Trouble in Paradise
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Sexting? How do you forgive and move on?

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Re: Sexting? How do you forgive and move on?

  • imagesmock.smock:
    Look! A cheater who believes marriage is forever!

    lolol

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  • I received my daily/weekly email and this link was the first thing on the email. I didn't even know I was responding to an issue that isn't even current. Boy did I just waste my time!!!

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  • it came up in an eblast, as a link. Probably a lot of people could relate to it, and wanted to comment. It doesn't matter how old it is, people can relate to the situation and other women in the future I'm sure can use the advice, even if it's not for the original poster of the comment.

    80% of people in marriages are cheating at the moment. So this affects a lot of people.

  • imagembookbinder:
    80% of people in marriages are cheating at the moment. So this affects a lot of people.

    Yeah, we're definitely getting trolled.

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  • i read advice from people from years ago... I'm sure you'll be helping someone.

  • Crushed-I am so sorry for the place you are finding yourself in. Sometimes emotional cheating is worse that the physical cheating and that is what this was-an emotional connection between your husband and another women.  The good news is that YES-You can heal from this but it takes time, a commitment from both of you and professional help.  The foundation of your relationship (trust) has been completely destroyed and it takes a lot of work to rebuild it.  The fact that he is refusing to get help and is tried to blame you for his choices sends up many red flags.  It sounds like your husband has some deep issues that may have nothing to do with you-that he needs to resolve-as much as it is a cliche-a bad childhood or trauma can play a major role.  Deep down inside he may know that but is afraid to face them which is why he is refusing therapy.  My concern for you is that he was successful in making you feel a bit like it was your fault.  Regardless of what he chooses to do-find yourself a good therapist.  You also have some healing to do and I am sure your self esteem has taken a hit in this process and learning to trust again is no easy feat.  When you start working on yourself you will find your strength and feel confident about what you need out of this relationship and decide what defines a healthy relationship. You will need that support to help you make a decision on whether to stay or go-most importantly a decision that you are at peace with not made out of emotional hurt and frustration and not knowing what else to do.  Knowing that you have done everything you can to save this marriage will bring you a strong peace of mind if you decide to end it-you will have no regrets and can move on-or give you the strength you need to make this marriage is worth it. A healthy relationship needs balance and you seem to be making the sacrifices to make this work-that will only burn you out in the long run and you have been through enough pain.  So even if he refuses-get help for yourself-think of it as a spa treatment for your soul.  Don't be afraid to meet with a few different therapists to find the right fit for you.  There are lots of different styles of therapist, if you feel you are not making any progress-find a different therapist.  You have a lot of life to live and the world is waiting for you!
  • If he is not willing to go to counseling then he is not want to admit it is a problem and not willing to work on it.  If he truelly wants to make it work then he has to put forth the effort to and not just expect you to be the one who is doing all the work.  Counseling might be good for you to on ways to move on or it might just bring out more truths and show you that you do or dont want to go on together. 
  • imagembookbinder:

    80% of people in marriages are cheating at the moment. So this affects a lot of people. 

    Hmm. Now I don't feel so bad for boning the neighbor. 

  • imagembookbinder:

    i read advice from people from years ago... I'm sure you'll be helping someone.

    I highly doubt the OP is going to come back and read this.

    Not to mention, I definitely wouldn't be taking advice from someone who is staying with a man who cheated on her. 

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  • I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I have also had something similar happen and I KNOW how you feel. It is awful and unfair. That said--cheaters and immature men often blame the victim. And often, once a cheater/liar always a cheater and liar. Many will say this is not true, but in my experience, it is. You JUST got married. Your vows have barely cooled. If this behavior is happening so soon, it really doesn't bode well for the future. I would start working things out in your mind and prepare yourself that things just might not work out. And as you are on the "bump" I'm assuming you're pregnant with his child? That is so disrespectful. Sexting is not "innocuous" or "innocent" and is a precursor to cheating. I say take time out to weigh this relationship out rationally. Are you sure he isn't sexting anymore? Do they ever talk on the phone? AND get proof in case you need it legally.
  • I have to agree with the so-called worst advice ever.  Perhaps this marriage is too broken, but what if it isn't?  Who are we to judge someone that we don't even know.  If things don't work out, then yes, divorce him and move on with your life.  However, you married each other for a reason.  You loved each other.  Obviously, something broke.  Try to fix it before you throw in the towel completely.
  • imageSweetCuppinCakes:
    Why the hell was this resurrected by a bunch of newbies? The OP is from July and the last reply was a month ago.

