Girlfriend is cheating and i am okay with it?

I've been in a relationship for 6 years now, since high school. She was my best friend in middle - high school and still is to this day. We share similar hobbies, we both like the outdoors and often go biking together. We both like to paint, and sometimes paint together as well. We've sold artwork together, we've collaborated on many projects, and we seem to compliment each other almost perfectly. We've always been honest with each other as well and almost never fight (except over the last chocolate chip cookie!).

Last week I found out that she slept with someone else, a work colleague at a company party. She told me, after I continued asked why she looked so troubled over the last week. She broke down in tears and bawled for nearly an hour, apologizing profusely and begging for my forgiveness.

The problem though, or rather no problem, is that I don't really mind. I have no feeling of hatred to anyone, it doesn't bother me. I "know" that it "should", but what I don't understand is why it doesn't.

The way I see it, she's her own person, and I care about who she is and her pursuit of what makes her happy. People change, people fall out of infatuation/love, people have desires, it's not as if it magically goes one on one when you decide to pair off. If she wants to be with that person, or just sleep with him for a day, then okay. I told her this, but all it seems to have done is confuse her more. She is staying with her sister now, away from me, until the situation (herself) calms itself out.

I don't know, I harbor no resentment to her or the guy she slept with. I've even gone to her workplace and talked to him, but everyone seems to be extremely surprised that I'm as calm as I am. Some even speculate I'm cheating myself and that I don't care about her, but neither is true.

Is this normal? Should I be angry? Because I am not, but no one believes me.

-Adam

Voting Results
34% Normal
Based on 50 votes (17 yes)
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Comments ( 30 )
  • LittleGirlHatefullySodomised

    You're taking it too well that's the "problem". People want to see what they expect to see but you're doing exactly what you should, but what she probably really wants is a little Drama which you have so deprived her of over the years and this is her last ditch effort for attention.

    If i were you I'd sever contact with her until she contacts you. If she texts you once then wait a day, if she texts you twice in one day wait two days. The idea behind this is whats called "dread game".

    It sounds like the Bitch is trying to stir the pot though.

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    • bucho's_butt

      Wow what an intelligent and insightful comment. Op, listen to this guy. He sounds spot on.

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  • MR.mr

    Ok a number of things, I think this will explain things.

    I think everyone is confused because you are ok with this AFTER the fact.

    If you and her had've had an agreement before hand it wouldn't have been cheating, and would've made more sense. Because with the way things are even if you are ok with it, because you did not give consent ahead of time she did technically cheat on you.

    Prior consent might still seem weird to people but at least then it would've been easier to understand, as things are now with you being completely ok with this it makes since that they would think that you have been cheating or at least that you never considered this an exclusive relationship which by your own acknowledgment of believing people are still free to seek pleasures even while in relationships, you didn't. Which could lead to her thinking you didn't care about her or see the relationship as serious.

    As for your question of whether or not you should be angry the answer is yes, not because she slept with someone else, but because she did it without your consent. If you truly have no issue with her sleeping with others then that's perfectly fine. However, as clearly seen by her own behavior she saw this as an exclusive relationship and thus she knowingly violated your trust.

    I wish I could give you some advise on what to do next, but unfortunately I'm not sure, I've got my own relationship issues that I can't figure out. But I do hope the information I've given you does help some how.

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    • Idontknow93

      Thank you, that does make sense and it did help some.

      I guess the thing is, who brings up the subject like this? "Hey babe, can I go bang this cute guy at work?". Even to me, while I have no problem with it, it sounds kind of strange. So come to think of it, there was naturally no consent from my part on the matter (although I would have given it) because there was never an opportunity to bring it up.

      I know that she violated "terms" of a relationship of trust, but I can't say anyone is perfect. Maybe this is the root of why it doesn't tear me up, I see her as a person, some some sort of perfect angel that has to fulfill every need and be my sexual/emotional servant. We're going to do things we regret, this is just one of them.

      Either or, I hope you also find what you are searching for in answers to your relationship as well. It's a never ending adventure if you ask me.

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      • MR.mr

        I agree that's certainly not an easy subject to bring up, things like that are most easily started as a joke and you slowly make them more serious until you're having an actual conversation about it.
        In your case it should be easier to discuss since its something that now HAS to be discussed.

