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-   -   Married for 15 yrs and now he is questioning my love for him. (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=469922)

  • Jun 1, 2010, 03:25 PM
    jmjoseph

    Your husband needs to snap the heck out of this funk that he is in. He needs to KNOW that you suspect he is seeing another woman. He cannot be married, and be a good father, and DATE.

    I wonder who is at the other end of that phone number? And if that person knows that your husband is actually a married man? It's hard to say if you should call it or not. You say that you don't want to upset him. Well, if it's nothing, then it's nothing. But if it's a woman, and it sure sounds like it is, then he should be held to task for infidelity. He is cheating on you, AND your children. You have the right to know what it is in your husband's life that is making him question his self as a husband and father. This is your family, and you should fight for it. Maybe it is just a midlife crisis, or maybe even a crush. But for him to be cold and distant, secretive, and mysterious, then you are due some sort of explanation. From a man who has the BALLS to tell the truth.

    I know this is preying your heart and mind. And for that I truly feel for you. But he should come clean at all costs. To he! With walking on eggshells, and washing his clothes, and cooking his meals, and whatever else you are doing for him.

    He needs to man up and show some spine.

    I truly hope you both can get into therapy.

    God bless you.
  • Jun 2, 2010, 06:33 AM
    clearlyconfused

    That is so true. He's cheating not only on me but my kids. Last night after work, I got home and he was finishing a course online so we didn't talk for a while, I ate dinner by myself with my kids. Later on we talked about his day and what he learned today. We are both in our thirties. He has changed careers several times, and unfortunately has not worked for five months, he decided to finish his real state, and I supported him on his decision, again. I've been supporting our family which I don't mind, but to find all this calls while I'm working for our kids. I don't think is fair. I didn't bring anything up last night since he acts like nothing is going on, he is still distant, but he has always been. He has a hard time showing his feelings. I knew this, but now it seems like he finds an excuse to be mean so that I keep my distance from him. It's working! Last night I was trying to cuddle with him and he moved away so I didn't try anymore, I just moved over to my side of the bed and went to bed. When I woke up this morning he acted as if nothing ever happened, but I caught myself being more angry than normal. He had his list of things to do for today and the last thing on there was "call a friend", so I was going to ask him after he got done working out but decided not to take it personal. I thought to myself maybe he's just speaking in general. If not I will find out anyway. I will bring it up, but I want to wait for the right time. Part of me wants to confront him so bad, so that he knows that I'm no stupid that I've known about all this calls, by the way I googled that number and it is a girl's cell phone, I am trying to find out his "first love's name" to compare it. Once I confront him, I will call just so that she knows what is going on, if it is his ex, she knows according to him that he's married, and obviously if she doesn't care to break a family that tell you what type of person she is. Every day I notice how I am getting more furious and upset about the whole thing, but that is giving me courage to do what I need to do. I'm going to miss him. We had so many plans together, but again I can't force someone to be with me. I need to be loved. I deserve to be loved. We had talked about therapy awhile back and he said he was willing to go, but then ordered some sort of dvd from the internet for marriage therapy, then he decided he didn't want them. We never even watched them. When I bring up counseling he changes the subject immediately, so we'll see. I'll try again tonight. I'm sure I'll be back later depending on how my day goes. Thank you all!
  • Jun 2, 2010, 08:17 AM
    jmjoseph

    You have every right to be upset. He is your husband. He promised, possibly before God, to be faithful to you. To love, and HONOR you.

    This is disrespectful behavior.

    He needs to talk to you, and let you know what's going on in his head.

    I wish you the best.
  • Jun 2, 2010, 08:50 AM
    Homegirl 50

    Don't let yourself get so worked up with anger that you cannot be rational when you talk to him.
    You know what you're dealing with now. Let him know that youlove him but not enough to be played with.
    He needs to pee or get off the pot.
    I am so sorry you are going through this.
  • Jun 2, 2010, 09:04 AM
    talaniman

    Quote:

    We are both in our thirties. He has changed careers several times, and unfortunately has not worked for five months, he decided to finish his real state, and I supported him on his decision, again. I've been supporting our family which I don't mind, but to find all this calls while I'm working for our kids. I don't think is fair.
    Before you accuse and assume, back up, and get facts, as I think getting carried away with suspicions, will only have you driving a wedge between you. I think most guys who have had a lot of personal failures, and are trying to regroup, will be distant, and moody. The sad part to me is you take it all so personally, which I feel distracts you from the real issues, as you try and find strategies to "fix" things, and return them to what they were before. All of this in the name of being FAIR to you and the children.

