msbtastic
Shy Member
Posts: 22
Sept 12, 2016 0:36:10 GMT
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Post by msbtastic on Dec 26, 2016 5:35:56 GMT
Hi everyone and merry Christmas!!!! I need some advice from a diverse group of women. I've been friends with benefits a guy for about 6 months. We were previously together for about a year. The relationship didn't go too well because he had 2 jobs, there was nothing negative besides that. After we broke it off we continued to be friends. This summer he initiated the "benefits" portion of our friendship. We talked to each other very often, went out sometimes, stayed at each other's homes, etc. He comes to see me daily when we're at work. We've had multiple conversations about us being single- me asking him outright multiple times. He was just telling me that he thought he might be ready for a relationship, implying often that it'd be with me. I had no reason not to trust him based on our previous relationship. Well, I just found out from a co-worker that he just bought a house with his girlfriend . Not only that, but he's been sleeping with another at the job and sending unsolicited nudes to others that we work with. While I'm very hurt, I am not angry or interested in revenge, especially since we all, except his girlfriend, work together.. I don't know how long he's been with the girlfriend.
Should I find a way to tell her? Or should I just let her find out on her own like I did? I have no evidence because I deleted everything involving him when I found out that he's been playing a large group of women (I also found out he cheated on me with a different co-worker when we were dating). I don't want to tell her because I just want to move on and because I don't know her. I also remember being cheated on and how upsetting it was that no one warned me when they found out they were the other woman. What would you do?
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Post by its me mg on Dec 26, 2016 5:44:08 GMT
He was never committed to you, and he made that clear. If he chooses to cheat on his girlfriend, that's on him. Cut off the relationship and if she ever questions you be honest - you were hooking up, but the second you found out about her you cut him off. Lesson learn. She deserves to know he's a scum bag, but it's not your business to flaunt it ... if that makes sense.
He would reiterate to you that he was single. Maybe he was trying to find a way to tell you about her in regards to mentioning the relationship and you just mixed the signals because you didn't even consider another woman, obviously. He probably started to say it and then chickened out ... because really, how do you admit that to someone's face?
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Post by its me mg on Dec 26, 2016 5:47:14 GMT
My previous post probably came off bitchy, but I'm just saying that in that my experience with men they don't play games. They're pretty logical. If they tell you something (IE: I'm single) they mean it, usually.
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Post by its me mg on Dec 26, 2016 5:48:02 GMT
..... and if he's dating another woman, and sending dick pics .... what's going to make him stop?
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Post by chaosisapony on Dec 26, 2016 5:51:54 GMT
What an ass. I hope the woman he is buying the house with finds out sooner rather than later what his character really is. Since you all work together I'd hesitate to tell her since it could cause workplace drama. Probably best to just let it be and if she asks you tell her exactly what happened.
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Post by 950nancy on Dec 26, 2016 5:52:57 GMT
If I were the other woman, I would want to know. I don't know how I would get the message across, but I would do/say something. I would be honest and quick.
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Post by k8smom on Dec 26, 2016 5:57:45 GMT
It feels awful now, but you should be doing a happy dance that you found out now since it sounds like you were considering entering into a relationship again prior to finding out. The thing is, people do not grow new personalities. When people show you who they really are, believe them.
No, I would not get involved in his shenanigans or warn the other women. It's not your place and there is no need for you to invest any more time in this relationship.
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Post by freecharlie on Dec 26, 2016 5:59:35 GMT
If you had any evidence, I would make it a point to tel her. Since you don't, it is too easy for her to dismiss you as the crazy ex.
If you get evidence or can talk to the larger OW group, then pass it on.
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inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
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Post by inkedup on Dec 26, 2016 6:04:34 GMT
I would cut him off completely, though I'd let him know why if he asked. The new woman will find out eventually if she doesn't know already. I would not get involved any further.
A friend of mine went through something similar and the guy trashed her to all of their coworkers. Painted her as a vengeful, lying tramp who pursued him.
I'm sorry you're wrapped up in his lies. I hope your next partner is honest and that he honors you.
