My parents' marriage is a big failure. My mother is very narcissistic and materialistic, and she is constantly abusing my father (who is about 15 years older than she is) physically and verbally, draining him of all his financial resources and treating him as her personal servant. Despite this my father constantly defends my mother like a simp, telling us what a great mother she is and that we should love her.
A few months ago I found my father fast asleep with porn playing on his phone. It was disgusting but I didn't say anything about it because I understand that his sexual needs probably haven't been met in 20 years.
And then very recently I found out that my mother is highly likely cheating on my father -- on multiple occasions I saw a man sneaking in and out of my mother's bedroom and our house, and her trying to hide it from my view... among other things that have raised my suspicions.
I... just find all these so sad, ridiculous and laughable.
Well, my question is, what would you do in this situation? Would you stay out of it? Would you tell?
My current opinion is that since it is not my marriage or relationship, I don't really care what they do about it. Furthermore, they are more than 25 and 40 years older than I am, so they are more than old enough to make their own (poor) decisions. Honestly, I am just so used to my parents' marriage being such a big failure that all I can do is not take these things too seriously.
What are your thoughts?
TheBunk_TB 2y ago
When can you move out?
becomingthatgirl 2y ago
Luckily, I'm moving to college dorms this fall. However, I would likely be back after graduating so that I can save up money for a house with my boyfriend asap. I considered renting, but a barely furnished 100sqft room would already take up 33% of my assumed take-home fresh graduate pay... I live in a very HCOL country. But maybe I can figure something out somehow.
TheBunk_TB 2y ago
Yeah, throws a curveball.
I would spend as little time at home as possible.
I don't think you could help your parents. They might literally need to help themselves or at least wake up on their own.
Empyrean_Truth 2y ago
Gather evidence of unfaithfulness and present your dad with a very clear and cut divorce case. Build evidence for it according to research accordingly.
She has spent decades holding power over him, and decades under her being powerless.
That is not salvageable, so contingencies must be sought.
He needs rediscover himself and find his own truths outside of the toxic banshee he somehow married and slowly allowed himself to erode under.
marcelmarceau1972 2y ago
It's a difficult situation; I think you are right on the cautious approach, not meddling. Maybe just getting closer to the weaker side to try and make sure that -in their circumstances- they are safe. Also, watch and avoid replicating any side on your relationship, as we tend to copy behaviors.
One thing I haven't seen in the comments, but I add here because you mentioned simp, porn, the age difference, is that your father might be willingly participating in the cheating. Just like open relationships, there are some relationships where one-side cheating is accepted and even encouraged, so this might be a possibility.
So, my suggestion is not to go about the marriage but if you are interested maybe try and get closer to your father with questions not about the marriage but about his well-being.
marcelmarceau1972 2y ago
It's a difficult situation; I think you are right on the cautious approach, not meddling. Maybe just getting closer to the weaker side to try and make sure that -in their circumstances- they are safe. Also, watch and avoid replicating any side on your relationship, as we tend to copy behaviors.
One thing I haven't seen in the comments, but I add here because you mentioned simp and some behaviors, is that your father might be willingly participating in the cheating. Just like open relationships, there are some relationships where one-side cheating is accepted and even encouraged by one partner.
So my suggestion is not to go about the marriage but if you are interested maybe try and get closer to your father with questions not about the marriage but about his well-being.
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zaladarx13 2y ago
For the sake of your dad do it.... Do it smartly (as some said , gather evidance and help your dad)
NicoleInBlue 2y ago
A few years ago, shortly after moving away for college, I found out my father is using dating apps. I didn't tell my mother.
There was a previous occasion of her finding out about an affair of his back when I was younger and I know how much it hurt her. But she turned a blind eye, she was not willing to break apart the family over it. So I knew that sharing what I've found out accidentally will only hurt her again and chose to remain silent.