    That's why I have repeatedly suggested you to back up, and place your attentions to other areas of the relationship, and family life to help you deal better with your own frustrations in this marriage, and give him space to work through his. Pushing him is not the answer, nor is confrontation, as I really think you are getting carried away by your own feelings and need to take a back seat and deal with YOURSELF, and your fears, and not make them the basis for impulsive thoughts, or actions.

    An unemployed father and husband needs the space to prove himself, to himself, and regain his self esteem, as its tied to his identity as a provider, and head of his household. I think if you step back and pay attention to this circumstance in an OBJECTIVE way, and not a emotional, or personal way, you will see exactly what I have been talking about. At least I hope so.

    Give it some thought, before you take actions that have no basis in facts, or get to carried away that you cannot be objective. Got any close trusted friends?
  • Jun 2, 2010, 11:51 AM
    clearlyconfused

    Quote:

    The sad part to me is you take it all so personally, which I feel distracts you from the real issues, as you try and find strategies to "fix" things
    You are right! I do take things personal. When I woke up this morning like I said before I felt different, which I was happy about. I didn't know if it was anger or just that I was getting used to him being so distant, but as the day goes by, and after reading all of these wonderful and helpful posts, I am starting to see things clear. I do have self-esteem problems. I have put all of my energy on him and I am pushing him away instead of bringing him closer. I found myself not wanting to text him or call him every second. I am not even wondering if he is even talking or if he's talked to her. (again, I don't even know who it is, I am just assuming, since he is so secretive about those calls) I am not going to worry about it for now. I do agree! I know he feels that he failed as a provider, father and husband, and I am going to just give him his space, but it just bugs me to think that he's talking to someone else, but again, I am just going to worry about building my self-esteem back and getting myself busy. I do have some close friends, but I don't really agree with their life styles. In a way I'm still old fashion. The only advise I get all the time is to go out and have a drink, when in reality I have kids to be responsible for, and I don't want to set up that type of example for them. I will keep myself busy though, with my kids, maybe going to the Zoo, park or shopping which I haven't done in a while. I will learn not to take anything personal. I just keep making the same mistake over and over again, I do it even at work! My concern is that one of my goals was to work out after work everyday, but again, I haven't since I felt that if I left the house I was losing time to talk to him, since we already don't talk as much. But again I need to love myself first so that he can love me.
  • Jun 2, 2010, 12:17 PM
    Homegirl 50

    Yeah you need to love yourself and I hope he is not cheating. I agree with talaniman but you also need to know whether he is or not. You want to make sure that if he is, he is not bringing something home to you.
    You can be kind and loving but you need to be smart as well. Have that conversation with him for your own peace of mine.
    If he won't do counseling with you, go yourself but don't let this linger to the point that this distance becomes an acceptable way of life for you two.
    I wish you well.
  • Jun 2, 2010, 01:29 PM
    clearlyconfused

    This is what is weird. I know he is not seen anybody at least in person. He is home most of the time. When he is not he is in class. Let ma back up a little. About a month ago he went out of the country for a week, when he came back, is when all of this started, he started drinking heavly and decided to bring up his first love, which at the time he said he had no idea of where she lived or if she was married or anything. He stated that he hasn't love anyone like he loved her and that he has never been happy with me although we were married in the church. Anyhow, a week after that he said he somehow run into his ex's cousin, which is weird but I gues it can happened, he ran into her out of the country and they talked. I didn't get into the details of what was said or exchanged. All I asked him was if she(ex's cousin) knew that he was married, and he was very short and said YES, I told him that I wasn't going to bring it up again, because I wanted to work on us. Then the following week is when the calls started happening, I had no idea at the time, until the following week 5/25 when I noticed how protective of his phone he was, so I searched into our phone bill, then is when I noticed 5 calls to that number. 2 were very short, almost as if he didn't get a hold of anyone, 2 were like 5 and 6 min. long. The calls were made 5/17-5/19. Then we had a great weekend (weekend 5/21-5/23), so I figured it was before we talked and things were sort of working out. Then on The 27th I noticed he call that number really early in the day and again those calls are out of state, no where near where he could go during the day. As I'm typing this I am just getting all worked up since he was going to "call a friend" as he stated on his list at about this time. I just hate this.
  • Jun 2, 2010, 01:39 PM
    Homegirl 50

    He could be emotionally cheating. Talking to her on the phone. Whatever it is, he needs to talk to you and he needs to be more respectful in the way he treats the family. The longer this goes on it will become the way your family functions and trying to get things back to the way they should be will be hard. Ask him about the phone calls then suggest you two do some counseling.