        I admire your understanding and acceptance of the flawed human nature, (I couldn't accept my girl being with another guy) but I'm curious, do you feel you can trust her since she did betray your relationship?

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        • Idontknow93

          Hard to believe (at least to everyone else), I can trust her without hesitation still. It isn't because I am dependent on her and can't let go, rather, it is because I know her so well and have had to trust her many times in the past before, and she's always been there for me.

          We've been together through some very rough times, and to me, this "mistake" doesn't register on the radar as anything of a big deal. I almost see it as "Oh no, I went to the bathroom and didn't ask you!" Everyone gets horny, it's life, and she's very sexual. I'm actually surprised how long she only stayed with me because she's far more horny than I am.

          Either or, going through tough times together and having to trust each other in difficult situations has proven to me at least, that I can trust her. I don't feel that having sex with another partner while being with me means anything. I think the jealousy at best, can be described as a natural human instinct of possessiveness.

          I may be totally wrong, but it's what I feel. Hope that helps.

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  • doctorboosman

    The fact that she is away from you after she told you is the key factor in all of this. If she cried for an hour and begged for forgiveness, that tells you she, LIKE MOST, finds her mistake to be an extremely critical and unforgivable mistake. The fact that you react with apathy tells her you either don't care about her or you find cheating to be an acceptable thing. Reading through your post tells me the latter is true, if so, you're in trouble.

    She will most likely leave you. People who cheat either want out of a relationship and can't seem to end it, so they cowardly go behind their partner's back, or they feel like their relationship partner doesn't care enough about them and they act out because of it. Again im going to bet that it's the latter. Point is, you've made it clear that even when another dude puts his dick inside of her, after six years of committing to one another, you somehow have no feeling of jealousy or anger towards that violation of commitment. In her mind you're either a pussy or you don't care about her and condone cheating. Both ways you're screwed.

    Personally I don't understand how that doesn't bother you. I know one other person like you and he keeps getting fucked over by every girl he dates. I honestly think it's because he just doesnt understand commitment and maybe that's your issue, but I dont know you. All I can say is, i would break up with her immediately. Trust me. even if you're not mad, dump her, dont contact her for a while, heck even get with someone yourself or dont, but if you care about this relationship and you think it was an honest mistake, you must offer an appropriate response to her obvious act of complete disrespect towards you. Take it back later if you want, but if you continue with a lack of reaction, she will feel like shes not with a man. That's just my advice, i can obviously be wrong, good luck man.

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    • Idontknow93

      ^^I like what you said re: commitment, and it makes sense to me.

      Few events I want to share which might help others, as it's helped me understand over the last day or two.

      When I was 5, my mother cheated on my father and then wanted to leave. She managed to clean him out of his house, car, and a lot of his savings and THEN the court gave her custody of me. I ran away when I was 6 because she was drunk all the time and went to live with my uncle.

      When I was 15, the teacher changed her grading syllabus in the middle of the term. My grades fell and I lost my perfect GPA and my spot on the honor roll. Small thing, but it actually led to my distrust of the school system and hence, never went to college.

      When I was 18, I signed up for a volunteer program (kind of a save the earth thing, I used to be a bit of a hippie), for a 2 year "contract". The first month into the whole deal my hours tripled from 20 to 60 a week but yet was "required" to fulfill the contract still, otherwise it would put a bad mark on my name. I bailed and have not had a day time job since. I do artwork and pay for my living that way.

      I know these are "small" and petty, but I realize now that I do understand commitment, but I have absolutely no faith in people keeping commitments. People are people, and people are not rigid and never keep to commitments (ask an artist when it comes time to collecting a commission). Therefore, I don't see commitment as anything feasible, just a way to keep getting screwed over.

      That's why I never married her, but at the same time, never imposed any restriction on her, because I knew that human nature is to break laws and wander. Kind of a two edged sword between adventure and heartbreak.

      Thank you, makes more sense now.

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  • yourdeepestshame

    You gotta pull the trigger.

    BECAUSE THAT BITCH RUINED YOUR LIFE.

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  • deepdankstickygoo

    That's not normal at all. She should have her shit put out on the street and forced to find another place to live. She is probably going to do it again and you are just going to sit back and take that?