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Dec 26, 2016 6:13:16 GMT
I have just supported an old friend through a similar situation and wish to make a restricted point, only about the deleted evidence. If you decide (the wise pea women will help you for sure) to tell the other woman or any of the other other women (!) do not let the fact that you deleted the evidence stop you. If any of the women who need a reality check are nervous about this jerk the lack of evidence will not be an issue as they will be receptive to truth without it. The ones who are not ready for reality could see a whole iPhone memory's worth of damning pics and they will still not believe you. Best of luck and hope you are seeing a new future soon. ETA: chiming back in to say that I never can figure out why idiots like this jerk think we women will never catch on- from your story he is treating the women at a particular workplace like his harem. This is what is so similar with my old friend's story early December and it made us, her friends, so mad! When the story gets out (and it will, even if you just walk away and don't spill) I hope the only bad work-related consequences fall on the jerk
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama

I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,412
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Dec 26, 2016 8:05:54 GMT
She needs to know what an arse he is. The dick pics would get him fired and probably earn him a criminal record, if they are unsolicited where I work. You are well rid, but I am sorry that you have been misled.
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msbtastic
Shy Member
Posts: 22
Sept 12, 2016 0:36:10 GMT
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Post by msbtastic on Dec 26, 2016 8:50:23 GMT
its me mg- he told me that he was single and he wasn't. I am also aware that there was no commitment- I assisted in that decision. We were together for a year prior to this and were close friends for another year total outside of that. He is well aware of my feelings and values and how this situation is the polar opposite. I'm more hurt over the manipulation and the parts of the story I didn't include in my post. And thanks for the "not being bitchy" part. I'm blunt and it definitely comes across as bitchy oft times, so I understand. Thanks for giving me your input.
Thanks all so far for responding. It seems that you all are just as divided as the people in my life, but so far the variety of responses have given me more to think about. While his girlfriend doesn't work with me, his mistress harem does. I didn't think about him dogging me at work. That brings up the possibility of someone, including me, being fired if this goes south. Who knew a group of women getting together to scrap would lead to this?
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Post by originalvanillabean on Dec 26, 2016 9:13:16 GMT
If he chooses to cheat on his girlfriend, that's on him. Cut off the relationship and if she ever questions you be honest - you were hooking up, but the second you found out about her you cut him off. Lesson learn. She deserves to know he's a scum bag, but it's not your business to flaunt it ... if that makes sense.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 26, 2016 10:06:43 GMT
I would just drop the whole relationship, sexual and "friendship."
He's not worth it. And he never will be.
I wouldn't tell the girlfriend. It's not your responsibility.
ETA: Changed would to wouldn't. Typed it wrong the first time.
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Post by Really Red on Dec 26, 2016 12:18:13 GMT
I would tell. I was cheated on and I would have very much appreciated having known, PARTICULARLY before I was married and/or moved in with someone.
I know there are people who don't want to know these things. Personally, I cannot believe anyone would have such low self-worth that they'd rather stay with a cheater than be on their own.
You have absolute proof that he was cheating on his girlfriend. You don't need physical proof. I would tell and feel like I did her a favor.
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Post by christine58 on Dec 26, 2016 12:25:47 GMT
The first thing--go get tested for STDs. Then I probably would not say a word to the girlfriend.
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,240
Jun 26, 2014 0:09:18 GMT
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Post by Peamac on Dec 26, 2016 12:52:13 GMT
I think the girlfriend needs to know before going through with buying the house. What a burden if she didn't find out until after they've been in the house! What if they weren't able to sell it in a timely manner? What a headache!
Telling her doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out, dramatic event. (((Hugs))) to you- this can't be easy.
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Post by anonrefugee on Dec 26, 2016 13:01:54 GMT
I think the girlfriend needs to know before going through with buying the house. What a burden if she didn't find out until after they've been in the house! What if they weren't able to sell it in a timely manner? What a headache! Telling her doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out, dramatic event. (((Hugs))) to you- this can't be easy. If the House-buying Girlfriend was a Pea we'd chastise the office woman that didn't find some way to let her know before a long term financial commitment! But ScrapsontheRocks is right, some women wouldn't believe a stack of evidence while they're in love.