    I know how sensitive this his, he may be going through something different, but you can't let the family be destroyed because he does not want to talk about it. At some point he is going to have to do something.
    Get counseling for yourself, it will help with your anxiety too.
  • Jun 2, 2010, 01:48 PM
    clearlyconfused

    Thank you. I will bring it up, I just want to find the right timing, when we bring up the bills or something so that he doesn't get all defensive about it. I need to work up to this too.
  • Jun 2, 2010, 03:00 PM
    talaniman

    The reason I have not addressed this cheating thing, is because there are NO facts, one way or the other. Not even for emotional cheating.

    But your idea is logical, and thoughtful, as the timing and method of getting the truth is the best way to go. That's better than a full court press of confrontation, and emotional assault.

    That's a good start, thinking before you act.
  • Jun 3, 2010, 06:52 AM
    clearlyconfused

    Well, it was an OK evening. I got home with an open mind and a great attitude, and I did notice a difference. We actually ate dinner all together as a family. He said he had some errands to do, so I figure he will be leaving soon. I cleaned up the kitchen and was going to take my kids to the park, but instead he wanted us to come along, on the way, we were listening to a motivational CD which he had already heard but wanted me to hear. When we got home, we put our kids to bed and still talked until 11:30 p.m, which I was very thrilled about. I blew it though, it is really hard for me to hold back when I have him so close, and to smell his body, so I was trying to rest my head on his chest and was leaning to kiss him, when he pushed me away so hard. He was so upset, so I just moved to my side of the bed and cried myself to sleep. This morning I was so hurt but I tried to hide my pain, so I smiled and pretended that nothing ever happened last night just like he does all the time. We'll see how things go the rest of the day.
  • Jun 3, 2010, 07:39 AM
    talaniman

    Stop right there young lady. While I understand he, and you have been having problems, no way do you take such blatant disrespect for any reason over a simple gesture of love.

    Time to tell him in no uncertain terms, sh1t or get off the pot, as you should be very angry at what he did, and in my book, for no reason. So what if it blows up, and he decides to leave. He needs to.

    There can be no free pass on this one. Sorry, no more Miss Good girl.
  • Jun 3, 2010, 07:52 AM
    Homegirl 50

    If I remember correctly, this is not the first time he has dome this to you. He is way out of line and that is cruel.
    Make the time to have a talk with his man.
    It's time he be held accountable and not coddled.
  • Jun 3, 2010, 11:18 AM
    clearlyconfused

    I Know I need to. This is what bothers me the most. I know he needs his space but I have such a hard time holding back when he is so close. We havent' had sex for a week now and when we did I initiated it. And to think that he might be so nice to talk to someone else its just painful. Trust me I'm not trying to find any excused for me, but he's been a little nicer lately until we go to bed. He doesn't want me anywhere near or wants nothing to do with me. I was trying to be a better wife and fulfill his needs so that he doesn't look elsewhere but obviously he is not in need.
  • Jun 3, 2010, 12:28 PM
    talaniman

    Clearly its time to stop walking on eggshells and trying to be a better wife, and stand up for yourself even if that means someone sleeps on the couch. You have done your part and I think we are at the point that he does his.

    Save your tears, and fears for after you have handled the business to be done. Its time for cards on the table, get facts, and clear the air with the truth, the whole truth, and settle for nothing less.
  • Jun 3, 2010, 01:29 PM
    clearlyconfused

    Tal, Thank you again. You give me the strength that I need. You are great at what you do. I was trying to wait until the next phone bill so that I can check on the calls, since he has been nice, I want to confirm that he is maybe trying to cover it up, but if I tell him now since the phone bill in under his name, he can change or delete my access to the account once I talk to him. As bad as it sound I think down deep inside of me I am just buying time so that I don't have to do this, even though I know I need to. I just get so sick thinking about it. Wish me good luck.
  • Jun 3, 2010, 04:07 PM
    Homegirl 50

    This is not going to go away. He is causing harm to you and the family.
    It's time to take a deep breath and confront this thing.
    He's got some explaining to do.
    I wish you well.
  • Jun 4, 2010, 02:20 PM
    clearlyconfused

    Quote:

    This is not going to go away. He is causing harm to you and the family.
    It's time to take a deep breath and confront this thing.

