
Maybe you can help me with my situation because I'm at the point I don't know which way to go. I have been married for 13 years. I just found out that my husband and a friend of mine that I have known for 2 years have been secretly calling and e-mailing each other. They both say nothing happened. My friend sent my husband an instant message that said I miss you and was thinking about you while he was away on a business trip. She doesn't see anything wrong with that. She didn't tell me she sent it, I just happened to see it while helping her with her computer. Confused! Please help!
This is a very precarious situation, because it is still new, and you must nip it in the bud before any irreparable damage is done. You have read the e-mails so you know the extent of their relationship, and it does not sound like they are planning a surprise birthday party for you. Your friend is playing a dangerous game, and if she were truly your friend she would not put you in such a position. The key here is to set your boundaries with both your friend and your husband. Sit your husband down and let him know that this type of communication crosses the boundaries of friendship and that it makes you uncomfortable. A great tool to use is the "Swap Shoes" tool. Ask him how he would feel if the tables were turned and he found out that you were secretly calling and e-mailing another man. Whether he understands your position or not, you must create a definitive boundary that lets him know he can no longer continue this friendship with her in this way. You must also set a boundary with your friend. Let her know that her clandestine relationship with your husband is not appropriate, and that if she respects the friendship, she will no longer cross that line.
I have been with this guy for 8 months, and he has asked to marry me. We just found out that the lady he was seeing before me just had his baby. When he moved out she said that she was not pregnant but she actually was, and the baby is his. Should I stay with him because it was before we started dating or should I just say goodbye and move on?
It sounds like your boyfriend jumped from one relationship to the next in a very short amount of time, and when a person does this they do not take the time to work through previous baggage. This is your opportunity to assess where you are in this relationship and what is really going on. If you and your boyfriend honestly did not know that his ex was pregnant, and you feel that this is a relationship you should not pass on, then take the time to allow your situation to evolve naturally. There is no need to rush into marriage, because you have the rest of your lives to enjoy that choice. Take the time now to ask yourself if you are truly committed to him, and to making a life with him. Are you ready to be a step mom? Sit down with him and create a realistic vision of what your future might be like if you were to stay together. You have all the time in the world to make an informed decision based on the reality of the next several months, so be a conscious participant and give yourself that time before making any life long decisions.
Rebecca Brody is a Relationship Coach in New York City. She is the creator of She Caught the Crazy! If you need relationship advice or want to work with Coach Brody contact Brody@TheLuvCoach.com or go to www.TheLuvCoach.com. For more crazy stories visit www.SheCaughtTheCrazy.comFamous Interracial Couples
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Comments: (324)
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By: password on 6/13/2008 7:43AM
Your so called friend has crossed the line and you need to bid her farewell. Your husband .... he would be on a serious probation because without trust there is no marriage.Personally I dont think I could stay in the marriage but I dont feel comfortable telling anyone to leave thier mate. But you need to show him how serious this is..seperation maybe..and then you will see if he is really for you and if your marriage is worth saving.
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By: Claire on 6/13/2008 7:45AM
My husband had an ongoing e mail communication with a female friend, which resulted in the destruction of our marriage. He "fell in love " with this woman, even though he never met her and made the decision to leave his wife, his children and career for her. His relationship with his e mail friend was totally inappropriate, but indicitive of his personality flaws. He in now married to wife # 4, but is without his children or profession. Once a cheater always a cheater and one should never believe that it will not happen to you if the same pattern existed in his previous marriages, no matter what he says. Words are empty unless they are backed with action. Too late for me, but not for other women in the same situation.
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By: Roseanne Harrison on 6/13/2008 7:57AM
I have a girlfriend whose boy friend I im and forward jokes to. Her computer shuts down all the time. However I do get to catch her sometimes. This however is no secrect. I don't say I'm thinking of him or I miss him I say that about my friend. And ask how she is and what she's up to. There's no disrespect going on here no secrets, and if she was to ever ask me not to do it I would not have a problem with that the last thing I want is for my friend to be uncomfortable because of me. Personaly I'd say that's not her friend, and a good thing who needs friends who go behind your back?
