I was in a carbon copy of this trainwreck ONCE, many years ago, and regret my actions to this day - never, ever again.
I would say that the reasons for my infidelity were intellectual/emotional rather than physical (although they were physical too), since the 'other' girl and I shared interests, sense of humour, taste in art and music, even our professions, while my partner (then and mercifully still) and I are very different in nearly all these departments (sense of humour aside). And I truly believe that I did fall in love with her - I miss her even now, think of her most days. Google her way too often.
However, don't mistake my intention in posting here: NONE OF THAT SHIT MATTERS. There is NO excuse for cheating.
Cheating on someone you love is a fucking appalling crime against common decency, however you dress it up or justify it, or however heartfelt your reasons. If you really want someone else more than your current partner, then for fucks sake BREAK-UP FIRST - it happens, it's sad, its bloody RISKY, but YOU are the one taking the risk, so at least you are honest, sincere and have the courage of your convictions. Otherwise you're a lying no-good piece of shit who wants to have his cake and eat it. And I hate to break this to you, but someone had to: YOU CAN'T.
And to do it TWICE. Sheesh, you really are a gobshite.
So, my advice is twofold: (try to) forget the other wom(e)n, accept that you are a worthless scumbag, and get on with trying to live your life in a better way. And I wouldn't tell your partner about any of this - you'ld only be doing it to salve your own justly painful conscience, and hurt her in the process - it's your cross, bear it alone. I told my partner, after it was all over, and I know that I shouldn't have. She forgave me. Lucky me. What was in it for her?
Or just take that chance and leave - your partner is blatantly too good for you anyway.
* This post has been modified
: 19 years ago