OurPath Open Forum

This Open Forum is funded and administered by OurPath, Inc., (formerly the Straight Spouse Network). OurPath is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support to Straight Partners and Partners of Trans People who have discovered that their partner is LGBT+. Your contribution, no matter how small, helps us provide our community with this space for discussion and connection.


BE A DONOR >>>


You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?



April 6, 2017 12:23 am  #1


It doesn't feel real

Hi I initially posted in the "is he gay" section. No matter how many signs I see, I have a hard time believing he could be even though I've suspected it for 4 years when I found emails from another man. They were mainly innuendo but i was immediately concerned. 
Since finding some of his sex toys the other day (I said nothing but one was an anal vibrator) he seems to be trying extra hard to be touchy feely.  He's been gaslighting me for years, I see him as a slight narcissist and I just don't know what to do.  I'm trying to rebuild my self esteem and get back to making my own money but until that happens I need to stay put.  I'm angry that I wasted all these years and I'm ready to move on. I'm just so scared.
I checked his browser history today twice.  Cleared. Also he texted me simply to tell me Barry manilow came out.  I wanted to ask if he wants to join him
I want the truth more than anything.  I need it to help me heal. I was at the point where I would have been okay with him telling me he rejected me sexually since 2004 because I gained weight.   Anything. I just need answers. Validation.

Anyway I'm glad I found this group.  Thanks for your help so far.

 

April 6, 2017 5:53 am  #2


Re: It doesn't feel real

Lisa4kids, 

Glad you found us.  Keep posting. 

You may never get the truth, but you'll find your truth.  You know what you can live with and it sounds like you are starting to understand what you deserve. 

 


“Above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely of places.”
 

April 6, 2017 6:16 am  #3


Re: It doesn't feel real

Thanks.
I think the fact that I'm also possibly dealing with mental illness in addition to him creating our lie of a marriage, makes it tougher.  I realized yesterday he occasionally does things that could be construed as "trying" either for arguments sake or to tell himself he's initiating.  Kissing my neck but then walking away. Rubbing my lower back for a minute due to some pain, is lovely but then he leaves.  We have spent so much kid free time alone in the house while remaining sexless, it's funny.
I'm Calling a new therapist today so I hope she's not too expensive!!!  I need someone to hold my hand.

     Thread Starter
 

April 6, 2017 7:48 am  #4


Re: It doesn't feel real

My husband used to kiss me goodbye when I left for work but never greeted me with a kiss when I came home - nothing that might lead to more. I wish you well in finding a good therapist. Just remember that you are there to work on finding your self, not finding out why he is as he is, and it will keep your costs down..

 


Try Gardening. It'll keep you grounded.
 

April 6, 2017 8:08 am  #5


Re: It doesn't feel real

Shock and Denial and two stages in this process.  We all go through them, but everyone has a different order and timeframe for each stage. 

We all suffered from a disorder called Love.  Because we loved our spouses our hearts refuse to accept what our minds tell us.  We convince ourselves that it can't be true.. because we don't want it to be true. 

Just know that what you are feeling is normal.  There is nothing wrong with you.  


-Formerly "Lostdad" - I now embrace the username "phoenix" because my former life ended in flames, but my new life will be spectacular. 

 
 

April 10, 2017 4:29 am  #6


Re: It doesn't feel real

phoenix wrote:

Shock and Denial and two stages in this process.  We all go through them, but everyone has a different order and timeframe for each stage. 

We all suffered from a disorder called Love.  Because we loved our spouses our hearts refuse to accept what our minds tell us.  We convince ourselves that it can't be true.. because we don't want it to be true. 

Just know that what you are feeling is normal.  There is nothing wrong with you.  

This!!!  This is good stuff... brings me to tears (again)
 

 

April 22, 2017 7:52 am  #7


Re: It doesn't feel real

Merediths rambling but true video this week talks about intuition and those feelings we get ...how do we know something is wrong?  How do we realize a spouse is really abusing or lying to us..

https://youtu.be/x0bZy1eOPlw


I think that's when I realized it was over..that I could not live with anxiety and trauma..my body telling me things that my mind could not accept.  No need for any admission or apology from my ex.


"For we walk by faith, not by sight .."  2Corinthians 5:7
 

Board footera

 

Powered by Boardhost. Create a Free Forum