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Post by ScrapsontheRocks on Dec 26, 2016 13:16:58 GMT
I think the girlfriend needs to know before going through with buying the house. What a burden if she didn't find out until after they've been in the house! What if they weren't able to sell it in a timely manner? What a headache! Telling her doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out, dramatic event. (((Hugs))) to you- this can't be easy. If the House-buying Girlfriend was a Pea we'd chastise the office woman that didn't find some way to let her know before a long term financial commitment! But ScrapsontheRocks is right, some women wouldn't believe a stack of evidence while they're in love. I was typing something long on a different thread and planning on checking this thread before I go when I saw this tag. Now that I think about it, anonrefugee is spot on about the pea warning code. Also christine58 , Peamac . This jerk and his doings, in the context of my old friend's recent heartache, stayed with me today. The jerk who caused my old friend's pain perpetrated the same nonsense on her (and the harem) 25 years ago! Despite that and despite evidence presented to her in October (I think) by one of our old circle here we are again. I can hardly believe it. OP I was right about the wise peas- STD checks and employment related complications must be part of your actions and decisions. Again I wish you all the best.
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,240
Jun 26, 2014 0:09:18 GMT
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Post by Peamac on Dec 26, 2016 13:17:28 GMT
I think the girlfriend needs to know before going through with buying the house. What a burden if she didn't find out until after they've been in the house! What if they weren't able to sell it in a timely manner? What a headache! Telling her doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out, dramatic event. (((Hugs))) to you- this can't be easy. If the House-buying Girlfriend was a Pea we'd chastise the office woman that didn't find some way to let her know before a long term financial commitment! But ScrapsontheRocks is right, some women wouldn't believe a stack of evidence while they're in love. You're absolutely right on both counts, anonrefugee . The OP doesn't know how the girlfriend would respond to being told, but if gf doesn't believe OP, that's her own decision to make. At least she would have been warned. My boyfriend in college cheated on me and his best friend told me. I am so glad he did! I had no idea he was seeing someone else and dropped him immediately. I'm glad I was given the information. If I hadn't dumped boyfriend and got hurt later, then that's on me. ETA- A simple "I work with exBF and we've dated for the last couple of years. I had no idea he was dating you also. I've dumped him, but thought you should know." If she asks, you can tell her about the others at work, nasty pictures, etc. If she doesn't ask for more info, at least you've told her about you and exBF. If exBF is upset with you telling her, you can tell him that you didn't give all the details about everyone else he's been seeing. And remind him that he's been lying to you all along (although technically he's still "single" b/c he's not married), you have no desire to date a guy who sends pictures of his privates to others, and don't want to cause drama with the other office girls he's seeing. That will let him know that you know more than he realizes.
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Post by anxiousmom on Dec 26, 2016 13:19:17 GMT
<<<Got an anonymous letter in the mail from someone who thought I should know. (It took me years to figure out who it was from, but I think I know now.)
I needed to know of course. But boy I sure did resent it at the time-I was embarrassed, I was hurt, and for a while I didn't believe it because it was an anonymous letter and my ex had a great explanation for it. Actually, I didn't believe it right up to the point that I had to-my ex told me he was moving out to move in with her.
These days I think that before you (not you specifically OP) tell someone about this kind of thing you have to decide if you (the global you) want to tell because you (again the global you) genuinely want the person to know, or if it is because you want to assuage your own guilt (of knowing about it, participating in it.) I think that intent is really important because the likelihood of someone really believing the message is slim.
(and the person who I think sent the letter? I think, knowing her, she genuinely wanted me to know.)