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By: mommybrace on 6/13/2008 7:49AM
I KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO BE BETRAYED BY A FRIEND AND HUSBAND, IF SHE WAS YOUR FRIEND SHE WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING BEHIND YOUR BACK, IF SHE WAS YOUR TRUE FRIEND SHE CAN EMAIL AND TEXT YOU AND AS FAR AS THE GUY GOES IF HE WAS NOT DEVELOPING ANY KIND OF FEELINGS OR TRYING TO HIDE ANYTHING HE WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU UPFRONT THAT HE WAS GETTING EMAILS FROM HER IF THERES NOTHING TO FEEL GUILTY ABOUT THEN THERES NO REASON TO HIDE IT,BOTH PARTIES NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND IF THEY CANT SEE THEY ARE HURTING YOU THEN NEITHER DESERVE YOU IN YOUR LIFE YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN THAT AND WITH FRIENDS LIKE THAT YOU DONT NEED ENEMIES, A MARRIAGE IS A STRONGER BOND AND IF A FRIEND INTEREFERES AND OVERSTEPS THE BOUNDS CUT THE FRIENDSHIP OFF, HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS PART BUT YOUR MARRIAGE DESERVES A BETTER CHANCE AND IF YOU DONT HAVE THOSE TYPE OF FRIEMDS INTEREFERING YOU CAN HOPEFULLY MAKE IT STRONGER
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By: Jim on 6/13/2008 7:53AM
It seems people here are over looking the obvious, privacy. What are you people doing going through email and stuff that doesn't belong too you? Shame on you!
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By: vicky on 6/13/2008 8:00AM
I deal with a problem not related to infidelity in my marriage, but a matter of trust, nonetheless, and the 'you're crazy' or 'there is something wrong with you', or 'you're just looking for something to fight about' card is played constantly by my manipulative spouse (it is a serious matter, but not one for divorce). I, too, become enraged. But I know I'm not crazy, there IS something wrong with me, I'm living with a dishonest manipulative person, and I am NOT looking for something to be mad about, it presents itself on a regular basis. Do not wear those clothes these dishonest people try to garb you with!
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By: Camille Colgate on 6/13/2008 8:19AM
Re: the 56 yr. old man who was fooling around with his 20 year old office worker, I suspect he was also giving her money. How many 20 yr. olds are attracted to a 56 yr. old man? There is no fool like an old fool!
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By: Hurt & I may leave on 6/13/2008 7:56AM
I have the same situation with my husband of 21 years, started text & phone calls, we in south & her north & she waiting for him to leave his family. Him 47 her 20. BECAUSE they only talked he DIDN'T cheat. HA! To me it was worse. He gave her access to his heart & soul & they were talking plans. I could have forgiven him a physical situation easier but they stole the intangible aspect of our marriage. I have pity for a 19 y/o that is content to wait for man who has a child same age as her & is a grandfather. He stopped everything, but if even the word Connecticut comes up he gets upset. I feel the only emotion he is entitled to in this situation is shame. We are still together but I now do not see him the same way, & trust is gone. Before this I would have walked through fire for this man, now ?????
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By: Laura on 6/13/2008 9:35AM
I believe that men and women can be friends just as long as they understand that there are boundaries that should never be crossed. There are those who understand these boundaries and have true friendships.
When emails become too personal, then the man or woman has to step back and reevaluate the friendship. To risk a marriage of so many years is truly stupid.
When my husband and I met two of the subjects of conversation was trust and jealousy. He had his say and I told him that I give my trust wholeheartedly and it is up to the person I am with to keep it. If I should find out that that person can not be trusted, he loses my trust and I do not lose anything. In regards to jealousy, I do not go to work or stay home thinking he is cheating on me. The moment I find out that he is: a divorce is the answer. As I said before, I don't lose anything, he does. I do not believe in second chances. Once a cheater, always a cheater.
Your friend is not your friend. She is lying to you in your face and he likes all the attention he is getting. It is up to you to decide what your next step will be. I hope you make the decision that is right for YOU.
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By: JERRY on 6/13/2008 7:58AM
HEIDI CRUMB MAKES ME PUKE. FEEL SORRY FOR SEAL. SHE IS A LOW LIFE.
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