TrashPanda7 (original poster new member #86753) posted at 10:05 PM on Friday, March 27th, 2026
It's been eating at me for months so I finally reached out to OBS. Did it through social media. Couldn't get a phone number and I'll leave showing up to their house unannounced as a last resort. We'll just see what happens.
The last straw for me was probably from this Tuesday. One of my requests to my wife was to tell me if she encountered AP at work that day (which was bound to happen). After allegedly not seeing him for months, I asked her Tuesday if he was in the thing she had to do on Monday. She reluctantly said yes. I lost it. I said why didn't you tell me?! How can I trust you?! It's like the wounds from 6 months ago were ripped wide open. We had a huge fight and we never do that. I yelled and cursed at her and never do that. I literally didn't care if he was in there, this was a trust building thing for my wife. She said she was going to tell me at our next counseling session (bs because we aren't even scheduled and haven't heard from the therapist). I just wanted her to show she is on board, instead she's still hiding or omitting things.
My wife has literally provided me with ZERO info that I didn't have to extract out of her. Shows no initiative to work on this. It's me pulling the cart. She has trickle truthed me for the last 6 months. She'll tell me she's fine over and over when I can clearly tell she's mad about something. This complete open and transparent communication thing is just lost on her.
There are a couple things she gave me answers to when she was being "super transparent" six months ago about the affair, that have now completely changed. And I'm not talking little details. I let her walk all the way to the end of her answer before asking her about her original answer. Then magically it changed again.
All this to say, her actions are telling me I have no base to trust her on and I'm taking what I can into my own hands. First step being telling OBS. Maybe I'll get some answers I need to get out of this.
This turned out longer than I initially planned and went on a rant. Sorry
Unhinged ( member #47977) posted at 10:37 PM on Friday, March 27th, 2026
It's me pulling the cart.
Stop pulling the cart.
It is extremely common for betrayed spouses hoping to reconcile to pull the cart. I felt the exact same way for several months. Until I started to truly understand that it doesn't work.
The best advice I ever received from SI members was step-back and detach from my wayward wife, to watch and observe what she chose to do with the opportunity - THE GIFT - that was being offered.
And that is the best advice I can offer. Step-back and detach from your wayward wife. Watch and observe what she chooses to do with the opportunity you've given to her. Focus on you, your recovery and healing.
It may be helpful to read up on the 180. You'll find two posts on the 180 in the Healing Library.
Brother, I encourage every BS in R to realize that reconciliation is never a foregone conclusion, to let go of the outcome and get as comfortable as possible with either option, R or D.
You cannot reconcile alone.
I'm sorry she putting you through this. I know it's extremely frustrating and painful, confusing and scary.
Married 2005
D-Day April, 2015
Divorced May, 2022
"The Universe is not short on wake-up calls. We're just quick to hit the snooze button." -Brene Brown
TrashPanda7 (original poster new member #86753) posted at 1:49 AM on Saturday, March 28th, 2026
She responded saying thank you for telling her. Said this is alot for her to process right now and that she does not need the proof. I laid it out pretty factually and hard to argue without any super details. She said she's sorry I'm going through it too. I told her she can always reach out if she has any questions or needs support in the future. She's already confronted AP about it.
fareast ( Moderator #61555) posted at 2:13 AM on Saturday, March 28th, 2026
You did the right thing. It is a difficult thing to do, but I commend you for giving her back her agency. I’m sure she is in shock, but as the reality sinks in, I suspect she will contact you again. Well done.
Never bother with things in your rearview mirror. Your best days are on the road in front of you.
TrashPanda7 (original poster new member #86753) posted at 2:39 AM on Saturday, March 28th, 2026
Yea we've already been talking a little. I let her know she can contact me whenever.
WoodThrush2 ( member #85057) posted at 6:20 AM on Saturday, March 28th, 2026
Awesome job TrashPanda. You took an important step in something you can control. And you helped another person. Now reality will start to materialize for him, and likely will trickle to your wife. Keep holding yourself with dignity. It sounds like your wife is not yet a good candidate for recovery.
raik0 ( new member #87001) posted at 7:31 AM on Saturday, March 28th, 2026
Does your WW already know? Did OBS comment on whether she suspected anything or was she completely unaware?
TrashPanda7 (original poster new member #86753) posted at 9:22 AM on Saturday, March 28th, 2026
My wife does not know I told OBS. And OBS does not seem like she suspected anything from how she talked.
Pogre ( member #86173) posted at 12:19 PM on Saturday, March 28th, 2026
Not only did you give her her agency, you took some of your own back. Good for you man. I think by her reaction you already know you did the right thing. This reckoning was overdue.
Where am I going... and why am I in this handbasket?