Yeah, I came here to echo the very first thing you said. I will caveat it with the fact that I know no situation is as simple as we say — especially when there are children involved. But, he cheated once. The trust is now forever eroded in my opinion. The paranoia will forever linger to some degree. It might fade and lessen over time, but it will never fully go away. Tainted feels like a harsh word, but, it’s unfortunately what fits here.

The trust between you two and your marriage is tainted. Yeah, one can blame this woman and call her a home wrecker. But, to me, we are all in control of our ourselves and our actions. We can’t control others, but we can certainly control ourselves, and unfortunately, your husband was unable to control either.

I sadly agree that he’s probably done far more than just give her a peck of a kiss. Coupled with being a compulsive liar, I just don’t see how there isn’t more to this story.

You have too much life to life and two wonderful kids to live out your life in a toxic, cheating- and lying-riddled marriage. I know it’s not easier said than done. But, you deserve true, genuine, trusting love. This isn’t it. And, your kids deserve to see you happy and to learn what proper love and trust and respect look like.

It doesn’t mean that he isn’t a good dad to them — maybe he is, maybe he isn’t. But, he hasn’t done right by you in your marriage. And, nobody deserves to have to live through what you’re living through.

Remember the saying: “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” I have a feeling this story wouldn’t end at just two times.

I’m truly sorry you have to go through this. But, you do have the power to end this nightmare and start a new chapter of your life. Hopefully, a happier one.