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“Unsure What To Do”: Woman Discovers Partner’s Group Chat Messages And Is Absolutely Horrified
Woman with long curly hair in a pink sweater looking stressed and unsure what to do while holding her forehead.
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“Unsure What To Do”: Woman Discovers Partner’s Group Chat Messages And Is Absolutely Horrified

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Mumsnet user PollyJH thought she had a pretty good idea of who her partner was as a person, but after recent drama within their circle, she’s no longer so sure.

It all started when one of her friends began suspecting her own husband of being unfaithful, and she chose to secretly go through his phone in an attempt to find out if that was really the case.

During the process, she discovered a group chat that PollyJH’s significant other was also a part of and decided to forward her some of the messages because they were… quite something.

RELATED:

    This woman inadvertently found out that her partner hates her friends

    Image credits: seleznev_photos (not the actual photo)

    And she’s appalled by the words he used to describe them 

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    Image credits: Prostock-studio (not the actual photo)

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    Image credits: PollyJH

    Some people just can’t resist the urge to snoop on their partners

    Data collected by YouGov shows that nearly one in five (19%) Americans have gone through a romantic partner’s phone without permission.

    Therapist Kurt Smith said, “When people sneak a peek at their partner’s phone, it feeds secrecy and distrust into the relationship, both of which are likely to be the primary reasons the person is checking in the first place. So while this may seem in the moment as a good idea and justified, it only creates more of the problems that need to be resolved.”

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    However, most of those who poked around (73%) don’t regret it. One possible reason for this is that snooping — similar to our particular case — often turns up results.

    A third of snoopers (33%) say they found evidence of something they’d already suspected, while 18% discovered something they hadn’t previously even thought of.

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    Image credits: nateemee (not the actual photo)

    Millennial women are the most likely snoopers: one-third (33%) admit to having looked through their partner’s phone without permission, while only 23% of their Millennial male counterparts say the same.

    For those who are compelled to do so, Smith recommends taking a hard look at what’s driving their desire.

    “Ask yourself: what am I trying to accomplish? Does this approach really improve things? How can I do this in a way that would build trust rather than create distrust?” he said.

    Once it’s done, there are multiple routes people can take. I assume we can all agree that, for example, if you learned that your partner had committed a hideous crime, you’d have to do something about it, which means there is a line after which a response is warranted. Whether or not she’s there, the author of the post will have to decide for herself.

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    In general, almost half (49%) of Americans believe that couples should have access to one another’s phones, but that access should be somewhat limited.

    Three in ten (28%) think that partners should have unlimited access to one another’s phones and one in ten (9%) say that romantic partners should not have any access to each other’s phones at all.

    Image credits: YuriArcursPeopleimages (not the actual photo)

    People who read the story have had a lot of different reactions, and some also shared their suggestions for how the woman can navigate the situation

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    Rokas Laurinavičius

    Rokas Laurinavičius

    Writer, Senior Writer

    Read more »

    Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

    Read less »
    Rokas Laurinavičius

    Rokas Laurinavičius

    Writer, Senior Writer

    Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

    Justinas Keturka

    Justinas Keturka

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.

    Read less »

    Justinas Keturka

    Justinas Keturka

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm the Visual Editor at Bored Panda, responsible for ensuring that everything our audience sees is top-notch and well-researched. What I love most about my job? Discovering new things about the world and immersing myself in exceptional photography and art.

    Shelly Fourer

    Shelly Fourer

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Hey there! I'm Shelly, a Visual Editor at Bored Panda

    Read less »

    Shelly Fourer

    Shelly Fourer

    Author, Community member

    Hey there! I'm Shelly, a Visual Editor at Bored Panda

    What do you think ?
    Lizzy Lizzard
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So many "men" commenting on the post are absolutely disgusting. "It's just locker room talk" is not a valid excuse for saying disgusting and dehumanising things about women and I pity your partner's if that's your attitude

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure "grab her by the p***y" was passed off as locker room talk.

    Load More Replies...
    TruthoftheHeart
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those are her friends and that is how he feels appropriate talking about them imagine what he might even say about her when he's upset. I would be having a talk with my spouse and leaving because I will be damned if I'm going to be in a relationship with someone who shows so much disrespect towards women who have done nothing to deserve those rude comments.