    It was linked from the Bump newsflash email today.

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  • imagembookbinder:

    80% of people in marriages are cheating at the moment. So this affects a lot of people.

    JesusChrist. Hmm

  • As someone who is extremely empathetic to your situation I will tell you; you don't forgive and you can't move on. it's stays with  you everyday; anything is a reminder, and you feel like... I can't describe it -like sh*t.  Do what i didn't have the guts to do initially in my last marriage. Leave- take your kids and be  out! My daughter is 15 and a fantastic young lady who understands that mom had enough self respect to eventually get her life back.

     As for sexting...my neighbor recently learned that her husband was doing the same thing as yours. Although he said he stopped the sexting and communicating, in reality he had gotten a prepaid Go-Phone from ATT the network the other woman was on (my neighbors are on sprint) and he would hide it/keep it on silent. She found the phone in his car but it was missing the SIM card. she found the sim card in his briefcase and used my phone to see what was on it.... MY heart broke for her..

    If they work together then they are still seeing each other, no doubt about it. there's only so much you can text/say without curiosity peaking. Does this girl even know that he's married? I hope not-otherwise shame on her!!!!

     Once a cheater...always a cheater.  I"m soo sorry

  • imageJocelyn0415:
    imageSweetCuppinCakes:

    imagesmock.smock:
    It must have been C&P'd somewhere, right?

     

    I guess... but why not make a new thread and discuss it there instead of raising it like fuucking Lazarus here. Its annoying.

    And why is this the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd post for a lot of them? Are they AEs? Lurkers? I'm so confused by this. 

     

    This was sent in a BUMP email as a topic link- and it did peak curiosity.  I felt no reason to respond except to let you non-newbies know why people are responding now.  Stupid question from an un-loved "newbie", but what is BUMP MODE? 

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  • imagebusybridetobe82:
    And as you are on the "bump" I'm assuming you're pregnant with his child?

    This is not the "bump." 

  • imageJackie3124:
    imageJocelyn0415:
    imageSweetCuppinCakes:

    imagesmock.smock:
    It must have been C&P'd somewhere, right?

     

    I guess... but why not make a new thread and discuss it there instead of raising it like fuucking Lazarus here. Its annoying.

    And why is this the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd post for a lot of them? Are they AEs? Lurkers? I'm so confused by this. 

     

    This was sent in a BUMP email as a topic link- and it did peak curiosity.  I felt no reason to respond except to let you non-newbies know why people are responding now.  Stupid question from an un-loved "newbie", but what is BUMP MODE? 

    You can set each board to "bump" threads to the top when there's a new reply.

    It's at the bottom of each board. You just set it to "Last post date". 

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  • Well he is your husband so I understand wanting to work on this despite his actions. But working on it is a two way street, and he should be running down that street while you walk. He has wronged you, and his unwillingness to work things out , says a lot. I suggest you pray, and really give your all. That way if it does come to divorce , you know that you really tried. Yes it's early in the marriage, but cheating at any time is wrong, but he's still your husband. Don't give up so easily, but if he's giving up then you really have no choice.
  • imageJackie3124:
    imageJocelyn0415:
    imageSweetCuppinCakes:

    imagesmock.smock:
    It must have been C&P'd somewhere, right?

     

    I guess... but why not make a new thread and discuss it there instead of raising it like fuucking Lazarus here. Its annoying.

    And why is this the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd post for a lot of them? Are they AEs? Lurkers? I'm so confused by this. 

     

    This was sent in a BUMP email as a topic link- and it did peak curiosity.  I felt no reason to respond except to let you non-newbies know why people are responding now.  Stupid question from an un-loved "newbie", but what is BUMP MODE? 

    It's a setting where the message boards show the most recent response rather than list the posts by date. (you can change the setting at the bottom of the page.) It's helpful to see what people are commenting on most or when old posts get resurrected, otherwise we'd never notice all the new responses on this post because it would be back on page 57. 

  • AMOK AMOK AMOK AMOK!!!!!!

    LOUD NOISES, LOUD NOISES, LOUD NOISES!!!!!!

    This is what happens when we don't have a mod and that silly Gatekeeper is buys doing her real job!!

