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-   -   Boyfriend wants to see what else is out there (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=400372)

  • Oct 12, 2009, 07:40 AM
    confusedrebecca
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by amicon View Post
    He went behind your back with these girls he went on dates with and I m guite sure he would have continued his little explorations had you not found him out.
    He did this because he thought he could get away with it.
    On the occasion when you confronted him he got angry and left.
    He also said he didnt want a promiscous girl-whilst thinking his behaviour was completely fine!
    That to me is a dead give away.
    You deserve so much better than this.

    I cannot agree anymore!
  • Oct 12, 2009, 07:55 AM
    talaniman
    A guy who doesn't appreciate what he has, doesn't deserve to keep it.
    Quote:

    Here is where I am struggling with. I taught him a hard lesson. So, another woman will take the benefit from it when she enters in his life. Right? How can I justify that?? Please help. Am I sad to give him a lesson? That's it??
    The other side of the coin is will he change his behavior enough to be a good partner in the future?? Until he does, if he does you'll never know, nor should you care any more. He had his chance and blew it, but the good news is, you didn't put up with his bad behavior. That's important for you to know NOW!

    I know your hurting, and emotional, but time will make you see that getting rid of him, and standing your ground will make you a better partner for a deserving, and appreciative real man.
  • Oct 12, 2009, 08:23 AM
    asking

    Hi Rebecca,

    I know how upsetting it is to see him like that. But he will get better on his own.To be brutally frank, if you took him back, he would see that as him having got away with what he was doing and it being sort of okay.

    If you don't take him back, he MIGHT learn a lesson from it and be more faithful with some future woman, but not with you. (And he still might not learn his lesson.) That seems unfair, but reality isn't always fair.

    With future women, I think he'll be more careful, hiding things carefully, but his entitlement is so strong that I doubt he'll ever be truly faithful. Just my opinion. No. None of us can truly know what he'll do. But do you want to gamble your happiness on a man who has shown such indifference to you? He did not cherish you or treat you with respect.

    It wasn't just what he did (whatever that was), but how he handled it when you found out. His attitude and cruelty were disgraceful. You did the right thing.

    And I want to emphasize finally that even though NOW he is saying he just went on some harmless dates, you don't know what he was doing. Why would he admit anything more than he already had?
  • Oct 12, 2009, 08:34 AM
    confusedrebecca
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by talaniman View Post
    A guy who doesn't appreciate what he has, doesn't deserve to keep it.

    I agree with you. That's why I broke off immediately and never talked to him again for the past 2 weeks.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by talaniman View Post
    The other side of the coin is will he change his behavior enough to be a good partner in the future??? Until he does, if he does you'll never know, nor should you care any more. He had his chance and blew it, but the good news is, you didn't put up with his bad behavior. Thats important for you to know NOW!!

    This is a sad part. It seems he is desperate, had hard time, and learned the lessons enough. But I am not a god, and I do not know how deeply he has been changed, or how he will behave in future. If I forgive & marry him as he suggested, he may stay as faithful (I wish), but he may will cheat on my back again (that holds me off from back to him).
    I agree with you he had his chance, and blew it for stupid attampt.
    However, my goal is not blowing him off to protect my ego. I want to land on a successful relationship and marriage. I still love him, he spent so much time and effort to have me (but failed recently), and gave me the promise ring in the cruise. He still wears the promise ring.. Our family is already interacting very well, and the gound was all set for marriage. He was so sweet and gentle when he were together. I was so proud of him.
    I will be very resentful if I changed him already, but does not take him back, and he will land on another woman for my cost as rebound…


    Quote:

    Originally Posted by talaniman View Post
    I know your hurting, and emotional, but time will make you see that getting rid of him, and standing your ground will make you a better partner for a deserving, and appreciative real man.

    You are so kind. I hope so. I manage myself very well, have been faithful and loyal. I deserve the best man not the second one. But is this man already changed, I do no mind to keep him… I am in deep dilemma…
  • Oct 12, 2009, 08:44 AM
    Cat1864
    Rebecca, if you take him back, he will only learn that you will give in to what he wants. It may take time but that you would 'forgive' him every time he wanted to play.

    The extremely hard lesson you are teaching him is that NO REAL WOMAN will put up with the games he wants to play.

    You are a real woman. He couldn't handle that so he tried to make you into his doll that he could take down and play with when he chose that no other person could get close to. He tried remaking the real you into someone who would let him have his fun as long as he made a very empty promise that he would stop after the wedding. People who think that way don't change after the wedding. They are the ones caught with a guest or waitress/waiter in some dark corner going at it like rabbits. From what I understand it makes for a very interesting wedding reception.