    Mark Childers
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly, I have to admit I've made comments like this. It was always in group settings where the conversation veered sideways, and things escalated. I think it was the momentum and energy, so I participated without thinking about what I was doing. That doesn't justify it. It's never okay, and it creeps into the subconscious, which alters the lens through which we see the world. I regret participating in those conversations and recognize how inappropriate they were.

    Jeolas1
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you. It is good to hear that some people who say things like this may eventually figure out why it is harmful. What made you realise it, if you want to share?

    Load More Replies...
    kayteeisdabomb
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly? I'd be really shocked if I saw my husband talking like that. It reveals two things, that he is eyeing up and thinking about the s*x with these girls what it could be like, and that he doesn't have any respect for women in general. I would have serious ICK

    whiterabbit
    Community Member
    7 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    He said that in a private conversation with his friends, what you and your friend think about his descriptions is meaningless. Stop pretending like women don't say vulgar things about men when we're all together, I know my girlfriends and I do.

    Jeolas1
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not ever have I, nor my friends, said anything like what OP's partner said. EVER. If you and your girlfriends do, then maybe it is time for some introspection and a change of friends.

    Load More Replies...
    Katiekat
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And I for one HATE how people are minimizing all the hateful misogyny, excusing it, deflecting, turning it around on women. NO. JUST NO. What he said was straight-up hateful, body-shaming, meant to be hurtful, and devaluing them as people. If I were her, I'd leave whenever he wasn't around so he would walk into a stripped house. Leave copies of the screenshots with nothing written. Either he gets it, or he can die alone.

    Kenneth Barns
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AT BEST, it means that OP's is (a) a social chameleon--or coward--who is willing to say whatever it takes to fit in with his audience regardless of what he himself thinks (in which case can OP ever again trust what he says to her is sincere rather that "just what she wants to hear"?); and (b) does not find the use of such demeaning language psychologically impossible. (I, a GenX cishet man, find it difficult to imagine a situation where I would be _able_ to say/text what OP's partner did.) What OP choses to do with that information is up to her; perhaps she is comfortable with "boys being boys". If she were my daughter, and not willing to directly confront her partner, I'd advise her to consider slowly grey rocking her partner and gradually moving to exit the relationship.

    CP
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It just sounds like the typical crude hyperbolic ways people speak to each other in private. All they said is one girl was good looking and one wasn't in a more poetic way.

    Helena
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would take my time. I would want to ensure I was ripping him a new axx with appropriate gusto and flare. I would never want to be with anyone who didn't view women as people.

    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It doesn't seem plausible that someone you've been in a relationship with for years hasn't said cruel things in OPs presence but breaks out in a group chat. Maybe it's not sexual in front of her, but you just don't think to say things like that unless you're a cruel person. She's seen this side of him and been fine with it, but now that it's about her friend's/their bodies she's repulsed. Don't worry about confronting him, break up now, being single is far better than living with a cruel person who doesn't respect your friends and feels comfortable objectifying women as a punchline.

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it's just a "harmless joke", why do they keep it between them? My "harmless jokes" can be told in front of everyone - that's what makes them harmless. This guy knows what he's doing, and he's keeping his disrespect for women secret because he wants to keep his access to her v****a.

    A girl
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband and I have conversations I'd never have wirh friends. I have conversations with friends I'd never have with my husband. Scan the room. Know your audience. Do not browse someone's phone unless you think they are dangerous. No good comes of it. I think a lot of uncomfortable stuff. I only say uncomfortable stuff in the right setting. My Mom confided in me she was glad my stepdad died. I'm the only one she could have said that to who wouldn't judge her. He'd been sick for years. Sometimes you have to say things out loud to people you trust. The Internet isn't the place for that.

    Schmebulock
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So many things are wrong here. Her friend shouldn't have been snooping, and when she found no evidence of her partner cheating, she should have let it go. Instead, she wanted to make her friend feel like s**t, so she brought up her partner's inappropriate conversation. Her partner is obviouslty a d****e bag and it sounds like all the guys in the chat group are d****e bags as well.

