Through Different Eyes

This is how it works in real life

99% of loving wives stories are either over-the-top macho visions of how a 'real man' would respond to a cheating wife, or unrealistic 'wimp/wife-watcher' responses that a very small percentage of men can identify with.

But this story tells the truth about infidelity. Okay, she cheated. She confessed immediately. She didn't hide it or lie about it or try to make it in to anything other than what it was. So far, so good.

But now, your perfect wife is flawed. There is a big crack in the armor. And slowly but with increasing frequency, other cracks begin to form.
Suddenly, things about her that previously were 'cute' or 'quirky' now are just plain annoying.

That is the beginning of the end.

This story is about how a real marriage ends in the wake of infidelity. After the discovery, the other holes in the marriage start to stand out. And soon, you have no marriage at all.

And little or none of it is about male ego (the thing that almost all loving wives stories ultimately are about). In real life it isn't about ego. It's about the second law of thermodynamics (or something like that). Sooner or later, everything put together falls apart.

Infidelity is the first falling domino in the chain reaction leading to divorce.

As I told you earlier,

this is a really good story. The plot was excellent and the telling very concise. TheBullet pretty well stated the case in his post. This is a story that requires thought. It is a very good one.

I'm kinda of torn here.

Personally for me I kinda of like the story because I kinda see it as he "believes" he's gotten over the affair, and he's trying, but the affair really isn't something that he really has gotten over. I thought it was worth 4 out 5.

I liked that part of your story because it really was had an honest feeling to the story.

But the parts that I really didn't like was this "The crux of the problem is that my wife was seduced while on a business trip"

A relationship, I won't say doctor but more of a coach, said this : Men will do anything to convince themselves that a woman they are interested isn't at fault and can't possibly be doing them in.

I say that because I have never believed any one can be "seduced" by another person. I ask anyone this, save for what I guess to be 2% of the population, if Roseanne Barr (Look her up if you don't know who she is) came up to you at a party and suggested that she knew tricks in bed that would curl your toes I do believe that 98% of the men in the world would turn her down, some running as fast as their legs could carry them away.

Now change it from Roseanne Barr to the female porn star of your choice. Suddenly that number changes from what I personally believe is roughly 2% to more like 58% of the men would be open to it, and given enough time that number may rise the more attracted they are to her. Why? Because they are attracted and "interested" in doing it. Using something like "Seduced me" is a cop out instead of them saying "I gave in because I was open to it".

If someone isn't open to it, and can't get away from a sexual encounter, then its rape. But if they willingly did it then its "mutual" and not a seduction. They might not have gone looking for it, but they were open to doing it all the same. Just the other person made the first move and they reciprocated.

That one point made me feel the guy in the story was really delusional about her interest in him when he started making excuses for her behavior right off the bat. The only honest thing he really did was admit that her affair changed his love for her.

-Risq

Wow!

I almost never like stories that are so short because they rarely, if ever, make their point in a credible manner. To the contrary, the motivations and feelings are almost always glossed over for--as was pointed out--nonsensical machismo or even more far fetched excited voyeurism. Or, of course, they're simply a stroke story with no plot whatsoever beyond it goes in, it goes out, they get off with fireworks.

This story was far different, though. In a short, to the point story reminiscent of the essays of EB White, you have pointed out the real problem with infidelity: The spouse once on a pedestal now becomes just another flawed human being. I don't remember the story, but one of the better LW stories ending in divorce ended with the husband telling the cheating wife that yes, she made mistakes and, yes, those mistakes can be foregiven, but no, I (the husband) want a wife I can place on a pedestal and worship, and your infidelity took that away. This story is much like that. As theBullet pointed out, the wife was once pretty and lively and witty and quirky, and now she's just plain annoying. What was once perfect is now cracked, and the cracks are expanding.

To have made this point at all in this category is outstanding. To have made is so succinctly and believably is a miracle!

Please keep up the good work.

Get your revenge

Be sure to follow this tale up.
I really liked it, mainly I think, because it came across so real.
Job well done say I.

I'M EMBARRASSED

to comment at all with the excellent writers and commentary of the first four to respond. However, I must try. I felt that you did a very good job with the plot, the flow, and the response of the Husband. Your story is a welcomed variation on the normal responses of the husbands in this genre.

PostScriptor quickly shows a different and probably a more numerous and realistic response to a cheating spouse. The over the top anger revengeful plots or the wimp acceptance or voyeurism may also occur I suppose. Just because I don't personally know anyone that has responded that way doesn't mean that it doesn't happen.