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    • Idontknow93

      I don't mind if she cheats again, the first time hasn't bothered me in the first place. It doesn't insult me or make me feel less in any way, as far as I'm concerned, she got antsy for some action with something new. Who doesn't?

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      • insanebotv21

        Perfectly fine. Whatever keeps your relationship intact... In fact, several people have this reaction. I wouldn't really mind myself...

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  • Steve-2

    If you're okay with it, then fine. Tell her you're not mad and continue the relationship. You're clearly not a complete fucking moron like most young men.

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    • anti-hero

      You have a femme little hand, you should cut it off.

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      • Steve-2

        Unlike you, I don't have crazy masochistic urges.

        Also, that would be killing my girlfriend.

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        • anti-hero

          When she doesn't pretend to have a headache.

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  • Dr_Remulak

    Your a cuck. It's a fetish. I could never would never be a cuck.i think you're in denial. Good luck

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  • muh-fuh

    You should start a cult. Or at least a swingers club.

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  • thegypsysalIor

    That's nothing, I pass my ten year old boy wife around my pals all the time. Then we all bum each other.

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  • Arm0se

    Are you in shock?

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    • Idontknow93

      Not really. I hear about cheating all the time, even my mother cheated on my father and then she left when I was 5. I guess I got over the shock of cheats a long time ago and accepted it as a part of life, whether we like it or not.

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  • Not normal but if you wanna be treated like a douche your whole life then this is the best way to go.

    Where's your sense of pride/self-worth? Jesus.

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  • BlackyHancock

    I think it's a good thing you feel ok with it. But it does beg the question, at what point would it not be OK with you?

    example:
    She was having sex with another guy every day?

    Or bringing the other guy home and having sex with him?

    Are there any limits to being OK with your GF cheating on you?

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  • boy1

    DID YOU KNOW ... that pigs are the only creatures who do not feel jealous toward their mates... and eating so much pork will affect your hormones/genes that push you towards being angry at bein cheated on??... what iam trying to say that NO IT'S NOT NORMAL and you should feel jealous because its human nature.. even if you eat the stinking pork or not

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  • Caps90

    She wants you to feel something. Are you this passive about her? How would she feel if you cheated? Would she be distraught or would she be no-chalant?

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  • Sweaty_Balls

    You sound very mature and very stable, both in your emotional and mental states. For that I congratulate you.

    Most people delude themselves into thinking that "love" and "relationships" are what romantic movies portray them as. Real life isn't like that at all. Women will sometimes even try to tailor their love life how these movies are, some men will also (but usually just to appease the woman, unless they actually are a pussy, in which case they probably wont be able to hold onto the woman). That is complete nonsense.

    As a man your concern should be her ability to produce healthy offspring to continue your genetic line. Your instinct compels you to look for traits that indicate this (developed breasts, full hips, etc) That is it and that is all. (Personally I take it a bit further and look for added benefits such as taller than average for a woman and perfect vision.) As a man you have to "sell" that romance (flowers, dates, whatever other bullshit) it isn't really important aside from the fact it gets her into bed and gets her pregnant.

    What could possibly make this even more ridiculous is how she may even get mad at you for not being MORE mad at her actions. Which only goes to prove how illogical women really can be and why under no circumstances should they be tasked with complex problem solving or situations which require crisis management or leadership ability, unless of course they are past the stage of menopause.

    If she has good genetics, knock her up (if you want a kid). If you just want sex, well have at it, but if she's messing with other people be careful about STDs.

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  • Ellenna

    Congratulations, you're secure enough in yourself to love without wanting to possess: there should be more of your attitude in the world

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  • Tealights

    Ever heard of defense mechanisms? Depending on how mentally mature we are and how we were raised, our coping techniques may vary. The majority of the population will jump to denial or angry outburst, it's the most common response to anything unfortunate. However, some of us do cope differently.

    You sound like you're rationalizing while in denial. Think about it. Monogamous relationships aren't restricting, it only requires loyalty. The "rules" are a personal choice, but optional. You made yourself believe that disloyalty is independence, but rationalizing it this way is probably how you cope and protect your sanity. In the end, you're normal by human standards, but not by society's standards.

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  • Ooh_and_Ahh

    How is your sex life with your girlfriend?

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    • Idontknow93

      We play around daily (we're both pretty active), but full on, about 3 times a week.

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