The Seven Year Itch

by Marquelle
(Texas)

I had just gotten out of a seven year relationship when I met my new man who in turn became my husband. We met and were engaged wthin 3 months. We were engaged for a year and 3 months. We finally got married and had a baby.

But he enjoyed going out with his buddies... I trusted him so I always let him go.

One night he came home late and we had a terrible fight that led to domestic violence. I pressed charges and we were apart for 4 months. I finally decided to take him back, because I didn't want to leave my daughter w/o a father.

Things seemed to get better for a while. But, I became frustrated since he could never hold down a job or finish his education. It led to a lot of verbal abuse toward him. I still resented him for hitting me also.

Gradually, we started ignoring one another in order to avoid fighting. He began going out more often. He avoided doing family activities. He wanted to focus more on his looks.

Last week, I found out he's been talking to four girls on the phone. He's communicated with them constantly. There's one girl which he's talked to for 9wks. He claims they just talked. She's told me other wise.

I trusted him completely. I never looked at his phone log or wallet. We've been together for 9 years but this is our 7th year married.

This is when most problems with infidelity occur. That's why I call it the seven year itch.

He wants to come back home. He promises to get rid of his phone, and buddies. He states he'll focus more on the family. We now have 2 kids and I honestly don't know if I can forgive him for being unfaithful.

I never expected it and it hurts. I'm not the cute skinny girl that he fell in love with. The other girl is 10 years younger so that makes a difference. What should I do? I'm devastated!