    You are right! This is not going away, but I'm such a chicken and I'm just dreading this. I can't help it.
    Last night we went for a walk with our kids after dinner, it was really quite at first, he was really quite all day, even before I got home from work. He didn't text me at all and when we went to dinner, we hardly talked, so when we were walking I was a little nervous because I knew that he was in a bad mood, but we actually talked a lot. I had told myself not to expect anything anymore, so by the time we got home, I took a shower and went downstairs to clean the kitchen, by the time I got upstairs he was already asleep, luckily I wasn't expecting anything but I was still bother. Today has been the same no texts, he was extremely quite this morning, he didn't even say good bye when I left the house and to make it worse we have his sister's graduation party, so we'll see how that goes. Wish me Luck. I get nervous just to think about how he is going to act in front of the family. I miss being with him, I miss his touch, I miss having our conversations. I just miss it all. I am so upset at myself for not taking care of the problem, but I know I need to. When? I don't know! I know I will. :(
  • Jun 4, 2010, 02:56 PM
    Homegirl 50

    You will do what you need to do at the right time. You will hit that point and when you do, you'll deal with it.
    I wish you well, I sincerely do.
  • Jun 9, 2010, 12:04 PM
    clearlyconfused

    Before I go on, I wanted to tell you how things were before all this crap. Both neither my husband or I had any opposite sex friend that we kept in contact. Once we got married we both just agreed on that. Neither one of us had Facebook or any of those sites, he just thought that one you get there is just to look for trouble or because you are looking for someone in particular. I didn't have a problem with that, since I agreed with him as well. We figured that if you need a friend it should be a woman in my case and so on.
    The inevitable happened on Friday night. I went to his sister's graduation party and it was very awkward, it felt very weird, everyone was watching me the whole night, so at that point I knew something was going on, but didn't know what it was. Finally my mother-in law asked if I was OK, so of course at that point I lost it and I asked her, how much she knew, so I guess she's know for about a month, but she didn't know that he was thinking about leaving us to go with the ex. All she knew was that he found her online and that was it. My mother-in-law talked for a while about everything that is going on, she was so upset but didn't want to talk to him about it, at least not yet, but she advised me to call "the ex", so I left her house and called her. We talked for 30 minutes about their relationship, and all she could tell me was that they're friends and that they talk a lot, e-mail each other and chat on "facebook" (remember what I told you earlier) so I guess they've been talking for two months, he has sent her pictures of our kids and she said that the only thing he said about me was that he loves me as a he would a friend. She also said that she wasn't interested in him, other than a friendship, and for some reason she was super nice and said to call her if I needed anything, that she would give me her e-mail address, her home address. (which made me very suspicious) In the middle of my conversation with her, he called her, so obviously he found out that I was on the phone with her. He called me about every second for the last 10 min that I was on the phone with her, but I wanted to finish my conversation with her. By the time I got off the phone with her I was so nervous to get to the house, because I knew that he was so mad, and it was so late, the kids were sleeping in the car with me and I didn't know how this was going to end. He has never been physical but I was still nervous. Luckily when I got home, his mom was there with him trying to help. To make the long story short, we argued all night until 2 am, at this point I had to get away so I left the house to drive around and just think straight. In the meantime, he texted a couple of times, one of them was to sort of admit that all of this was his fault. All I could think about is the lies and how long this has been going on. The next day we were both calmed and talked some more, I didn't want to talk about it her again, so I didn't bring anything up, but in the middle of our talk the one thing the ruined it all was that he said: "she is going throught so much and for me to bring this up to her, I feel so bad", and I was so upset but I didn't say anything I just sat there. Then he just said I don't even know why you are so upset I didn't do anything, up to this day he hasn't really apologized, he doesn't see what I feel. I am so hurt of the secret life that he was living, the lies, and he being friends with his ex, for whom he still has feelings for (according to him). I know he's going through some struggles in his personal life and that is why he's so confused but in the process I'm getting hurt. I will stay for as long as I can. I love him, but I also would like to apologize and realize what he did. I feel that he still cheated on me emotionally, whether he admits it or not. I just e-mailed him a long letter letting me know my side of the this, and how I feel and why I am so hurt. He still hasn't respond.
  • Jun 9, 2010, 12:22 PM
    talaniman

    When things are in the open, they can be dealt with, and I think your right, he has a lot to correct within himself, if he is willing.