    IF you ever think of taking him back remember that he ultimately did not want you but what he could make you into.
  • Oct 12, 2009, 08:51 AM
    amicon
    Don't let your heart rule your head. If this had happened to one of your friends what would your advice be to them?
    How could you ever truly trust this man again? A mature decent person who loves their partner does NOT go behind their back-thats the action of a coward -a player who wants to eat his cake and keep it.
    Sorry if Im harsh but that's my take on his behaviour.
  • Oct 12, 2009, 09:09 AM
    confusedrebecca
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cat1864 View Post
    Rebecca, if you take him back, he will only learn that you will give in to what he wants. It may take time but that you would 'forgive' him every time he wanted to play.

    The extremely hard lesson you are teaching him is that NO REAL WOMAN will put up with the games he wants to play.

    You are a real woman. He couldn't handle that so he tried to make you into his doll that he could take down and play with when he chose that no other person could get close to. He tried remaking the real you into someone who would let him have his fun as long as he made a very empty promise that he would stop after the wedding. People who think that way don't change after the wedding. They are the ones caught with a guest or waitress/waiter in some dark corner going at it like rabbits. From what I understand it makes for a very interesting wedding reception.

    IF you ever think of taking him back remember that he ultimately did not want you but what he could make you into.

    Everything you said is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!
    I am heart broekn, because there is no way to go back! It hurts me like hell...
    I am crying again... and again...
  • Oct 12, 2009, 09:14 AM
    amicon
    And its very much OK to cry its healthy and it s what you need to do when your heart gets broken.
    Are you still at your good friend's house?
  • Oct 12, 2009, 09:25 AM
    confusedrebecca
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by amicon View Post
    And its very much ok to cry its healthy and it s what you need to do when your heart gets broken.
    Are you still at your good friend's house?

    amicon,
    I am still at her house, but am planningto go back to my place tonight. Thanks...
  • Oct 12, 2009, 09:36 AM
    Cat1864
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by confusedrebecca View Post
    Everything you said is ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!
    I am heart broekn, because there is no way to go back! It hurts me like hell...
    I am crying again...and again...

    I know it hurts and emotionally the desire to make the pain go away is to think that he is the only one. Sadly, if you did give into those thoughts, you would be back here in a matter of days or weeks wondering why you took him back because either he started his dating service again or you are afraid he did. That pain would eclipse what you feel right now.

    Laughter is great medicine, but Time is the healer. Would it surprise you to realize it hasn't even been a month since you joined us? It has been even less time since you rejoined the world by going first to your friend's and then back to work. This is all still extremely new.

    Friday was a shock to you on several levels. It was a set-back. Those are to be expected. You can't expect all of the feelings to be gone overnight. What matters is that you move forward. Don't be upset about the tears. They are a symptom of a conflict of emotions. Try to ignore them and distract yourself with something that helps you feel happier or keeps you too busy for tears. As you get yourself on more stable footing, emotionally speaking, they will disappear.
  • Oct 12, 2009, 04:38 PM
    confusedrebecca

    Dear Cat1864,
    I am so amazed by every single word you are giving to me.
    How do you know all the details precisely?
    I am just amazed I am getting this wonderful help from you...
    You even do not know how much I am thankful to you...

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cat1864 View Post
    I know it hurts and emotionally the desire to make the pain go away is to think that he is the only one.

    So, my mind is tricking me to negotiate with this pain, stop this struggle, and settle down with the old & comfortable world to be comfortable... So, I am getting false illusion he is the one... It could be trued, but as you know it is so hard process of breaking off from 100% love to 0% in days of matters... He was my future husband, and I am making him the worst enemy in my life... Hating is really difficult to me... I do not know how people can hate others...

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cat1864 View Post
    Sadly, if you did give into those thoughts, you would be back here in a matter of days or weeks wondering why you took him back because either he started his dating service again or you are afraid he did. That pain would eclipse what you feel right now.

    It is absolutely wake up calls. You are predicting if I forgive him, he will break my heart again... I cannot afford this pain again. My mental & emotional resources are totally drained and ruined...


    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cat1864 View Post
    Laughter is great medicine, but Time is the healer. Would it surprise you to realize it hasn't even been a month since you joined us? It has been even less time since you rejoined the world by going first to your friend's and then back to work. This is all still extremely new.

    Yes, it has been 2 weeks and 4 days since I found his online cheating... I am so afraid how long I have to be in this level of pain... I am so afraid...


    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cat1864 View Post
    Friday was a shock to you on several levels. It was a set-back. Those are to be expected. You can't expect all of the feelings to be gone overnight. What matters is that you move forward. Don't be upset about the tears. They are a symptom of a conflict of emotions. Try to ignore them and distract yourself with something that helps you feel happier or keeps you too busy for tears. As you get yourself on more stable footing, emotionally speaking, they will disappear.