You know your parents and family history better than we do. A woman cheating is very different than a man cheating but then again you probably don't know all the details of your mother and father's relationship. I personally wouldn't interfere unless physical abuse is taking place.
zaladarx13 2y ago
Out of curiosity (I'm seriously asking
NicoleInBlue 2y ago
I don't think infidelity is acceptable in any case, but I can see how a man can have sex with another woman without necessarily being emotionally attached to her.
sleeplessbeanbean 2y ago
It kind of sounds like they've established a status quo for themselves. It's sad, but many marriages function on less, and you trying to put yourself in the middle of it will only force you to take sides and become a mediator. It's their responsibility to manage their relationship, not yours. It hurts to see your loved ones suffering but we can't do for them what they are not willing to do for themselves.
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pimoflex69 2y ago
If you care. Do something. If you don't, don't
rammerplex 2y ago
These people are your parents. Respect them for that. But, you did not choose them.
This is how they choose to behave. If you don't like it, then aspire to be better. Their behavior is not your responsibility.
Meddling in other peoples affairs is almost always unwise, because exactly no one wants someone to tell them they are a hot mess.
So, I would stay out of it. But do learn from it. You know now a bunch of things to not be involved in as your life unfolds.
sunglasses90 2y ago
If they changed your diapers they don’t ever want your advice regarding sex or money.
Stay out of it.
MinutesTilMidnight 2y ago
No offense intended, but would you say this if it was a woman being physically and verbally abused by a man? & why or why not? Genuine question.
sunglasses90 2y ago
Yes. From first hand experience getting involved in your parents marriage problems hurts you and they do whatever they want to do regardless.
MinutesTilMidnight 2y ago
What you’re saying makes complete sense to me, but it makes me feel icky. Maybe I just don’t have the life experience yet
sunglasses90 2y ago
It’s not icky. We’re only talking about people who are your parents. They don’t want your input on their marriage.
I’ll give you an example. My parents went through a rough patch. My mom involved me as a very young adult because she was in a really weak moment in her life. She alleged physical and emotional abuse about my father. My aunt and I both tried to get her out of the relationship and “safe”. Guess who is still married nearly 10 years after the fact? She didn’t take our advice. She didn’t want to leave him. She just wanted to vent. So now I have a warped view of my father and went through insane amounts of stress over my parents marriage…and really all for nothing. They’re still together and actually seem to be doing much much better.
Hellokittynole 2y ago
Highly agree with this.
cbunni666 2y ago
Well you just said "I don't care what they do" in regards of doing anything about it, why even care enough to tell them? Would it help the situation or make the situation work? What would you expect out of it?
Wolphy_Mathagomy 2y ago
Honestly, if it were me, I'd hit up moms like "uhhh.... you know I know what you're doing right," ever so nonchalantly. Don't cheat on my pops, fam. You bugging.
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pearlsandstilettos 2y ago
This isn't really helpful and no one particularly cares the age differences in their advice. No need to make unflattering assumption about the community. Removed.
Empyrean_Truth 2y ago
You're literally a queen with how active and diligently you handle this community. I can't even go somewhere without seeing evidence of your hard work.
I applaud you for not letting the culture erode slowly, or rapidly.
I'm inspired by your infinite focus and unlimited work ethic.
I admire your sense of justice and fairness.
Thanks for being an outstanding keeper of womens spaces and your own values, Pearl.
ZarBandit 2y ago
Approach it lightly. Your place is to let him know that if he chooses to stay or leave you’ll support and love him either way. The main contribution you can give is to let him know that you will not be disappointed if he leaves her. And you will love him if he stays. He should not be staying for your sake, however.
As to whether to out your mother’s cheating, generally I’m in favor of outing cheaters. Now that you suspect, if he really doesn’t know what she’s doing and he finds out later that you did and didn’t tell him, that very well could be seen as a betrayal by you. That kind of break in trust pretty much can’t be repaired. This very scenario has played out in the infidelity forums. It’s devastating.