    I think you keep your distance until its actually happening, and don't act like a guilty victim. His actions have brought this about, and only his actions can change things. That means don't take any bad behavior from him for any reason.

    I wish you the best, and you need to know you're a good one that deserves it.
  • Jun 9, 2010, 12:36 PM
    clearlyconfused

    Quote:

    I wish you the best, and you need to know you're a good one that deserves it.
    Thank you so much. You have not idea how this website has helped me. When I first found it, I was suicidal. I was such a coward to even think about it but I couldn't talk to anybody about it, or at least I felt that nobody cared. Now I know I can come in here and vent and also learn from others. I am also in the process of building back myself esteem. When I sent him that e-mail I made it clear that I just wanted to let him know how I felt, in fact I told him that he didn't even had to respond. I do understand that he's going through some issues, so I am giving him his space. I don't text, call him or email him unless he does. His mood is up and down, I also think he is getting a little depress, but I also let him know that I am here if he needs me.
  • Jun 9, 2010, 02:12 PM
    Homegirl 50

    I'm sorry you're going through this. You now know more about what you're dealing with. Don't let him make you feel guilty.
    Give him space, but don't give him permission to continue his mess.
    I wish you well.
  • Jun 9, 2010, 02:50 PM
    Cat1864
    I haven't responded much, but I have been following the thread. I want you to know that you and your children are in my thoughts and I think you have a lot of inner strength you are just now tapping into.

    You might show him AMHD. Let him know that there is support for him too. The support will probably be tempered with a healthy dose of grow up and stop living in the past. However, it is here.

    Whatever else happens, enjoy the special moments that happen daily as you raise your children. Don't get so caught up in his drama that you miss the laughs and smiles.
  • Jun 9, 2010, 03:10 PM
    clearlyconfused

    Quote:

    You might show him AMHD.
    I'm sorry but what is AMHD?
    Quote:

    I want you to know that you and your children are in my thoughts and I think you have a lot of inner strength you are just now tapping into.
    Thank you! If anything this has help me realize a lot of things about me, I am learning a lot in this painful process, but I know that things happen for a reason and I'm sure at the end I'll find out why this happened. I used to question why me? What have I done to deserve this? But again, this website has help me a ton. You have no idea, my desire to do things for me is back. I'm also being a better mom. Thank you ALL! I'll keep you all updated.
  • Jun 9, 2010, 03:16 PM
    Homegirl 50

    AMHD is this website. Ask Me Help Desk
  • Jun 9, 2010, 03:46 PM
    clearlyconfused

    I am so sorry, I googled "AMHD" and it gave me some medical terms, so I was confused. Thanks! I mentioned him this website, and I told him how much it has helped me, so we'll see if he gets on it.
  • Jun 9, 2010, 04:08 PM
    Homegirl 50

    He could learn something!
    You feel free to come anytime to need to vent. We will be here for you as much as we can
  • Feb 7, 2011, 04:19 PM
    clearlyconfused
    Should I keep trying to save our marriage or just walk away from it??
    I don't even know if I should even keep trying, or just give up...
    I've been married for 13 yrs. And have two beautiful kids. I thought we had a wonderful marriage until last year. Last year all of the sudden my husband decided that he wanted to get a divorce. Obviously he had been thinking about it before he told me about that, but for me it was a surprise. He said he just wasnt' in love with me and he didn't know if he ever was.

    He was in contact with his "first love". He looked for her on the internet and used to call her and text her throughout the day. She lives in a different state, so I know nothing ever happened, at least physically. Thanks to this website I dealt with it pretty well, and worked it out. He was going through a lot of changes in his personal life as well as work. He wasn't happy with himself and was easier to blame me than to admit it.

