Spouse 44F cheated, how do i 39M let go
I '39M' am married to '44F' for 13 yrs now, together for 18. I have found many lies of hers over the years, including workers close to us that she slept with and denied, if she had cheated, body count, etc. Might not have cared if she admitted it when addressed but the lies went for years. She also had terrible post part and for 7 years I didnt see my family or friends, didnt celebrate birthdays, father's day etc, I just wasn't important. I was the bread winner and also gave her whatever she wanted- purses, surgeries, trips, you name it bc I had a sense that it was right, you dont leave bc it gets hard. One day she says shes snapped out of it and was 'back' and wanted to be joyful again. I was elated, but she then was getting drunk and being a bit flirty when we went out, with old flames. Annoying but not over the line. She then got hammered and gave my assistant a lap dance without panties at a major work event, and soon there after hooked up with a guy at a wedding I was also at. Eventually she admitted something happened but won't take responsibility. No proof but have heard this happened multiple times with multiple guys I feel as if I've been true to a person that wasn't to me while married, and sold me snake oil to get me anyway. She is now a great wife and is wonderful to me, but now I dont treat her as she should be. She deserves love, and I dont know if I can give her all of me, there is too much spite and lack of trust. Idk what to do. I could also cheat and then 'be even' and could move on, but that goes against my personal code. She is an amazing mom and i care fior her but cant seem to respect her anymre. TLDR; my wife was shitty for a long time and then cheated, is now amazing. How do I forgive and is an eye for an eye ok?
Posted Sep 12, 2026, 8:28 AM UTC