You might tell him you suspect she might be cheating. This would be truthful because you didn’t see them going at it or read text messages where she admits to it. Be warned if you snoop her phone you very well may find that proof. After finding it you may wish you hadn’t looked. Once you read the gory details you won’t forget them. I’d advise that you know enough to act, and knowing more could be harmful to you.
The survivinginfidelity sub is a goldmine of top quality information and advice. It’s a must read for anyone dealing with infidelity, even indirectly.
cmvmania 2y ago
I'd snitch but this is in no way an advice knowing that i have zero knowledge beyond whats going on besides this post.
CCloudds 2y ago
Do you have proof?? Pictures or msgs. Cheating can lead to horrible disasters even murders. You should get proof and tell your dad cause he won't believe you. Your dad deserves to know he is an adult he can handle it. Maybe this can be his wakeup call and he can live the rest of his days with a better person.
marcelmarceau1972 2y ago
It's a difficult situation; I think you are right on the cautious approach, not meddling. Maybe just getting closer to the weaker side to try and make sure that -in their circumstances- they are safe. Also, watch and avoid replicating any side on your relationship, as we tend to copy behaviors.
One thing I haven't seen in the comments, but I add here because you mentioned simp and some behaviors, is that your father might be willingly participating in the cheating. Just like open relationships, there are some relationships where one-side cheating is accepted and even encouraged by one partner.
So my suggestion is not to go about the marriage but if you are interested maybe try and get closer to your father with questions not about the marriage but about his well-being.
marcelmarceau1972 2y ago
It's a difficult situation; I think you are right on the cautious approach, not meddling. Maybe just getting closer to the weaker side to try and make sure that -in their circumstances- they are safe. Also, watch and avoid replicating any side on your relationship, as we tend to copy behaviors.
One thing I haven't seen in the comments, but I add here because you mentioned simp and some behaviors, is that your father might be willingly participating in the cheating. Just like open relationships, there are some relationships where one-side cheating is accepted and even encouraged by one partner.
So my suggestion is not to go about the marriage but if you are interested maybe try and get closer to your father with questions not about the marriage but about his well-being.
Proof-Examination574 2y ago
Maybe you should tell your dad your mom is a cheating whore that abuses him and he should leave her. The owness is on him after that. Don't expect to be welcome at future family gatherings but at least you can die with some dignity and self respect.
Taters0290 2y ago
The only way I’d get involved is anonymously, especially if you’ll be living there again. It seems he has a story he tells himself about your mom and the marriage. Do you want to destroy that if it’s his way of coping with a situation he won’t or can’t get out of?? I’d be surprised if he didn’t already know too.
NevermindTheCrows 2y ago
Don't meddle. There is probably a lot that you don't understand. The fact that you are assigning all the blame to your mother also suggests immaturity, in my opinion, and makes me question your observations.
becomingthatgirl 2y ago
I'm sorry, do you know more about my family than I do? I chose to limit the information I share so as to remain unidentifiable, so there is a lot that you don't understand, certainly not enough to simply pass judgement on someone based on an abridged post.
I also find it incredulous that you're supposing my father would have any part to blame for being the victim of physical, verbal, and financial abuse.
wannaberunner131 2y ago
If you already have your answer and don't want to hear disagreements don't post a question.
becomingthatgirl 2y ago
I did not disagree with "Don't meddle. There is probably a lot that you don't understand." which answers my question and is, in fact, the same sentiment as my own. I disagreed with the rest of their comment.
NevermindTheCrows 2y ago
I am sorry if I was rude.
Obviously I know nothing about your family. But I know that relationships are complex and that most of the time, you can't just boil it down to one person being abusive. Especially if the "abuser" is a woman and is much younger. And especially if your father insists that your mother is actually a wonderful woman.
becomingthatgirl 2y ago
Unfortunately, that is the case. If you knew anything about narcissistic abuse you would understand. I recommend this documentary on YouTube.
NevermindTheCrows 2y ago
All my best to you, and I hope that you are able to move out and start an independent life soon.