Woman Discovers Her ‘Perfect’ Marriage Was A Lie After Opening A Text From ‘Internet Company’

Every healthy marriage is built on a solid foundation of trust. If you can’t be honest with your partner, your relationship is doomed. And once you’ve survived over a decade with your spouse, you might assume that it’s smooth sailing from here on out. Nothing could tear you apart now!

But 11 years into her relationship, one woman had a startling revelation that turned her world upside down. Below, you’ll find a post she shared on Reddit detailing how she found out about her husband’s secret second family, as well as some of the replies concerned readers left her. 

Spouses vow to always be honest and open with one another

Woman looks shocked holding a phone on a couch, discovering a secret second family hidden for years.

Image credits: Dimaberlin/Envato (not the actual photo)

But this woman’s world was turned upside down when she found out that her husband had been living a double life

Text showing a confession about a husband hiding a secret second family and the pain of betrayal after years.

Screenshot of a personal story about a man hiding a secret second family revealed after his wife borrows his phone.

Woman discovers secret second family after borrowing her husband’s phone and seeing unexpected messages and videos.

Video showing a little girl saying dada and a woman in the background excited, hinting at a secret second family reveal.

Text excerpt describing a man hiding a secret second family revealed through his phone messages by his wife.

Text on a plain background stating a discovery about finding a woman on Facebook confirming a secret second family was real.

Text excerpt showing a wife’s realization about her husband hiding a secret second family after seeing photos on his phone.

Text revealing a man’s secret second family with two young girls, discovered after his wife borrowed his phone.

Text on a white background reveals a wife discovering her husband's secret second family after borrowing his phone.

Family outdoors with a man hiding a secret second family, showing a wife and two young children in a park setting.

Image credits: MikeShots/Envato (not the actual photo)

Man hiding a secret second family for years, wife discovers truth after borrowing his phone, revealing a double life.

Text excerpt describing a man hiding a secret second family revealed after his wife borrows his phone.

Text on screen about trying for a kid for months and relief about not being pregnant amid a secret second family revelation.

Shocked woman reads hidden messages on borrowed phone revealing secret second family after years of lies and deception.

Text image showing emotional message expressing betrayal and hurt after discovering a secret second family.

Text expressing heartbreak and struggle after discovering a secret second family and the truth coming out.

Image credits: Anonymous 

Later, the woman responded to several questions readers had and provided more background information

Reddit conversation about a man hiding a secret second family revealed after his wife borrows his phone, discussing reactions and advice.

Reddit conversation revealing a man hiding a secret second family, discovered after his wife borrowed his phone.

Screenshot of a conversation about a man hiding a secret second family and his wife's reaction after borrowing his phone.

Reddit thread discussing a man hiding a secret second family, revealed after his wife borrows his phone.

Infidelity can cause irreparable damage to a marriage

Couple sharing an intimate moment indoors, hinting at hidden secrets and complex family dynamics.

Image credits: Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Marriage is intended to be until death do you part, and couples tying the knot are filled with optimism and excitement for the next stage in their lives. Unfortunately, however, we all know that the honeymoon phase can’t last forever. Somewhere between one third and one half of all marriages will end in divorce, and one of the most common issues that splits up marriages is infidelity.

According to the Institute for Family Studies, about 20% of married men and 13% of married women admit to cheating on their spouse at some point. When it comes to when people decide to betray their spouses, wives are most likely to cheat between the ages of 60 to 69, and husbands are most likely to cheat between the ages of 70 to 79. 

As far as why people choose infidelity over ending their relationships, PsychCentral notes that some cheat for revenge or attention. Meanwhile, others might end up cheating when under the influence of alcohol or substances. And many people stray from their partners when they feel bored, dissatisfied or lonely in their relationship.

PsychCentral also reports that about one fifth of cheaters never get caught and never confess to their infidelity. But when the truth does come out, it can cause irreparable damage to relationships. In fact, Osbornes Law says cheating is the number one reason why marriages end in divorce.

And it’s no secret that being cheated on can be devastating for a spouse to accept. BetterHelp reports that finding out that your partner has cheated can cause emotional turmoil, trust issues, low self-esteem and even PTSD. It can also significantly impact how a person behaves in future relationships. 

A secretive spouse is a huge red flag

Man with a serious expression standing outdoors, representing a man hiding a secret second family for years.

Image credits: Fred Moon/Unsplash (not the actual photo)

In this particular situation, however, it’s not only that this woman’s husband was cheating but also that he was living a secret double life. As crazy as that might sound, this is apparently not unheard of. And Global Investigations notes on their site that they’re experts at spotting the signs that someone might be living a lie.

The first red flag is if someone is often away from home. Outside of going to work, seeing their friends, going to the gym and running errands, they should probably be at home for the most part. 

It’s also a bad sign if they have unusual boundaries. For example, if they won’t let you follow them on social media, won’t invite you to meet their friends and family or are unwilling to discuss certain topics, they might be hiding something.

