Caught in the act

LEARNING that your partner has been unfaithful can be a horrible blow; but catching them in the act, or being caught, is even worse, as there’s evidence up close and personal that can’t be explained away.

The memories are still fresh in the minds of the people below, who detail what they did then when faced with this reality. How would they react now if faced with a similar situation?

THOSE CAUGHT

Mark B:

Then: When my girlfriend caught me, I was having a threesome with two females. My immediate reaction then was that of shock, and I sat staring at her.

Now: If that were to happen to me again my reaction would probably be the same, as there’s not much you can say in such situations.

Shirelle J

Then: When my husband caught me with another woman two years ago he was so angry he pulled the cutlass on us. To protect myself, I ran outside naked, screaming.

Now: I would opt to speak to him or calm him down. I don’t know how, but I certainly wouldn’t run outside naked.

Thomas C

Then: I was caught having webcam sex and I denied it and said it was just a porn site.

Now: I would own up to it and tell her to think of pleasing me in such ways.

Natalie O

Then: I cried and begged for his forgiveness. I told him it was a mistake.

Now: I don’t see how different my reaction would be.

Naomi M

Then: I pretended not to see my boyfriend standing shell-shocked at the door and continued doing what I was doing.

Now: I would show some remorse and regret for my actions. I mean, I was in the wrong.

Joseph W

Then: I got upset and told her she had no business following me around.

Now: I would probably act guilty so she didn’t feel like I intended to or set out to hurt her.

THE WITNESSES

Jody-Ann K

Then: I threw objects at him, cried, became depressed and had suicidal thoughts. I had a complete breakdown.

Now: I would just let him go.

Sheldon J

Then: I wrote her an extensive e-mail telling her how I felt, how much she had hurt me and that I had rope in my hands ready to hang myself. She told me to do it as she had a black dress she couldn’t wait to wear to say “good riddance”.

Now: I would not write the e-mail, but allow her to live her life and make her choices.

Melonie G

Then: I cried, I had a breakdown, I broke stuff, I shut myself off from people and became very bitter. I just wanted to kill everyone in my sight.

Now: Maybe I would cry, but it would be way less drama.

Peter P

Then: As a big man I cried when I saw my wife with another man. I cried like a baby. I couldn’t handle it and ended up beating her and threatening her.

Now: I wouldn’t hit her. I would cry, but I wouldn’t hit her.

Olive L

Then: I immediately moved out, damaged his furniture and scraped his vehicle with a nail clip. I got in a lot of trouble and had to replace them, then he filed for divorce.

Now: I can’t say I wouldn’t cry or I wouldn’t break down, but I know I wouldn’t be so harsh in expressing my hurt.

Orlando R

Then: I went into the middle of the road outside our home, lay face down and cried.

Now: Difficult to say, but maybe I wouldn’t openly show my emotions.