Although I think this response and gradual decay of a relationship is much more prevalent.

I agree with Risq-001in that I don't believer short of drugs or rape that a woman can be seduced. She was thinking about or was going to have sex or she wasn't. I don't believe that drinking or getting carried away is a factual explanation; the desire or intention was already there.

This story grabbed me and pulled me to the end and entertained me along the way. Well done.

Thanks for your hard work.

You can word it and say what you want but,

He never got over her one night stand, affair, whatever you want to call it.
Now he never will look at her the same way because he has detached himself emotionly from her.
Sad tale.
Short and to the point.
Thanks for writing!

I'm torn here also....

....There were some characterizations without premise or logic here that weakened what is ostensibly an excellent cautionary piece about the fragility of the pedestal. Bullet's main theme sensible but on close examination I hope he is wrong, for he describes an interpersonal perception dynamic that is alarmingly immature. I disagree Risq, about seduction. I understand what you are saying but there are other instances of igniting physical passion where the players are well known (through work,neighborhood,friends etc.) to each other and a focused attempt at seduction actually changes the way one perceives the other, not dependent upon any natural biological predilection but totally born out of the combination of circumstances which form a complete seduction. The main problem I have with the credibility of the characterizations is with the choices of things the guy suddenly had problems with. You only overlook stuff like this for about a week. Voices carry, y'know? Great read anyway from a great writer.

I said this to the author privately : FOOKING brillant story : needs to be expanded

wow that was short but brillant... which would serve as a basis for a great story.

what has happened here is that Ron did NOT get the chance to explode on her scream and shout and " throw her cheating ass out'.

her out right and forth right confession forced his mind to stop his heart/ emotions.

In essence he got ROBBED of his "moment".

so now Ron still has all that anger or maybe just general angst stored up inside him with no where to go.

Ron KNOWS that his image of his near perfect wife has changed but he does not KNOW why.

Ron is now fighting the WRONG war on a battlefield that was chosen by Laurie and the mutual friend. Ron did NOT chooseit and he is using the wrong forces.

Ron needs to be in therapy and so does Laurie. Maybe divorce is the best thing but given his mental state Ron's rage will NOT go away after
the divorce --in fact he is far more likely to get really fucking angry...

Like I said the premise of a Much longer story.

If you liked this story READ MELTING AWAY SLOWLY

I do have to tell ya that this author is one my of my top 3 favorites authors in this genre... he stories are so..... whats the word.... realisitic? no thats not the exact I am looking for...

in the story MELTING AWAY SLOWY the wife has turned cold and frigid. NOT because she thinks her husband is or has been cheating. Not because he has been working too hard and neglecting her.

she has Just Lost all sexual interest. period. Is it Hormonal? Maybe but what do you do if the wife doesnt think any thing is wrong with her and therfore doesnt even want to try.? In her view People in their early 50s do NOT have sex.... according to her and that is all there is to it.

and that is VERY common attitude.

This author takes the Mundane and common place and is able to make it fascinating and absorbing

Hello Postscriptor

First of all good to see you back writing, it's been too long. Secondly the story, as always a very good read and well written as always. And probably more real than 99% of the stories on this site. I do feel sorry for the husband he didn't move on after his wife confessed, he maybe should have left then. But he tried to carry on with the marriage but ultimately the marriage has now ended.

Anyway good story, sad, but good. As for getting revenge? Go to it, have fun with him, just make it slow and painful.


Thanks again for writing PS.

The SEDUCTION defense/argument-- why it does NOT by " itself" work

my friends Risq and PistolPackingPete have raised the interesting points both for and against to the defense of " I was seduced" So I thought I would take a crack at it and see if I can explain the problem with this defense.

For my point of view the problem with I was seduced defense is that leaves TWO lingering and nagging questions.

1) that there was something that the other person /man did ... Something that the other person knows about my spouse that only I should know.

2) that there was something that the other person /man did ... Something that the other person knows about my spouse that I DO NOT KNOW ... and I should.

Damned if you do and damned if you dont

Suppose it happens to you.. Just like in the story. And your spouse confesses as soon as it happened the next day or when she comes home from the business trip . The confession is real and your spouse is filled with remorse.

Now let's say it's six months or a year later. Things have settled down somewhat. And you are outside working in the garden or raking the leaves or something like that. You stop and you think about recent events. Your mind wanders back to those eventful days where your spouse came home and told you that she had a one night stand and she was seduced.

