Jon:
I agree with what you said. People can't live, while living a lie. There is a problem with your logic, however regarding the context of this situation: People asking for advice on a self-improvement board like Hoogie, generally don't realize they are very one-sided and patterned in their behavior, especially when it comes to self-sabotage. Self-sabotage is the antithesis of the DJ philosophy. If we were talking about an animal with a lame limb that could never heal that's one thing, but should he not fully control his emotions he may make a rash decision he would regret later. This site is focusing on SELF IMPROVEMENT. Not, self-indulgence. Though, as your text so eloquently displayed onscreen: some is required for sustainability. From my point-of-view Hoogie's conviction to retroactively confess is a monkey on his back (like drug "addiction"). If they just turned around and looked at it straight with face value their lives would be much simpler. The fact he can't decide for himself with _actual_ conviction between the two options shows he does not understand what he is doing so we must give advice that will lead to progress. My bet is he didn't even fully tell her. I bet he had some excuses attached like, "we were drunk, I only stuck it in but I didn't finish", etc.
Francisco:
I was born in Minneapolis
![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
I'll take your warning, but maybe you should send me some example posts. Who knows, you could start a following... hehe
I don't follow the societal norm because the masses seem to be self righteous, prejudiced and uptight (IMHO); so I'm a major target of flames.
Birds of a feather... I guess we both figured out that life is a bit easier when you level the playing field instead of holding yourself back like all of these brainwashed sheep. No one can deny a fellow who plays by his own rules, constantly improves, and (hopefully) wins : )
To Angelus:
No, you're wrong.
None of your advice will actually improve him as a human being, so it is not in his best interest. Using the "I was just supporting his decision because he was going to make it anyway" is the cop out most parents used far too often when raising frustrated chumps.
The only reason I'm not completely ignoring this thread out of disgust is the fact I used to think like you do.
You say you're focusing on the end result, but your logic is bullsh.te:
If he didn't tell her and she found out two year down the track that’s VERY BAD for the child.
Why? Because his wife kicks him out over her selfish feelings to the detriment of the kid? She's just as responsible for the kid as he is. Who do you think the kid will blame? What does his wife care what he did 2 years ago? If he didn't do it since, that's what should matter to her. (and psst, probably will be the only thing that matters to her if she's worth keeping, he shouldn't have to confess)
Besides, would she have found out? He never said as much even after you brought up the possibility, so we must assume it wasn't a probability.
If he didn't tell her and he let the guilt eat away at his relationship that’s VERY VERY BAD for the child.
Well yeah. Acting like a child does not help when you try to parent one. I fail to see your logic. You're only encouraging him to be a fvck-up. (no offense Hoogie.)
What's he going to do years down the road when another guy tries to steal her away with the words, "I'll never cheat on you." Maybe that would have taken care of his guilt.
He shouldn't have told her, bottom line. Its about personal responsibility. The possibility fully exists that she knows, now: She never has to suspect him cheating because in the end he'll just tell her about it, or die from the guilt. Yay.
This is a technique that parents developed because they're lazy. "Get the kid to snitch himself out and I don't have to watch over him". This method is stupid because its just sidestepping good advice completely, just like most have sidestepped his obvious issues and the advice that will break the pattern for him. By him doing this retroactively he is painting her a picture where she is lazy in regards to him. And imagine the awkwardness of all those wonderful jokes: (Her: Where were you? Him: Tailpiping your aunt.)
Reality Check: IF he was going to tell her anyway... then Francisco and my advice wouldn't have mattered. Your positive feedback to his already unbalanced opinion just ruined our chance of knowing. As Jon's post indicate, our negative feedback can only fall in the category as good advice, or a bit of perspective from the devil's advocate.
Back to Jon:
I'm no Nazi. Indulge in your child-like vices every now and then, use them where they're needed. But when it comes to important matters one should set them aside so they're not kicking themselves in the ass for years later. You can't fall for his obvious attempt to hide a life he's unhappy with overall by suggesting he take a course of action that leads to happiness in the moment, otherwise how will he improve it in the long run?
Baggage like this will last for years. Its just not worth lugging around for him or her. By facing it in secret from your partner you gain strength & conviction knowing you are sparing your relationship from additional stress.