If your partner avoids simple questions, that may be a red flag as well. They should be open and honest with you. And if their stories don’t add up or they’re extremely protective over their devices, there’s a good chance they’re concealing something that they don’t want you to see. 

Everyone should feel comfortable opening up to their spouse. And as Verywell Mind warns, keeping secrets from your partner can violate trust and turn a relationship toxic. 

We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, pandas. How would you react if you were in this woman’s shoes? Then, you can find another Bored Panda article discussing similar issues right here.

Readers were appalled by the husband’s behavior and encouraged the woman to cautiously get out of the marriage

Screenshot of a detailed online comment warning about a man hiding a secret second family and legal advice after discovery.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment warning about confronting a man who hides a secret second family after his wife borrows his phone.

Advice text on confronting a man hiding a secret second family, managing finances, and seeking support after the truth is revealed.

Comment discussing a man hiding a secret second family revealed after his wife borrows his phone, expressing sympathy and betrayal.

Comment about secret second family revealed after wife borrows phone, expressing curiosity about saved contact name.

Text comment about securing finances and evidence after a man hides a secret second family for years.

Comment advising caution and legal preparation after discovering a secret second family through a borrowed phone.

Screenshot of a forum comment advising steps to take after discovering a man hiding a secret second family.

Screenshot of online comment advising to act fast and protect assets when a man hides a secret second family revealed by his wife.

Screenshot of an online comment advising to get a lawyer after a man hides a secret second family using marital property.

Screenshot of an online comment expressing hope that a secret second family would not be overlooked.

Screenshot of a heartfelt online comment offering support to a victim of a man hiding a secret second family.

Comment discussing advice after discovering a secret second family when wife borrows husband’s phone.

Comment discussing men who hide a secret second family and the impact on relationships after the truth is revealed.

Comment expressing shock and sympathy for a man hiding a secret second family discovered after his wife borrows his phone.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing family heirlooms and secrets revealed after a wife borrows her husband's phone.

Comment advising a wife to get a lawyer after discovering her husband’s secret second family revealed by phone.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment warning about a con man hiding a secret second family, advising caution and evidence collection.

Screenshot of advice on dealing with a man hiding a secret second family, suggesting moving out and seeking therapy.

Comment warning about legal action to protect assets after man hides secret second family is discovered.

Screenshot of a Reddit user advising on handling a man who hid a secret second family, offering sympathy and support.

Comment advising a woman on legal and safety steps after discovering her husband’s secret second family and double life.

Screenshot of an online comment advising divorce and legal steps after discovering a secret second family on phone.

Screenshot of an online comment advising to get a lawyer and gather evidence before confronting a man hiding a secret second family.

Text message warning about a man hiding a secret second family and the risks after the truth comes out.

Comment discussing someone hiding a secret second family for years, revealing the truth after wife borrows phone.

After finding out more from her husband’s girlfriend, the author shared an update on her situation

Text excerpt about contacting a divorce attorney, revealing truth after wife borrows phone in secret second family case.

Text discussing a man hiding a secret second family, revealed after his wife borrows his phone and discovers the truth.

Text about a man hiding a secret second family for years, revealed after his wife borrows his phone.

Text excerpt discussing a husband’s hidden life and financial secrets revealed after wife borrows his phone.

Couple arguing indoors, man hides a secret second family, tension rises as the truth is revealed after phone borrowing.

Image credits:  YuriArcursPeopleimages/Envato (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt describing a man’s distant behavior toward his wife while hiding a secret second family for years.

Alt text: Man hides a secret second family for years, truth revealed after wife borrows his phone causing emotional turmoil.

Finally, she shared one last post updating readers on the status of her marriage

Text message describing a wife confronting her husband after discovering his secret second family, leading to divorce.

Text excerpt describing a man hiding a secret second family and his reaction when confronted years later.

Text message conversation revealing a man hiding a secret second family, discovered after his wife borrows his phone.

Text revealing a man admits to cheating and hiding a secret second family, truth discovered after wife borrows his phone.

Woman sitting on the floor holding her head in distress after discovering her partner’s secret second family.

Image credits: Impactphotography/Envato (not the actual photo)

Text on white background describing a wife discovering her husband’s secret second family after borrowing his phone.

Text excerpt discussing a man hiding a secret second family, revealed after his wife borrows his phone.

Text excerpt revealing a man’s secret second family and his thoughts on having more kids hidden from his wife.

Text excerpt revealing a man’s secret second family and complex relationship dynamics with the mother of his children.

Text excerpt showing a man confessing he loved his wife and would abandon his secret second family but still pay child support.

Text excerpt describing a dramatic moment involving a man hiding a secret second family revealed after his wife borrows his phone.

Text passage expressing emotional conflict over a man hiding a secret second family and forthcoming legal separation.

Text excerpt reflecting a man hiding a secret second family revealed after his wife borrows his phone, causing emotional turmoil.

Text excerpt describing confusion and distrust after a man hides a secret second family revealed by his wife borrowing his phone.

Text message exposing man hiding a secret second family for years after wife borrows his phone and discovers the truth.

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