The first thing that comes into your mind-- or at least my mind-- is WHY didn't my spouse ( wife) immediately separate herself from this guy she was dancing with or talking to the first time he cross the line? The First time he kissed her neck or put his hand on her ass?

Did she really think that she could handle the situation with several alcoholic drinks in her?

If the wife was so drunk that she was unable to distinguish this family friend (see the story) from her husband than a case can be made for rape and that probably should be pursued.

Lastly the seduction argument/ defense can ONLY be used for a one night stand. Even if one buys or accepts the possibility or premise of the seduction... How the next morning in the light of day can one STILL claim that the second time they fucked or the third time... He or she was still being seduced?

And surely it's obvious that one cannot claim the seduction defense on affair that lasts1 week or 5 weeks or 2 months or 4 months etc.

Amori finem tempus, non animus facit

However in this case, the ancient Latin saying is not true. I loved it, you are the absolute best. I know, I know, I’ve said that to others but only because I am fickle. I always return to you with your latest submission. TY for writing.
JB

Very true to life

This really resonates with me. I am undergoing a divorce (NO infidelity) after being together over 30 years and one of the things I am struggling with is looking back at all the enabling of bad behavior I did during the marriage. I kick myself thinking "Why did I let her get away with that?". I feel abused. But I didn't at the time because I was in love. Now I am not and things look VERY different. Some things are very ugly. Why did I accept them at the time? Why didn't I see? Love casts an aura over our perceptions and makes things line up to fit what we expect being "in love" to feel like. I think the story is very realistic. I think her really did forgive her indiscretion. But it broke his love for her and he didn't even realize it at first. And the little daily disconnects that love smooths over now start to stick out and become annoying. It's amazing how the human mind works. In love, all these things really aren't even noticed. Out of love, they all start to become irritating. The story explains this and it is true. Nice work.

harry u are a complicated man

Every time I think I have our friend Harry inVA Figured out he surprises the hell out of me. 50% of the time You come across as grade A asshole... 50% you come with angle no one has thought of. I guess either that is the way you want to be or maybe you really are that way. Dude if you are married your wife is either scared out of mind or is sticking around to see what the hell happens next!

I'm so fucking awed at todays comments by HIV....

....that it's forced me to reexamine one of my own Iron clad infallible opinions and (what,attitude DOESN'T make the difference?)-agree with Harry's refinement of Risq's original hypothesis.I would cautiously agree that the seductee has to be on at least some minute level, an enabler. And absolutely after a one -off* it becomes corruption.(*Tip of the hat Guy)

Excellent very short story

The author set the stage perfectly and took the story to a quick but logical ending. Nicely done.

WOW!

Through Different Eyes — new dimension in LW story. Mostly, in such stories when the husband comes to know about his wife’s affair, or like in this story, when the wife confesses about her affair, the husband — sulks, drinks a lot, wastes most of his time plotting revenge. OR they have mind blowing, earth shattering sex and the marriage is saved. Such is not the case here. Yes, their sex life did changed after her confession, but it wasn’t enough.

About that “seduction” thing — remember, the “other guy” went to college with them, and they both knew him. Read this — [the son-of-a-bitch who got into her pants went to college with us; we both knew him. Bullshit was my personal response — I know that he had always had his eye on Laurie, he took advantage of the situation, and he wanted me to know.]

So the “other guy” did had a thing for Laurie, and got the chance on the business trip. He must be aware of her strength and weaknesses as he knew her for a long time (Since college). I agree with Harry — this story needs expansion.

Awesome

Talk about superb writing and understanding. I have respect and envy for the quality of this short story. Respect for PostScriptor's understanding of the human mind and his ability to put it on paper and envy for I don't have that skill. Bravo PS. You're the best.

Great Story

So true and so beautifully done!

Short and to the point.

Agree with the many comments such as put forth by Jasonnh . . . he was shocked out of his reverie and is not in love any longer, so he was no longer tolerant of her faults. I think this is truly how it can go in real life. Well-written. Thanks for your story.

to some

...it doesnt take an adultery to see their spouse in a different light. worthwhile story. Thank you.

Insightful

Very insightful and probably more universally a human trait than we realize. I think everyone has experienced this to one degree or another. It might even be related to the pedestal toppling that we experience when we see our parents being human for the first time.

With all that insight and appreciation for irony (the common interpretation and the real meaning), I can't wait to see what you have in store for the SOB.

Interesting

Would like to See how he gets back at the A-Hole.

