I have been married for seven years and we have two little girls. My husband is active duty Navy, and in the time we’ve been together I’ve discovered he’s cheated three times that I know of. I’m exhausted emotionally and physically. Every time it’s the same script: he’s caught, he cries, promises to change, and swears it will never happen again. For a while I believe him, then the pattern repeats. It has left me depressed, distrustful, and constantly braced for the next betrayal.
This time he says all the right things. He’s in counseling, he’s talking about what he’s learned, and he’s begging to win me back. He’s saying things I’ve never heard before. I want to want to believe him. I’ve been the one who stayed through the chaos, supported him, and tried to rebuild. Now I’m terrified not only for my heart but for how this affects our daughters. My gut has been shouting that I should leave, but the thought of splitting our family makes me crumble.
To complicate everything, another man has entered my life. He’s not pressuring me; he’s kind, supportive, and genuinely focused on my well-being. He’s the first person in a long time who asks what would actually make me happy. I won’t lie his kindness is comforting, and it makes me wonder what a different life could look like. I feel guilty even thinking about him while my husband is asking for another chance.
I need guidance: How do I decide whether to give my marriage another real chance or to protect myself and our children and walk away? Can a person who’s cheated repeatedly truly change, and how long should I wait to see consistent proof? Is it wrong to let myself be supported by someone new while I sort this out?
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