    ::runs through post naked and smacks Smock, Joce and SCC on the ass::

     

  • JFC now we know that all of these people didn't bother to read most of the stuff that was posted prior here on TIP WHICH IS NOT THE BUMP.
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  • I have found myself in a similar situation.  My husband has an addiction to pornography  and it has devastated me to know that he is looking at other women for sexual satisfaction.  He did this before we were married, (has since he was twelve) and told me about it.  He said he had 'fixed' the problem and a year later we got married.  Three weeks after the marriage he 'relapsed' and I found out that the entire year before we married he had still been looking at it (just "not as much").  He was humiliated and ashamed that he couldn't seem to stop.  He promised that he didn't want to have the problem anymore and would do his best to overcome and manage his addiction.

    I decided to give it another shot.  He is a magnificent man in every other way...kind, thoughtful, funny, etc.  We went to counseling and for a while things seemed to get better.  I got pregnant with twins and then three months after their birth, I found out he was still looking. Again, he expressed self-loathing and desire to change. 

     I cannot tell you the saddness and betrayal I have felt.  However, I am giving it another chance. Sometimes I have wondered if this means I am weak or strong.  Am I strong to be sticking it out with him...or does it make me weak?  Some people don't even see it is as a problem...but it has affected our marriage and the connection we have.  

    I am staying, in big part, because we now have two children in the mix and they deserve to have two parents willing to do their best to make things work.  I do not stay because I like being a doormat or think that I deserve this (I deserve a man who is in it just for me).  But, I am still in it because he is WILLING to go to counseling, willing to work on the addiction, he is the one doing all the calling and work to get things rolling.  He has NEVER blamed me or yelled at me or spoken harshly...he has always owned up and taken full responsibility for his actions.  I feel that as long as he is working and willing to work and try, then so am I.

     Your husband does not seem willing to try.  That is a worry.  If he blames you and doesn't 'man up' to HIS side of this problem, that is something that might point towards moving on.  Especially before children are involved!  I feel for you...these kinds of betrayals are so devastating for women.  Please, hold tight, trust your heart and your instinct and know that you are definitely not on your own...so many women are dealing with these issues.

  • I don't think this is something that I would ever be able to forgive.  It's dishonest, cheap and sleazy.  It's just one step away from going farther.  To me, this is cheating.  Especially if he isn't willing to go to counseling to fix things.  I think it's far beyond broken.  Just move on.  I know it's hard and it's completely up to you what you want to forgive, but I wouldn't trust him.
  • imageSnailButt:

    AMOK AMOK AMOK AMOK!!!!!!

    LOUD NOISES, LOUD NOISES, LOUD NOISES!!!!!!

    This is what happens when we don't have a mod and that silly Gatekeeper is buys doing her real job!!

    ::runs through post naked and smacks Smock, Joce and SCC on the ass::

     

    Me likey! Wink

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  • AMOK AMOK AMOK

    HUBBUB HUBBUB HUBBUB

    I LOVE LAMP

    image.
  • You'll have to get couples counseling. And let him know that if he doesn't agree to it that you are just going to throw in the towel. He has done something wrong and needs to help you trust him again. If he truly cares about making it work than he will. He has to makes steps and has to make sacrifices because without trust there is no relationship. I'm not guaranteeing that counseling will work. But it will be a start in the right direction and proof that he wants to make it work. Plus if they were meeting up when you were at work, that's your proof something other than texting was going on. Either way it's cheating. Talking about doing stuff to someone else with someone else is cheating.
  • I don't think that I could forgive that.  I would consider that cheating as well.  I say kick him out and let him go.  Once a cheater, always a cheater!
  • I went through this exact same situation. The sexting was with numerous women, though. And there was even singles websites that he was frequenting to meet women. I know how it feels, and after going through it for almost FOUR YEARS! I finally realized it wasn't ever going to change. Sure, he'd stop when I busted him, but eventually he would start back up again. Your husband may be the exception, but mine was the rule. Just don't drive yourself crazy trying to keep tabs on him. It isn't healthy for you. If you can't trust him, I hate to say it, but you don't deserve to be treated like that, and maybe you should consider your options.

    Best of luck.

     

  • Hmm, I guess this means the Bump Gods lurk on TIP?
  • imageCrabbyGrabAzz:
    imageViolet_McPurpleson:

    If he's not willing to work on it in the way you need, then you don't.

    Why would you want to be married to someone like this?

    This exactly.  You deserve better.

    I too agree with this statement. He is basically saying that you are the problem when he refuses to go to counseling and not work on your future together. It is his way of not owning up to his misgivings (and from what many of us have said.....he has not been faithful in more ways than one)

    You need to rely on family and friends to help you through this rough time and make it to a better place in life. Nobody deserves to be treated like yesterday's news and right now, you are the only one preventing yourself from being just that if you stay with him

    Good Luck and many hugs!!!

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