    Yes, I felt that he would show up one day, but it was totally shock to me. Yes, it was set back to me big time since he presented himself as so humble and flat. I am caught between head and heart, love and hate, hope and despair, and my mind is running to 2 different directions every 5 minutes... I just cry for the pain to see the most precious thing I had, which has gone for nothing and absolutely stupid in my eyes...

    The more I think I SHOULD NOT forgive him, the more tears are rolling on my face... It feels so empty and helpless... I did not deserve this pain...

    I think the worst curse is being in a realtionhsip with a cheater...
  • Oct 12, 2009, 06:29 PM
    paxe

    Rebecca,
    You are doing great yourself and it's more than OK to feel this way. When I knew that my ex cheated on me, I almost went blank. The rage and pain was immense. I remember now that I was so much in shock, I wasn't aware of my environment for days.

    The thing is Rebecca, they have wronged us. We have nothing to blame ourselves, on the contrary. Cheating is something they will need to live with for the rest of their lives. You should be more than happy that he is out of your life, and as time goes on you will feel better.

    My ex cheated only once with me, but she cheated before that with other boyfriends, numerous times. So like I was saying, once a cheater, always a cheater. She is also going to cheat with her current boyfriend most probably. She said she would wait for me and she wanted to go out with me. When I came back, she bluntly said that she didn't want anything to do with me. By that time I was done with her myself and was more than happy.

    Something else also, my ex tried to control me by showing how "sad" she was and always crying when she was with me. She would beg me to give her time, all that while she was crying. She was pitiful and she was the one who broke up with me. She would still continue going with that other man, while she was telling me she wanted time to know what she wanted.
  • Oct 13, 2009, 01:57 PM
    confusedrebecca
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by paxe View Post
    Rebecca,
    you are doing great yourself and it's more than ok to feel this way. When I knew that my ex cheated on me, I almost went blank. The rage and pain was immense. I remember now that I was so much in shock, I wasn't aware of my environment for days.

    The thing is Rebecca, they have wronged us. We have nothing to blame ourselves, on the contrary. Cheating is something they will need to live with for the rest of their lives. You should be more than happy that he is out of your life, and as time goes on you will feel better.

    My ex cheated only once with me, but she cheated before that with other boyfriends, numerous times. So like I was saying, once a cheater, always a cheater.

    Something else also, my ex tried to control me by showing how "sad" she was and always crying when she was with me. She would beg me to give her time, all that while she was crying. She was pitiful and she was the one who broke up with me. She would still continue going with that other man, while she was telling me she wanted time to know what she wanted.


    Paxe,
    I keep everything you said in my mind. You are so kind to help me out in difficult time.
    I like to thank you for giving me the priceless advice you learned from your painful experience... We are learning the hard lessons about cheaters...

    Even though I have not given any piece of slim chance to my ex, my mind is tricking me "what if my ex is the exception, who will never do it again... nobody is perfect...
    we all deserve the second chance...etc"... when I am getting weak & sad.
    Right now, I am so exhausted, and do not feel anything anymore around me.

    I know exactly what you are saying.
    It sounds weird, but when you confirm " once a cheater, always a cheater..." ,
    I feel relieved and feel better for my decision...

    I will also keep it in my mind that your ex was pitiful she cheated and broke off. What a cheap melo drama... I should not be caught by the self pity drama and ruin my precious life... Thanks again.
    I hope I will recover full, and have my happy life again.
  • Oct 13, 2009, 02:18 PM
    amicon

    Rebecca it's the school of hard knocks-but there are many decent men out there.
  • Oct 13, 2009, 07:45 PM
    paxe

    Hey rebecca,
    I really don't want you to get starting giving yourself some hope. Yes it's a dark path and yes it's extremely painful but there is light in the end of the tunnel.

    I only stumbled in this forum 2 month after my ex broke out with me and I had so much pain during those 2 months. I hope I passed through this intense pain so that I can teach other people what to do and what not to do.

    It's more than normal to feel down and to feel sad because you saw him weak, but he is just showing you this. Your brain knows that you are doing is right and you need to stick to that. Like seriously, if you stayed with him and you kids asked you, "did dad ever cheated on you?" what are you going to answer?

    Or the problem with cheaters they are compulsive liars, they lied to cheat, they lied about cheating and they lied to you about not cheating anymore.

