Man Abandons Family For Mistress, Shocked Estranged Wife Won’t Care For Him When He’s Sick

Family fights can be many things, but one thing’s for sure—they’re rarely easy to deal with.

This Redditor appears to know that better than most. After finding out that her brother-in-law, who had been having an affair for years, wanted to return to his family, she sided with her sister-in-law and said he shouldn’t be welcomed back.

But what she didn’t expect was for her comment to upset her husband, and now she’s left wondering if she should have kept her thoughts to herself.

After finding out that her cheating brother-in-law wanted to return to his family, the woman said he shouldn’t be welcomed back

A couple wearing white robes sitting on a bed, smiling together, representing a man abandoning his family.

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

But to her surprise, this response didn’t sit well with her husband

Text discussing a husband’s brother cheating during the pandemic, leaving his wife and child affected.

Text about brother-in-law's absence post-pandemic, implying family abandonment.

Text discussing a man abandoning a family for mistress; wife not caring for him while he's sick.

Text discussing a man abandoned his family and later wanted estranged wife's help due to illness.

Two women in emotional support, one comforting the other, exploring themes of family abandonment and relationship struggles.

Image credits: Nini FromParis / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text screenshot about family conflict over living arrangements.

Text about a man abandoning his family for a mistress and expecting care when he's ill.

Text about a husband's close relationship with his brother, emphasizing protective behavior toward his family.

Image credits: DrinkOk538

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

About 4 in 10 marriages experience an affair

Cheating is one of the most devastating things that can happen in a marriage. But unfortunately, it’s not that uncommon.

Psychiatrist Dr. Scott Haltzman, author of The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity, notes in his research that about 4 in 10 marriages will experience an affair. Despite this, more than half of these couples choose to stay together.

Continuing a relationship after infidelity isn’t always the healthiest or most reasonable option. In cases like the one described in the story, where the couple hasn’t lived together for six years, it raises the question of whether there’s any point in trying to work things out.

However, Rachael Pace at Marriage.com suggests that certain factors can help rebuild a relationship if both partners are committed. It starts with the desire to repair the marriage. “This means prioritizing your marriage, not just while things feel broken, but from this point on for the rest of your relationship,” Pace explains.

Another crucial step is to end the affair completely if it hasn’t already been addressed. “To have a successful marriage after infidelity, all third parties need to be removed from the relationship. This is the only way to restore trust,” Pace says.

Recovery after cheating depends heavily on effective communication, even when it feels painful. It’s important to talk, listen, and allow each other the space to process emotions. Seeking professional help, such as working with a couples counselor, can also provide valuable guidance and mediation throughout the process.

In the replies, the woman noted that she couldn’t understand why the couple was still married

Text exchange about husband abandoning family for affair, consequences discussed.

Reddit thread discussing a man abandoning his family for a mistress and facing backlash for seeking care when sick.

Reddit comments discussing why mistress isn't caring for sick man who left his family.

Reddit discussion about husband empathizing with his brother's illness over wife's needs.

Husband loyal to family, wife's concern on cheating, and support issues.

Reddit comment discussing a family's reaction to a man's abandonment for a mistress and the complexities of marriage.

Most readers agreed she was right to call out her brother-in-law

Comment criticizing a man who abandoned family for mistress, calling him a "dirt bag" and unsympathetic.

Reddit comment discussing a man's abandonment of his family for his mistress.

Text discussing consequences of abandonment and infidelity within marriage, highlighting a husband's actions and wife's response.

Reddit comment about a man abandoning family, suggesting he move in with parents due to lack of support evidence.

Reddit comment criticizing a man for leaving his family for a mistress and later seeking help from his estranged wife.

Text comment discussing consequences of a man abandoning family for mistress.

Reddit comment discussing a husband's questionable behavior towards family and morality concerns.

Comment on family issues related to a husband's actions and cheating, expressing disapproval and suggesting caution.

Reddit comment expressing concern about a husband related to a family abandonment story.

Text discussing a man's abandonment of family and the wife's refusal to care for him when sick.

Reddit comment discussing a man abandoning family for a mistress and resulting relationship doubts.

Reddit comment about a man facing consequences after abandoning his family for a mistress.

Comment about a man abandoning family for a mistress.

Reddit comment discussing divorce and child support after man abandons family for mistress.

Some, however, felt it wasn’t her place to say anything

Reddit comment calling someone out for meddling in others' lives, using "YTA" abbreviation.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment exchange about a man abandoning his family.

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