    FranSinclair
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im a woman married to a man for what thats worth. I certainly think most people are far too good for a cheater but i think all the 1st friend shouldve thought was "hes not cheating and i shoulda minded my business" dont say anything and learn imo i guess its a good thing theyre splitting

    Baba Caine
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like women don't talk about men/bfs/husbands Like that to there friends

    Gozer LeGozerian
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No? I've never spoken about a partner that way behind his back. Any vile thing I want to say about him, I say it to his face, because it would been deserved

    Load More Replies...
    Wheeskers
    Community Member
    7 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    No girl has ever expressed to her friend that So and so is a hot tamale and if I wasn't married and boy is he a babe. Oh, please. The moral high ground here is pathetic.

    solace in rage
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I don't think women fully grasp how important s*x is to men or how it shapes our worldview. He didn't say he wanted to have s*x with them, only that he would not or found the idea unpalatable Women tend to do the same, but in terms of what a man can give to them. They will back friends they know are pregnant with another man's child or only gold digiing for a place to live or possessions with a "Yes queen, slay, you get yours" not because they are the same degree of slag at heart, but because that is how the group dynamic is. Men are blunt creatures. Trust me on this. I've been one my whole life. But we see things in terms of mating. We will love a sweet taco bell drive thru worker over a bitter CEO in a heartbeat. We can be crude and embrace a gallows humor about a situation. It helps numb the pain for the other guys in the chat who maybe have let on that their relationship is falling apart because their partner is acting weird.

    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Strange that you asserted how you think women view s*x there. You're way off base buddy. No group can be tarred with a singular brush of thought: that's silly. Your gender isn't an excuse for your behaviour, no matter the gender. Neither is your s*x drive. Grow tf up

    Load More Replies...
    Lizzy Lizzard
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So many "men" commenting on the post are absolutely disgusting. "It's just locker room talk" is not a valid excuse for saying disgusting and dehumanising things about women and I pity your partner's if that's your attitude

    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure "grab her by the p***y" was passed off as locker room talk.

    Load More Replies...
    TruthoftheHeart
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those are her friends and that is how he feels appropriate talking about them imagine what he might even say about her when he's upset. I would be having a talk with my spouse and leaving because I will be damned if I'm going to be in a relationship with someone who shows so much disrespect towards women who have done nothing to deserve those rude comments.

    Mark Childers
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly, I have to admit I've made comments like this. It was always in group settings where the conversation veered sideways, and things escalated. I think it was the momentum and energy, so I participated without thinking about what I was doing. That doesn't justify it. It's never okay, and it creeps into the subconscious, which alters the lens through which we see the world. I regret participating in those conversations and recognize how inappropriate they were.

    Jeolas1
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you. It is good to hear that some people who say things like this may eventually figure out why it is harmful. What made you realise it, if you want to share?

    Load More Replies...
    kayteeisdabomb
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly? I'd be really shocked if I saw my husband talking like that. It reveals two things, that he is eyeing up and thinking about the s*x with these girls what it could be like, and that he doesn't have any respect for women in general. I would have serious ICK

    whiterabbit
    Community Member
    7 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    He said that in a private conversation with his friends, what you and your friend think about his descriptions is meaningless. Stop pretending like women don't say vulgar things about men when we're all together, I know my girlfriends and I do.

    Jeolas1
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not ever have I, nor my friends, said anything like what OP's partner said. EVER. If you and your girlfriends do, then maybe it is time for some introspection and a change of friends.

    Load More Replies...
    Katiekat
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And I for one HATE how people are minimizing all the hateful misogyny, excusing it, deflecting, turning it around on women. NO. JUST NO. What he said was straight-up hateful, body-shaming, meant to be hurtful, and devaluing them as people. If I were her, I'd leave whenever he wasn't around so he would walk into a stripped house. Leave copies of the screenshots with nothing written. Either he gets it, or he can die alone.