    It ain't easy but we're doing the right thing and taking the right path, and it is these kinds of fault we will never do, not to hurt the other person, but to stay moral and ethical persons.
  • Oct 14, 2009, 06:07 AM
    confusedrebecca
    Two unexpected visitors at one night

    Last night, my doorman Dexter called me and I had a visitor around 7 pm. My visitor was David (not real name), the best friend of my ex, and my ex went to college with. I went to downstairs, and sat down with David at Starbucks coffee shop. Basically, David was a SOS messenger, my ex sent, and he did his best to convince me I should give my ex a second chance. He was keep saying that my ex was in critical mental stage he never seen before, I even do not know how my ex was regretful, and how much my ex loves me, and how hard it will hit my ex if I completely leave him for the online fling etc. He emphasized that my ex wanted to marry me right now if I agree. (I am not sure at this moment, if it is his opinion or my ex's message. ) I am glad my ex has a good friend at least.
    I basically told David,
    "The relationship is broken when he cheated on me. You do not know how much emotion he invested to other girls online when he flirted. He met multiple girls in person. That was officially date he arranged by himself. There is anything left in my relationship any more because the trust is gone even before we married, and we should not marry. We are done."
    David was keep insisting my ex's online dating was insignificant.
    "Were you there when he date the girls each time? How do you know what exactly happened? Will you do it to your wife?"
    He was speechless. He looked at me with sad face, gave me a hug, and told me I can call him or his wife for any help in future. He told me I should take care of myself, because I look bad as much as my ex.
    "What a tragedy..." He told me and shook his head and left. David invited me and my ex for a party at his new house while ago, and it would happen in a week. But David did not mention it anymore. I realized that I am not belong to the party or my ex, or my ex's social group any more... The chapter was closed... Sigh...

    Around 8 pm, Dexter called me I had another unexpected visitor. He was my coworker, Will (not real name), he asked me a date before, and I refused since I was in relationship. I went downstairs, and had a small chat with him. He brought me a brown bag full of various healthy soups "just for in case if I forgot to eat". He told me he heard my breakup, and he wanted to help me for anything, and he has good ears and shoulder to lean on. He also emphasized that he knows all the good foods for soul and body, and even more he is very good at food delivery.
    "You know, I had a part time job at pizza place for a summer when I was in high school."
    I had to laugh. Will is very high rank lawyer in company, and he did not have to make himself so humble to comfort me. I politely accepted the soups, and chat for minutes, and let him go. He told me my best friend gave him my address. I should talk to her when she comes back from her business trip...

    Of course, Dexter watched our whole conversation between me and Will with curiosity while he pretend not watching it. What a night...
  • Oct 14, 2009, 06:16 AM
    confusedrebecca
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by paxe View Post
    Or the problem with cheaters they are compulsive liars, they lied to cheat, they lied about cheating and they lied to you about not cheating anymore.

    It ain't easy but we're doing the right thing and taking the right path, and it is these kinds of fault we will never do, not to hurt the other person, but to stay moral and ethical persons.

    Paxe,
    I am with you. I never cheated anyone in my life once I am with the person in relationship. I do not separate my body and soul. When I am with someone, I am with him all the time whether he is with me or not in the given moment... It is not because I am the perfect person, but because I hate to lie to only degrade myself. It is not just worth it. Because even though nobody find it out, I will know what I did for the rest of my life. I do not accept myself to go so low. It is disgusting. Right?
  • Oct 14, 2009, 07:41 AM
    asking

    Rebecca,
    I am impressed with your resolve in the face of all that (inappropriate) pressure from David. You are very strong! I find it offensive that David and your ex are dangling the "carrot" that he'll marry you if you come back, as if that is what you have been holding out for. Why would you want to marry someone who is so not in love that he is actively and secretly looking for other women during the period when most people are most likely to be faithful?

    I bet you do not look terrible and he was saying that partly to undermine yourself confidence and make you feel like the "solution" was to go back to your ex. Very manipulative. Don't listen!

    You are well rid of David and I loved that you asked him if he would do that to his wife and that he couldn't answer. There is a rich vein of entitlement in these two guys that you don't need to explore.

    As for Will, I hope the attention cheered you up a little after the unpleasant encounter with David.

    Take care!
    Asking
  • Oct 14, 2009, 08:08 AM
    Cat1864
    I wonder what David's wife thinks of the situation and if David might have some bridges of his own to mend.

    It sounds like Will is good for the self-esteem. I don't suggest getting into a new relationship any time soon. However, I think Will just showed you that there are men out there who can be caring.
  • Oct 14, 2009, 08:14 AM
    asking
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Cat1864 View Post
    I wonder what David's wife thinks of the situation and if David might have some bridges of his own to mend.

    I was thinking the same! He seems pretty invested in this situation. My other thought was that he was the one who encouraged the ex to do this extracurricular dating, so he feels responsible for the horrible result. But that's pure speculation. Bottom line, it's not about David and the ex is a big boy and responsible for his own actions.

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