a jerk?
talaniman
Apr 10, 2006, 02:14 PM
A lot of times we in this forum get only one point of view so it is hard to just take some of these post as the whole story. As some of you pointed out there are a lot of questions to be answered and until the poster gives us more info its hard to form a reasonable opinion as to how to help someone solve this problem. But the suggestion to the wife to talk to her husband about his female friends is a good idea, but if the two of them don't get together and talk and listen to each other we all know this relationship cannot last.:cool:
Wildcat21
Apr 10, 2006, 02:49 PM
"Wildcat, so-should a woman be a ***** in order to get what she wants just as a man should be a jerk?"
NO! I never advocate any guy to be a jerk - ever. All I say is a women would RATHER be with a jerk than a 'nice guy'. Guys should strive to be a the 'confident, good guy'.
I don't think she's being a beatch. She has the gut instinct and this guy is playing around - screwing with her emotions.
I have a ton of girls who are friends - but my gal knows everyone of them and has become frineds with most. You have to be up front with someone - especially in a marriage.
This dude sounds really imature.
sweetface
Apr 11, 2006, 07:46 AM
Well it sounds to me like he is cheating. This is just from experience. Those little converstations with "friends" leads to other things, and curiosity is inevitable. I am in a similar situation, the difference is I am not married, and person I am with did actually cheat and admitted to it. He is still holding conversations with this woman, and it pisses me off! So believe me he is seeing this woman
Depressed in MO
Apr 11, 2006, 08:14 AM
Well it sounds to me like he is cheating. This is just from experience. Those little converstations with "friends" leads to other things, and curiosity is inevitable. I am in a similar situation, the difference is I am not married, and person I am with did actually cheat and admitted to it. He is still holding conversations with this woman, and it pisses me off!! So believe me he is seeing this woman
Girl, I am totally with you on your situation. My guy is doing the same thing. And there is no limit to how far they will go with you and still continue to have other relationships with these other ladies. It's like they want to lead separate lives... and they do for a while... until they get caught. Then what? Yes, we should leave them, most of the time we don't-so they keep doing it because we let them...
Depressed in MO
Apr 11, 2006, 08:17 AM
"Wildcat, so-should a woman be a ***** in order to get what she wants just as a man should be a jerk?"
NO! I never advocate any guy to be a jerk - ever. All I say is a women would RATHER be with a jerk than a 'nice guy'. Guys should strive to be a the 'confident, good guy'.
I don't think she's being a beatch. She has the gut instinct and this guy is playing around - screwing with her emotions.
I have a ton of girls who are friends - but my gal knows everyone of them and has become frineds with most. You have to be up front with someone - especially in a a marriage.
This dude sounds really imature.
No I am not saying anyone is being a *****, I am saying, should we be? Does that make guys chase women, just like being a jerk makes women chase men?
I don't know I've heard it both ways. I've been broken up with because I was too nice, and then I've also been called a b... what's the real deal?
sweetface
Apr 11, 2006, 08:35 AM
I know staying is only my making my situation worse, but love is often blind. My situation has made me crazy, and I have resorted to me being dishonest about how I found out about his "affair". I really want to work things out, but he is still lying about talking to this woman. He says he is not seeing her, but once again the little conversations lead to other things, especially since this is someone he had sex with.
Wildcat21
Apr 11, 2006, 08:53 AM
Sorry to say - but they won't stop cheating either. I always say - "Once a cheater, always a cheater" - you
Depressed in MO - no never be a ***** - this isn't a game, although your man thinks it is. Be caucious and learn - you were WAY to trusting in a guy who deserved ZERO trust. He never resepected you. Being Beatch will get you no where. You're problems were because you were with a bad guy - liar, cheater and worse. WHEN you find a good guy you should be able to open up and discuss everything in TRUTH - you will NEVER have that with the guy your with now.
I think you keep trying to THINK you can fix the situation. Unfortunately - you can't FIX that guy - he's broke - you changing will do nothing. You know where he is headed in the long run.
Depressed in MO
Apr 11, 2006, 09:05 AM
I know staying is only my making my situation worse, but love is often blind. My situation has made me crazy, and I have resorted to me being dishonest about how I found out about his "affair". I really want to work things out, but he is still lying about talking to this woman. He says he is not seeing her, but once again the little conversations lead to other things, especially since this is someone he had sex with.
Love is blind... that is exactly what I said when I started posting here. The sad thing is... she probably isn't the ONLY other woman he is talking to.
sweetface
Apr 11, 2006, 10:16 AM
You are right, he is probably seeing other people beside the one. Wildcat21 is correct also when stating that once a cheater always a cheater. I guess the old saying "Nice guys finish last" is right. No matter how nice, kind, loving or caring you are for a person, it seems that it goes unapperciated.
talaniman
Apr 11, 2006, 10:20 AM
Just because your nice doesn't mean you can't be SMART!
Depressed in MO
Apr 11, 2006, 12:25 PM
You are right, he is probably seeing other people beside the one. Wildcat21 is correct also when stating that once a cheater always a cheater. I guess the old saying "Nice guys finish last" is right. No matter how nice, kind, loving or caring you are for a person, it seems that it goes unapperciated.
You are so very right. WildCat is a good helper. He has given me a lot of good advice; however I've yet to take it. But I know he is right.
It's hard to leave the person you have invested your time and heart into for so long. I see it as another hard lesson in life that we are learning and although God may already know our destiny, we are still creating it.
Anyway, don't mean to get religious on you. If you ever want to talk, you know how to find me. Good luck and I send you big hugs on your broken heart.
Wildcat21
Apr 11, 2006, 03:34 PM
Being TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO nice is the problem - Letting someone walk all over you. Being tooooooo available is the problem as well.
Being nice is OK. You should always be kind.
A lot of people NEED to learn to say the word NO. No comands respect. A lot of people think they CAN'T say No.
NOT having a spine can KILLL a relationship... people have to learn to stand up for themselves... not to give in because your scared a you will upset your partner.
As I always say - don't make that person your whole life. Always have other interests.
WHEN you find the RIGHT person you can share everything, they WILL understand you need to be with your frineds sometimes... you have to work late sometimes... you need too work... you need to travel. WHEN you are with the right person you understand each other - you want to be with each other all the time - you want to talk and shre things.
Again - you have to kiss a lot of frogs - you may have married a frog.
Bevjcope
Apr 11, 2006, 07:35 PM
You are the only one that can decide if you should leave or stay. If you stated everything you know then at this point I feel that you do not have the absolute proof of cheating as yet. But, yes he should not be talking to women behind your back unless he feels there is a reason that you would not be understanding of why he is chating with them. If these are new friends then it is suspicious, but still not proof to end a marriage.
shorty28
Apr 18, 2007, 09:39 PM
U know he's doing it and he probably wants u 2 catch him so you can leave him maybe he does not want to be with you or maybe he does not want one piece of pie he wants it all hey there are other fishes in the sea catch yourself a better one.
jeremy4719
Apr 18, 2007, 09:47 PM
I personally think you are paranoid... I did this to someone I was with for a few years and ruined our relationship... If you want trust then trust him... Don't snoop on his phone...
Reasons a man would cheat (coming from a man):
1.) Sex life has gone to seldom to non-existant (whats putty-tat?)
2.) Communication (you take him for granted)
3.) You complain and nag too much.
shorty28
Apr 18, 2007, 09:48 PM
I think that a woman and man think a like cause if a woman has a guy fri3nd what would her man be thinking or if her man had a girl-fri3nd what would she be thinking so is not only the girl's that think that way so u guy's are not that PERFECT EITHER lol