    Anyhow, it seemed to be OK for a while, I still had a hard time trusting him, but tried everyday. I will still check his phone and our phone bill every now and then. Three weeks ago he had to go out of town for work, and I was fine with the trip and didn't think anything of it. On the second day I couldn't sleep so I decided to call him later than usual and he didn't answer his phone instead he texted me telling me that he was in a meeting.. at 10 p.m. I thought it was odd, but I gave me the benefit of the doubt.

    When he came home, I noticed he was very distant and sort of distracted. He was very protective with his phone too. About a week ago, I decided to check his phone and found two sent emails where he was replying to two different sex encounters, I was devastated, and humiliated, since I always have to start everything at home and sometimes he acts to bother if I do. I was so hurt and couldn't even look at him at all. I was so upset, hurt and shocked. I feel like I don't even know him at all. Those text were sent the same night he told me he was in a meeting. I wanted to confront him, but I knew that he will just walk away from all this, instead of talking about it. I know I will talk to him about it, but I've been waiting for the right time.

    I also found some dating sites on our laptop where he's been. I am so confused I don't know if our marriage means anything to him at all. I don't want to give up our family. I still love him, and I'm sure he knows this. It was really hard last week to talk to him and pretend that nothing is going on, when I know that is far from the truth, but it was a good weekend. He doesn't have a father figure or anybody that can give him good advise, except for his boss. My husband looks up at this man like no other. He helped him get back on track last time. Should I talk to him about this problem to interfere? This is so personal that I'm emberrasted but I feel so out of luck. What should I do??
  • Feb 7, 2011, 06:45 PM
    talaniman

    Listen carefully, get your ducks in a row, get some financial advice from a divorce lawyer, so you can know all your rights, and as you form a plan of action, and survival, tell him his actions, and behavior, are unacceptable, and will not be tolerated, and tell him to get the hell out, quietly, and calmly.

    Say what you mean, and mean what you say, and take no more crap. Cry later, handle your business now! Sometimes a slap up side a guys head is what he needs. He wants a divorce, give him something to think about.

    No more nice victim.
  • Feb 7, 2011, 08:54 PM
    Jake2008
    He's not a teenager.

    He's a grown man, married, who fathered two children. He has no business having any encounters, particularly sexual in nature, with any woman. I don't care what her occupation happens to be.

    If he is unhappy, he should keep his pants on, and get his as* into counselling. What makes his life so unique and special that he can lie, cheat, and distance himself from his commitment to his wife- you- and children, and pursue the very unspecial art of screwing around.

    And you, on the other hand, wait for the right opportunity to address this with him? You do realize what he is doing right?

    Why do you put up with it. He's in or he's out. There is no compromise to allow for affairs, liaisons, meaningless sex with strangers, hookers, sex sites, chats, etc. with any woman. He has disregarded, completely, his marriage, and his family. He is risking, by his own behaviour, the loss of everything.

    I would address it, and not wait until he seems receptive to talk. Tell him what you know, and that you will not tolerate it. Tell him you have made an appointment with a marriage counsellor, and you expect him to keep the appointment. Put it on the calendar on the fridge. If he won't go- you go.

    I don't know who needs a wakeup call more. Him, to realize what he is about to lose, or you, for not putting this on the table and dealing with it.
  • Feb 8, 2011, 07:54 AM
    clearlyconfused
    I know, you are both right, I should know better and not let him treat me this way. I just... He talks about all of our goals as if nothing really happened, I'm sure he doesn't really know that I found all this out, but I am sure he can tell there is tension between us. I've had a hard hiding my anger and disappointment in him. I feel like he is not the same person that I married. The same weekend after his trip he asked me to arrange to have a sitter to go out on a weekly date since we haven't really gone out on a date for many years, and now with the kids is even harder. So we went out that Friday, and we had a great time until I remembered those emails and I just can't keep it in, but I haven't cried in front of him either. We have gone out every week since then, and that seems to be going well, but I know I can't lie to myself about our problems. This last Friday, I brought up the our sexual life and he just blew me off and said Im happy in every aspect and I cant' imagine being with anybody else or being married to another women, he said you have everything that I want in a woman, and he also said that his boss has told him that several times, even though we've never met, his boss told him that he wouldn't be where he is if it wasn't for me. So this made me more mad, since I know what is really going on behind the scenes, I've acted like nothing has happened but I don't believe a word he tells me know. I don't want it to get to to point of hatrage, so that is why I think is best to walk away from this fantasy marriage. It just hurts me to look at me daughter and know that I will be taking all of our future plans away from them.
  • Feb 8, 2011, 09:02 AM
    talaniman

    His words and actions don't match. Cry later, handle your business, with the truth, and the fact. He needs to know you know the truth, and ain't happy at all.