So obvious yet illuminating

It is so obvious that love is blind and that betrayal lends itself to a sharper focus. However, this take is unique to this story and to no other that I have read on this site.

For your creativity alone in forcing the reader to consider the obvious (but often overlooked) I applaud you.

Really stylish writing.

I've been taking sideways glances at the missus all evening...Mancelt.

Honestly!!!

Damn!!! A great one! Thanx!!!

Late for the party!

Witty and fun read. Thanks for the BIG smile.

So real...

This can happen without the cheating even... I know as when the blush wore off the rose... I no longer appreciated my first wife as much. It is the shits when a newly married husband comes to realize he did not see the real women he marries.

Nice little story, but the weakness of the man weakened the tale.

Author must mean to say that the forgiveness was partial and conditional. Not too believable that character faults were not obvious previously. The male had made a poor choice originally I guess.

Great Stuff!

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Well, if it forced him to look at his wife in a new light then her indescretion might have a silver lining.

As long as he repays his former friend for his part in the affair.

Great

Please kept writing. I love it when the bitch gits kicked to the curb. If a women could understand that they would be in a better relationship being a one man women, not a loose bitch, with wide open legs, then a man "not a wimp" could find Peace on earth.

Great story.

Loved the disciplined story telling, the taut plotting, and the brilliant character development...all in a quick enjoyable read. Extremely well written!

Short and sweet

Or perhaps not so sweet, the second story of yours I've read. Concise and so very well written.

PK

rose colored

I like this story. alot of truth in it. after awhile, things comes to focus.

CONFUSION

To forgive doesnt mean to forget. Intelligence is not always a sign of remorse or repentence, even though one of the partners tried too hard. TK U MLJ LV NV

reminds me of a joke I heard years ago on Garrison Keillor's Prarie Home Companion

After 3 years of marriage my wife has got me to stop smoking, cut back drinking, helped me to appreciate the finer things, music, culture. I can cook gourmet meals, I dress better and generally take good care of myself. I think I'm gonna file for divorce, quite frankly I just don't think she's good enough for me now.

Second chapter please. It needs closure, good start.

There is nothing to add

It was brilliant the first time I read it. I'm just sorry I didn't compliment it then.

Finally found it again!

Jerry in Washington State - I read this story about two years ago. I've wanted to reread it since, but never found it - because I couldn't remember the author's name or the title of the story. I recently began systematically checking the stories of all the authors who wrote stories I liked. I had made a list of the authors. So I finally found it again. As with most of the other feedback on this story, I much enjoyed the different take - and more realistic - of how infidelity can destroy a marriage. I am disappointed that you didn't do a second chapter to show a "different but realistic" way to destroy the asshole who seduced his wife. But that is probably hard to do - come up with a unique revenge angle not already done to death. Thanks again for the story - I now know where to find it when I want to read it again.

This Is A Terrific Story That Every Woman Should Read

A little insight into how to ruin a relationship, and it's not just getting fat (like they think!)

better each time

This is a true "classic" gem of a tory, that seems to get better each time you read it.

Well done! (again)

#2 DELAY PAYBACK

and doubt about a set up. TK U MLJ LV NV

Bottom line?

He couldn't forgive her. That's why he's having these feelings. Not as strong as he thought he was.

Excellent

Just goes to show that it can take only one time, just one indiscretion to destroy a marriage. A good lesson learned.

Don't cheat,
Consequences abound.

Damn I haven't used that line in a while.

Loved it

Absolutely wonderful and an often undiscussed aspect of infidelity. Five stars.

Forgiveness is easy, forgetting is impossible!

So you try not to think about it. But little things keep bringing it front and center. And then love dies.

Love is powerful

But love can be killed very easily. And when love changes to hate, it is impossible to ignore.

Best to cut loose from the whore. She'll cheat again, 100% chance. Once their legs open for someone outside of marriage, it becomes easier and easier. So when that overwhelming love ends, leave.

Excellent story

What happened? you were betrayed, the trust, bond, friendship, love everything that goes into a marriage is gone. What should have been sacred is shattered, no amount of counseling will ever heal, not even time. I do not call you a wimp, I call you a man, a man with feelings, that finally came to grips but, you should make those known to her. Maybe this was a one time thing, you would hope so, BUT, perhaps this was in the making for quite some time and you just now found out. My question is why would a friend do that, and second, why tell you when nobody would know, or perhaps others very close to you already did. There is a lot more to their story.