I set the boundaries over the phone calls. They may not seem like boundaries but there are no words of love or terms of endearment.

I want to gently point out, that this is not boundary setting. That's not how they work.
You set your boundaries, and he sets his and she sets hers.

What you have done is create the illusion of setting boundaries for them, which they will likely not respect.

Have you read the book "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend. A christian/biblical perspective on having healthy boundaries, and I think it could be a great help to you here.

You have a kind heart, and strong boundaries will help you protect that heart and know when and how to best offer your gifts of compassion.

((hugs))) and so sorry for you difficult situation.

I don't think people are judging. I think that many of us are seeing reluctance and a bit of coercion in CD's posts. She feels she has to because of faith, love, obligation...and we're trying to show her she doesn't.

He still is sinning as long as he is on the wayward mindset. From what she's shared, he is. This OW can die but because he still has the entitled attitude and hasn't devoted himself to CD at the level he should, the odds of another A are increased.

A man shall leave his mother and father and cleave unto his wife. The two shall be as one. If her heart hurts, so should his. For NOBODY should he be hurting her heart. Not his parents, not strangers and certainly not the OW. The marital relationship is supposed to be an earthly reflection of man's relationship with God. Nothing is supposed to get between them.

From what I've read in CD's posts, the OW is getting between them and CD's faith is being used against her to facilitate that.

Whether you put this on yourself or he's doing it CD, you need to understand that sometimes loving one another means setting strong boundaries. Sometimes it means NOT giving them what they want if what they want keeps them in sin.

...it should not have even been an option on the table. No contact means no contact - that said, your husband shouldn't even know she's dying right now if your conditions for R were actually being met.

^^^This really sums up the entire situation.

Gently, I know it's undoubtedly easier to put the focus on compassion instead of the continued betrayal.

I'm so sorry you're in this situation. (((CD)))

If she is still alive, I am sure he will see her again.

WHY?!

Once is not enough? Why not just dump you off and spent the last few days/weeks/months with the one he *truly* loves?!

I am sorry, I don't find it compassionate. I am so hurt for the OP that she is allowing herself to be manipulated like this. What happens to the OW as she dies is between her, her family, and her God.

I absolutely understand wanting your H to make his own decision about seeing a dying woman for whom he has feelings, but the AP will continue to hang onto him as long as she is allowed to do so. After the NC email was sent, my H's AP attemped to get his address so she could make him the beneficiary in her will. She wanted to extend her hold even unto death.

I hope this all works out for you and I do admire your strength, but it is my experience that liars lie and it's unlikely your H and his AP are respecting your boundaries.

[This message edited by PeaceLove187 at 11:44 AM, October 18th (Friday)]

Everyone is responding so strongly to this because we have all watched him harm you over the past few months. WE have your back. We care and are trying to prevent you from going through any further pain.

Hugs to you.

Right thing to do? Maybe, maybe not but the fact remains, she is dying and I feel it's right to be kind and compassionate to those who are dying.

I agree. It is also the right thing to do to offer compassion to your wife whom you've already hurt deeply. Your husband is not doing that. He is thinking of himself and his wishes.

I feel, and I could be wrong, that you believe it is your duty to allow this but that you deeply wish it wasn't happening. You also stated you were going back into IC. If this is why, then your H should see the damage his continued selfishness is causing.

I understand wanting to be around people that were important, but when someone should not have been a part of your life at all, you have no right to ask them to stay, no matter how long your time on earth is.

I think, as others have said, the issue isn't how you handled this, it is how your H handled this. Are you going to discuss his actions with him, or just let it pass? He really should not have wanted to go to see this OW, knowing the destruction his relationship with her has already caused.

I, like others, would have helped him pack all of his belongings. You are kinder than I in this regard. I still do not believe that means you should give your H a pass on his desire to be a part of this woman's life once again.

I am deeply sorry you found yourself in this position. Perhaps you should go with your H to see her. Maybe then she and he would see how selfish this rekindling of the relationship is.

Hugs to all,

You're a better person than I am, Crazy Daze. What is important is you do what you feel is right, since there is no right/wrong when it comes to ourselves. We do what is true for us, period.

I would have D his sorry ass.

I couldn't handle my husband's pregnant gf. After all, 17 years I was faithful. -Him?! Not so much.

D Aug 2008

Compassion can be extended without sacrificing your marriage, or encouraging infidelity. Compassion as through thoughts, prayer and heart, on your part, and no visits or phonecalls on your husband's part. That would seem to be what is called for considering your commitment to being compassionate.

Any resulting resentment, from upholding those standards, would be the responsibilty of the one feeling the resentment, not the person encouraging honoring the marriage commitment.

[This message edited by alphakitte at 10:07 AM, November 15th (Friday)]

The OP hasn't logged in since October 17th. Maybe hold off on posting to her until she returns.

[This message edited by SI Staff at 11:03 AM, November 15th (Friday)]