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Relationships

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Marriage is probably over

22 replies

dms1 · 09/06/2026 04:07

Hubby has a history of porn addiction. We’ve had counselling a few times over the years; have been together 38years. 14 years ago he developed erectile dysfunction; there’s been zero sexual activity since then. I’ve been feeling very hurt because sex is so much more than penetration, but there’s been nothing in that front whatsoever. We were on holiday last week, and I asked to see the pics he’d taken on his phone. He’d taken pics of some women on the beach. I challenged him and he looked very sheepish and said he thought to himself ‘she’s a bit of alright’ and took the snap without thinking. I’m furious because it’s akin to upskirting (although he deleted it almost as soon as he took it). Also because I was lying beside him on the sun lounger when he did it. I’m so hurt. I’m also very angry with myself for putting up with his selfish, shitty behaviour for as long as I have. I’m almost 55 & my sex life died at 40; but it was practically non existent anyway. He’s booked rehab, next intake is in 6 weeks. It’s costing us over £3K for an intensive week. I want to punch the shit out of him for using me all these years (I won’t). Trying to stay calm as we have two adult children, one of whom stills lives with us. My plan is to see a solicitor this week to get all my ducks in a row, have already put myself on the waiting list for Relate. Not sure whether to give things one last try or not. I’m just feeling really lonely, unloved, undesirable, old and unattractive. Would appreciate thoughts/advice. TIA

OP posts:
AImportantMermaid · 09/06/2026 04:12

Just leave. Why would you want to stay with a man who takes creepy photos of young women on the beach, had a porn addiction, and still can’t have sex. There is still plenty of time to meet someone who adores you and will happily swing from the chandeliers with you.

Zanatdy · 09/06/2026 04:18

Forget the therapy, just leave. He clearly is a creep taking pics of women on the beach and doesn’t care about your pleasure.

FannyNesbet · 09/06/2026 04:21

Hi OP,

Can't say I've been through anything like this but the pain and hurt in your post is evident.

It seems to me that your marriage has been over for years and through no fault of your own.

It's good to see that he's going to rehab, you are going to Relate and you've got a solicitor lined up.

I am not surprised your self worth is on the floor, right now. You've been through years of a dead marriage, with no support and no guidance.

Now that you've acknowledged what is going on and taken decisive steps, you have the chance to heal and move on with your life. 🌺

AnonymityAnonymity · 09/06/2026 05:26

It's not you that's the problem. It 's him.
You have put up with so much from him.
Please don't waste any more of your life on him.
Leave. And focus on building your self esteem and a new life for yourself.

pilates · 09/06/2026 05:43

I’m surprised you have lasted as long as you have. It does sound like you are flogging a dead horse.

speakball · 09/06/2026 05:44

Oh my love there is so much better out there. With your name on it. It’s time to stop punishing yourself by being tied to this man.

MrsSuu · 09/06/2026 06:17

I feel your pain. Value your own self worth and leave. You only have one life and all of this isn’t okay. I’m almost at the other side of a similar situation and my divorce has just finalised. Three years ago I couldn’t never have imagined that I would have been this brave. Look after yourself x

Allheavenletsloose · 09/06/2026 06:36

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

whyohwhyisitalwayswet · 09/06/2026 07:37

This isn't going to change. Communication and therapy can help if your marriage is salvageable but it seems apparent your marriage has been dead for years. One can try techniques to help squeeze a little more juice out of an orange but nothing will change an apple into an orange. 55 is young enough, although it may not seem like it, to have a whole second act - with or without a loving relationship, life will be infinitely better. Good luck!

VimesandhisCardboardBoots · 09/06/2026 12:47

Why on earth are you even entertaining staying with him? Or wasting money on him?

The porn addiction is one thing. The fact he's got no interest in sex at all just because he can't get it up is worse. But the taking photos of randoms on the beach, especially when you're sat right next to him? Why on earth would you even consider putting up with that? It's just gross.

Firesidechatter · 09/06/2026 12:57

What’s he booked rehab for, porn ?

dms1 · 09/06/2026 13:51

Firesidechatter · 09/06/2026 12:57

What’s he booked rehab for, porn ?

Yes

OP posts:
dms1 · 09/06/2026 13:53

I saw a solicitor today. She’s composing a matrimonial agreement. Divorce in 2 years time. I have grounds due to unreasonable behaviour, but I want to protect my children from the knowledge about his addiction.

OP posts:
dms1 · 09/06/2026 13:54

VimesandhisCardboardBoots · 09/06/2026 12:47

Why on earth are you even entertaining staying with him? Or wasting money on him?

The porn addiction is one thing. The fact he's got no interest in sex at all just because he can't get it up is worse. But the taking photos of randoms on the beach, especially when you're sat right next to him? Why on earth would you even consider putting up with that? It's just gross.

Have been together almost 40 years. Very difficult to comprehend that all I’ve ever been to him is a beard for his addiction. But I’ve got more clarity now the dust has settled. I deserve much better.

OP posts:
whyohwhyisitalwayswet · 09/06/2026 14:00

dms1 · 09/06/2026 13:53

I saw a solicitor today. She’s composing a matrimonial agreement. Divorce in 2 years time. I have grounds due to unreasonable behaviour, but I want to protect my children from the knowledge about his addiction.

2 years for no-fault divorce? But if you went the unreasonable behaviour route, it could be immediate?

Even if you went the unreasonable behaviour route, you don't need to share the details with your children, right? Once the decision is made, you will find it harder to live in limbo.

TFImBackIn · 09/06/2026 14:03

Just don't tell your children why his behaviour was unreasonable - it's not as though he's going to tell them.

I'd say file for divorce now and let him spend his own separate money on therapy - which he won't do, by the way.

DaisyChain505 · 09/06/2026 14:05

You’re beating a dead horse. This man isn’t going to change. Ditch him and start living the life you want. You have plenty of time to find someone who values and respects you and you have intimacy again.

Kub1aKhan · 09/06/2026 14:07

Don’t waste anymore of you life on him op.

UpDownAllAround1 · 09/06/2026 14:10

Are you in England? are you sure your solicitor has advised you correctly? No grounds for divorce needed since 2022. You just state the marriage has broken down. Divorce in 6 months

Gettingbysomehow · 09/06/2026 14:11

Dont waste your time on him. My exH did a similar thing and I wasted 20 years on him when I should have left after 5.
Im much happier now. You are flogging a dead horse.

dms1 · 09/06/2026 14:12

UpDownAllAround1 · 09/06/2026 14:10

Are you in England? are you sure your solicitor has advised you correctly? No grounds for divorce needed since 2022. You just state the marriage has broken down. Divorce in 6 months

Edited

I live in NI. It takes 2 years if not contested apparently

OP posts:
ginasevern · 09/06/2026 14:43

For god sake don't spend £3k on him. You might as well set fire to it. Surely you've learned by now that he isn't going to change and doesn't even want to. I wouldn't bother with Relate either.

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