    Kenneth Barns
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    AT BEST, it means that OP's is (a) a social chameleon--or coward--who is willing to say whatever it takes to fit in with his audience regardless of what he himself thinks (in which case can OP ever again trust what he says to her is sincere rather that "just what she wants to hear"?); and (b) does not find the use of such demeaning language psychologically impossible. (I, a GenX cishet man, find it difficult to imagine a situation where I would be _able_ to say/text what OP's partner did.) What OP choses to do with that information is up to her; perhaps she is comfortable with "boys being boys". If she were my daughter, and not willing to directly confront her partner, I'd advise her to consider slowly grey rocking her partner and gradually moving to exit the relationship.

    CP
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It just sounds like the typical crude hyperbolic ways people speak to each other in private. All they said is one girl was good looking and one wasn't in a more poetic way.

    Helena
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would take my time. I would want to ensure I was ripping him a new axx with appropriate gusto and flare. I would never want to be with anyone who didn't view women as people.

    FreeTheUnicorn
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It doesn't seem plausible that someone you've been in a relationship with for years hasn't said cruel things in OPs presence but breaks out in a group chat. Maybe it's not sexual in front of her, but you just don't think to say things like that unless you're a cruel person. She's seen this side of him and been fine with it, but now that it's about her friend's/their bodies she's repulsed. Don't worry about confronting him, break up now, being single is far better than living with a cruel person who doesn't respect your friends and feels comfortable objectifying women as a punchline.

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it's just a "harmless joke", why do they keep it between them? My "harmless jokes" can be told in front of everyone - that's what makes them harmless. This guy knows what he's doing, and he's keeping his disrespect for women secret because he wants to keep his access to her v****a.

    A girl
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband and I have conversations I'd never have wirh friends. I have conversations with friends I'd never have with my husband. Scan the room. Know your audience. Do not browse someone's phone unless you think they are dangerous. No good comes of it. I think a lot of uncomfortable stuff. I only say uncomfortable stuff in the right setting. My Mom confided in me she was glad my stepdad died. I'm the only one she could have said that to who wouldn't judge her. He'd been sick for years. Sometimes you have to say things out loud to people you trust. The Internet isn't the place for that.

    Schmebulock
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So many things are wrong here. Her friend shouldn't have been snooping, and when she found no evidence of her partner cheating, she should have let it go. Instead, she wanted to make her friend feel like s**t, so she brought up her partner's inappropriate conversation. Her partner is obviouslty a d****e bag and it sounds like all the guys in the chat group are d****e bags as well.

    FranSinclair
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im a woman married to a man for what thats worth. I certainly think most people are far too good for a cheater but i think all the 1st friend shouldve thought was "hes not cheating and i shoulda minded my business" dont say anything and learn imo i guess its a good thing theyre splitting

    Baba Caine
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like women don't talk about men/bfs/husbands Like that to there friends

    Gozer LeGozerian
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No? I've never spoken about a partner that way behind his back. Any vile thing I want to say about him, I say it to his face, because it would been deserved

    Load More Replies...
    Wheeskers
    Community Member
    7 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    No girl has ever expressed to her friend that So and so is a hot tamale and if I wasn't married and boy is he a babe. Oh, please. The moral high ground here is pathetic.

    solace in rage
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I don't think women fully grasp how important s*x is to men or how it shapes our worldview. He didn't say he wanted to have s*x with them, only that he would not or found the idea unpalatable Women tend to do the same, but in terms of what a man can give to them. They will back friends they know are pregnant with another man's child or only gold digiing for a place to live or possessions with a "Yes queen, slay, you get yours" not because they are the same degree of slag at heart, but because that is how the group dynamic is. Men are blunt creatures. Trust me on this. I've been one my whole life. But we see things in terms of mating. We will love a sweet taco bell drive thru worker over a bitter CEO in a heartbeat. We can be crude and embrace a gallows humor about a situation. It helps numb the pain for the other guys in the chat who maybe have let on that their relationship is falling apart because their partner is acting weird.

    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Strange that you asserted how you think women view s*x there. You're way off base buddy. No group can be tarred with a singular brush of thought: that's silly. Your gender isn't an excuse for your behaviour, no matter the gender. Neither is your s*x drive. Grow tf up

    Load More Replies...
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