Unfaithful: Perspectives on the Third-Party Relationship

Home of the most thoughtful and clarifying pieces on infidelity on Medium. Essays by and for all three corners of the third-party triangle.

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Caught in His Lies: Confronting My Ex’s Deception and Finding My Strength

It’s been just over 3 months now since having to leave my ex on New Year’s Eve, in Scottsdale, Arizona — where I caught him through the window on a dating app flipping through women when I left the Airbnb. We had been on a road trip from Canada (our homeland), where we intended to move away permanently, so we sold everything.

I had two suitcases, my dog, and we were using his car — I had sold mine. Back home, there were a few things in a storage locker that we planned to eventually ship down, but in the back of my mind, I knew we wouldn’t get there. I knew the shit would hit the fan because the abuse was only getting worse — the dating app was the final straw that broke the camel's back for me and gave me the strength to leave.

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I had to rent a car to leave him. I had to get help from friends. I had to trust the guidance from the universe, that this was the time to go. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I did it (I still can’t believe I did). Part of me wanted to come right back and be surrounded by friends. But, I also always wanted to see Texas and spend more time in California, so I decided to continue the trip alone. If I had gone back to Canada, I surely would have felt defeated and depressed.

Lord knows this man had already had his fair share of control over my life up until now!

I was able to spend a month and a half roaming Texas and Southern California. Unfortunately, I had to come back early because my best friend's dad died suddenly on February 19th, and he needed me by his side. It was a tremendously rough couple of weeks following his passing, but in hindsight, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being there for my friend showed me what was important, and being back showed me that people love and care about me — and respect me. Something I didn’t get from my relationship with my ex.

My ex and I have been in contact here and there because we have some things to deal with before…

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Unfaithful: Perspectives on the Third-Party Relationship
Unfaithful: Perspectives on the Third-Party Relationship

Published in Unfaithful: Perspectives on the Third-Party Relationship

Home of the most thoughtful and clarifying pieces on infidelity on Medium. Essays by and for all three corners of the third-party triangle.

Michelle Love
Michelle Love

Written by Michelle Love

My public journal about all the things I’ve been through & learned - with the hope that it benefits you. 🤍 Love is the answer

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