    Those are the facts, and anything less is dishonest on your part. Just saying.
  • Feb 8, 2011, 09:10 AM
    Jake2008
    I think maybe something to think about, is the fact that he can profess love, fidelity, honesty, and optimism about your marriage, but, just under the surface is not love, he is not being faithful, he's not honest, and his optimism is misplaced.

    The face you see is what you want to see. All that he professes, is what you want, and need, to hear, and believe in from your husband. But, it is a false personna saying these words to you, and the words are working. You are still silent.

    You do have choices. You can remain silent, and overlook his indescretions. You can confront him, and risk the end of your marriage. You can try, through counselling, to address what you know, and get the cards on the table and see if there is enough left to rebuild trust.

    If you just bail, you run the risk of not saving your marriage. To be fair to yourself, and fair to him (dispite what he's done), a decision whether to leave, should be based on a thourough examination of all the facts, and time to work through it all. Without insight and honesty, you are running away from a foe, that you just may be able to conquer.

    And, you may just come out a stronger woman, and mother because of your decision, no matter what it ends up to be.

    Either way, without the cards on the table, you will never know, and keeping all of this inside makes life easier at the moment, eventually, you will likely realize that if you cannot trust your husband, and communicate honestly, you will likely end up having decisions made for you, instead of making decisions for yourself.
  • Feb 8, 2011, 09:16 AM
    clearlyconfused
    You are right!! I will talk to him. As stupid as it sounds I just wanted to make sure his mother was back in town, since she was gone for several weeks and I knew he was going to need the support. I know I shouldn't care since he obviously didn't care for us, but I do. She is back now! I will try to talk to him tonight. I am so hurt but I am also doubting myself. Our anniversary is next Monday!! And I just kept hoping that it will be a make up day. Do you think this is well damaged or can this marriage be saved? I just have a hard time picturing myself as a single mother and without him in the picture. I know this is not enough to justify his actions. I know he caused all of this, and I should just know what to do. It's just easier said than done.
  • Feb 8, 2011, 09:29 AM
    Jake2008
    It isn't an easy position to be in, by any stretch of the imagination. Most likely the most difficult problem you will ever have. Things get very complicated, because you have to accept and anticipate that there will be consequences to speaking up- good or bad.

    I would advise you to tell him ahead of time, that you want to sit and talk to him, on a certain day and time. Ask his mother to mind the kids. Be as prepared as you can with what you want to say, even if you need to write it out point by point. If you have 'evidence' at hand, I'd be prepared with that too, just to get past flimsy excuses he'll likely offer up.

    Allow yourself time to both talk, and listen. And, be prepared for him not to be willing at that date and time, to discuss anything. It may take more than one try to get the truth on the table. But, I would also advise you not to discuss this in bits and pieces, and if he wants to talk again, tell him, same time next week. And leave it at that. It is an issue deserving of due consideration, and preparation. To push everything at once, or think that one attempt at the truth will be enough, may very well not be enough. He has much to answer to.
  • Feb 8, 2011, 12:35 PM
    clearlyconfused
    Thas is such a great idea. I know if I give him heads up or at least let him know that I want to talk to him, before I actually do he will not be as upset and probably listen more than just walk away from the conversation. I really want to get all the cards on the table and get to the bottom of all this. I don't have any proofs, but the emails are still on his phone. I just checked again this past weekend and they are still there. I don't think he knows that I can get to his SENT messages.
  • Feb 8, 2011, 01:02 PM
    Jake2008
    I am glad you are going to try, and not give up without a fight. He will either accept responsibility for his actions and change his life around, or he won't.

    But, at least you will have the satisfaction of being sure, when you do need to make a decision, that it was the right one.

    Best of luck to you. I hope you will post again.
  • Feb 8, 2011, 01:42 PM
    clearlyconfused
    Thank you for all the great advise. I will post again!

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