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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My DH had a full blown affair with a co-worker.  Expensive dinners, hotel stays, real feelings involved etc.  I know everyone says this but I never thought I would find myself here.  I have lost 10 pounds the past month from not eating, generally feel anxious and nauseous most of the day, and have a constant play of images of them together in my mind. We have 2 elementary age children and DH says that he is willing to go to counseling and wants to work on the marriage and has cut contact with the affair partner and given me access to all his passwords, phone, etc.  I just don't know how I will ever get over this and wonder whether he is actually in love with this woman but feels compelled to stay and work on the marriage for the sake of the children.  How do you decide whether to stay or go? [/quote]

I've been through this - also a long-term affair that produced a child.

First, I'm really sorry you're going through this.  It is very hurtful and I send you my hugs.

My view is that you're rushing this, and rushing yourself into a decision.  Although this is perfectly understandable.  Processing a long-term affair is a long-term process and you must allow it to unfold as it will.  There will be tears and sleepless nights, and mad fluctuation between love and disgust and murderous instincts.

Here is my advice to you:

Do not speak to him unless necessary for logistics and childcare.  Do not have any long heartfelt tearful conversations.  Do not ask if he loves you, if he loves her, if this or that, that's all nonsense.  Just stop.  Retreat into your room.  Withdraw completely, and stay withdrawn for as long as you need.  You will know when you're ready to emerge.

Whether you can live through this will depend on whether your husband commits himself to righting the marriage.  (Also, do not start down the path of "what did I do wrong?"  Nothing.  He damaged the marriage, it's on him to right it.)  Now the critical part is that he MUST think you are ready to walk.  It's OK if you are not, but it is critical that he believes it.  Do not under any circumstances tell him "I can get over it if you XYZ".  If he asks you, say you don't know.  You're not ready.  You're not sure. Then, wait and see.

It took us about a year, I'd say.  I don't believe in therapy so we didn't do it. I think we have a strong marriage, a more realistic one.  We both understand how critical this marriage is for everything we want to achieve, and we're much more protective of it than before.

Good luck to you, my dear. It's not easy.  But it's not the end of the world. [/quote]

what happened to the child?[/quote]

Erm...it is growing? What exactly are you asking?[/quote]

I think she means is it involved in you and your kid’s life as a half sibling, step child.  Is your husband paying child support?[/quote]

It's not involved in my life.  DH is paying child support and the kids see her on a somewhat regular basis. [/quote]

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