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama

Posts: 5,090
Jul 8, 2014 20:17:31 GMT
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Post by scrapaddie on Dec 26, 2016 13:33:02 GMT
According to the OP, she asked multiple times if he was single. I think that somewhere,deep in her mind, she suspected something wasn't quite right. Why else would she have asked multiple times? The current girlfriend probably also has some suspicions, I would find someway to get The information to her. No one can juggle that much going on in their life, without raising some suspicion somewhere.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:11:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2016 13:47:58 GMT
You s gotten a lot of good responses but I'll throw mine in the ring as well.
I'm on the "don't say anything" side. I think you'll further engul yourself into the drama by doing so and she's likely not going to believe you,at least initially.
I'd walk away with my head held high. As for you being manipulated, btdt with my 2nd ex husband. I'm remarried now but I'm still trying to come to terms with the games and manipulation #2 put me through.
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Post by disneypal on Dec 26, 2016 13:48:29 GMT
I would tell hm that I know about his GF, them moving in together and the other women. Then I would cut personal ties with him. I wouldn't tell his GF, she won't believe you and he will convince her that you are just some jealous ex, she will discover the truth on her own.
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Post by myshelly on Dec 26, 2016 14:01:38 GMT
I wouldn't tell.
There's no need to further destabilize the work place by turning office romance into office drama.
I've never been one to blame the other woman or think she has any responsibility to the main woman.
You have nothing to gain from telling her, but could create a lot of trouble for yourself and others.
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Post by pelirroja on Dec 26, 2016 14:04:44 GMT
You are assuming house-buying girlfriend is not aware that he's a cheating jerk: that may or may not be true. She might very well know about you and the others. Some women choose to tolerate things that other women wouldn't put up with for a NY-minute. You might also be assuming she will believe your notification. Mr. Slick Dick will explain it all away, making her doubt herself and making you seem like a crazy stalker. She won't believe you and he will make sure of that.
Your situation is way more complicated in that you are one of many in the workplace. I don't know where you, he, or the others fall on the chain of command and hierarchy in your workplace but you could up with an unemployable blacklisted mess on your hands so please tread carefully, whatever you decide. This isn't a game of poker, it's your life, so please think, re-think and then re-think once more how to handle things. Does this need to be addressed right this moment and if so, what is the urgency since it's been going on for quite awhile? Can it wait a little longer until you have more clarity? Are you friends or coworkers with the others? There could be safety in numbers if all of you figure out how to react together on one page and if (big if) he has done anything to break HR rules on fraternization. Employers don't always want to get involved other than to fire all of the people involved and get rid of the mess as quickly as possible.
And as you can see, from the anonymous note anxiousmom received, her xdh explained it all away. So if you think you need to set things right, send an anonymous note but be aware HE will likely know who sent it and your job could be at stake. You will have to weigh out what is most important to you and take it from there. This isn't high school and your career could be on the line. It isn't worth it, walk away and let it go.
The FIRST thing I'd do is an STD check at your gyno. You've had benefits with more people than you ever would have knowingly agreed to. Get checked and make your decisions from there.
Good luck. It's a crap situation to be in. So sorry.
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Post by hop2 on Dec 26, 2016 14:12:47 GMT
If I were the girlfriend I would want to know before my money was entangled in a house 'with' him. But if I were you I'd have zero idea how to tell a stranger that.  But since he is such an ass I wonder how equal the money going into that his is? For her sake I hope he is not also taking financial advantage if her as well!!!!
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Post by Leone on Dec 26, 2016 14:13:32 GMT
I would certainly tell the GF... your whole demeanor as you describe the situation suggests to me you are setting your expectations far to low regarding the men you allow into your life. You were tolerating way too little from this jerk. And stop getting involved at work.
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Post by librarylady on Dec 26, 2016 14:19:19 GMT
The first thing--go get tested for STDs. Then I probably would not say a word to the girlfriend.
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Post by librarylady on Dec 26, 2016 14:21:57 GMT
Since you all work together... fantasy idea---no, don't do this but..............
Somehow arrange for all the women in his harem to be in the break room sitting together and then somehow arrange for him to come into the room and see you together.
While it is an moment to fantasize about--it would result in too much workplace drama.
Cut all communication with the weasel and move on with your life--after a STD check up.
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