Can you forgive a sister who slept with your husband?

United States
May 28, 2010 10:10pm CST
At the age of 16 my sister was an alcoholic. I took my mother to court and got custody of her. I sobered her up and got her back in high school. She lived with me for over two years before I realized she was sleeping with my husband. We have a child who she would babysit for me. I was so devastated by what happened I moved out of the state to get away from the situation. They continued to have a relationship for the year and a half I was gone. My family knows all about it. Even though I am the victim here my parents are upset that I refuse to talk to my sister. I just can't get over the hurt of what she did. After all I did for her, this is how she repays me? How would you feel? What would you do?
18 responses
• United States
29 May 10
I get why your parents are upset that you're not talking to your sister. You should talk to her BUT not now. The only other person you should be talking to is your husband. He of all people should know what you had to go through with her and he went and took advantage of the poor girl with the drunk past. I wish you didn't leave the house. I would have kicked my sister out and dealt with my husband. Your immediate family is what's more important. You sister for the moment is the lost cause. You fought for her to sober up. Fight for yourself and for your marriage now.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 May 10
I was not strong enough at the time to do this. For a while I was so devastated that even doing normal everyday things was hard for me. I am better now but am not sure I want to fight for my marriage. This was the ultimate betrayal and if he could be this low and go this far than I am not sure he is the one I want to be with for the rest of my life.
• United States
30 May 10
I'm sorry if I sounded harsh in my earlier reply. I saw a friend on the brink of separation from her husband and the last time we talked about it, I was being brutally honest because I cared for her. You're the only one to say if he's worth it. For all we know, he might learn to see past your sister and realize that he's thrown away the best thing in his life. Meanwhile, you have moved on. And this is the best thing anyone can do in your position. I'm glad you're doing okay and I hope that this has made you a stronger person.
1 person likes this
@thekelz (277)
• United Kingdom
29 May 10
What a terrible thing to happen, To be betrayed by the two people you love most must be horrendous.These two people sound like scum to me, you deserve to be treated better than this. Their is no way I'd take your husband back, it sounds like he's got little or no respect for you. And as for your sister it sounds has if she was jealous of you and your lifestyle.I'd try to forget about her and have as little contact as possible. If I was you, I'd try anything to boost my ego. join a gym, do a night class things like that, go to places to meet new people, make new friends, show these two pieces of Sh#t that it's their life which is poorer for not having you in it. All the best and I hope you have a happy ending. Lots of good people out there who you haven't met yet.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 May 10
Thank you for the encouraging advice. I have been trying to keep myself busy. I have found that doing things and meeting new people has made my life more fulfilling. I also do a lot of volunteer work. I was so depressed before and now my life is richer.
@nonersays (3335)
• United States
29 May 10
It would take some time, and the trust would be fragile after that, but I would eventually forgive my sister. Its just the way I was raised that family means more than almost anything. The husband, however, I'd never forgive.
• United States
29 May 10
I have to talk to him because our child is still young. He wants me to leave the past in the past so we can move on with our lives. I don't think I can be with him after what he did to me. My sister was my best friend and now she is like my worst enemy!
• India
29 May 10
I feel very sorry for you ! . Even though I am a male and I have never faced any situtaion like urs . I can understand the pain . Your husband is also a culprit , if you are hating your sister , then you should also hate your husband ! If I was you ! , I would have divorced him and re-marry another person who may not be good looking but trustable !
1 person likes this
• United States
29 May 10
I hated them both for a while but now I am just angry and hurt. I have contemplated divorce many times but have not gone through with it yet. I do love him and we have a child together. We have not re-united yet. I am still confused about what to do. He says he will never do that with anyone ever again but I don't trust him.
@zralte (4178)
• India
29 May 10
That is a terrible thing to do. No wonder you are mad at her. Did she have no shame at all??? I can't imagine how you would feel. I don't think I will be able to speak to her ever, had I been in your situation. And your parents should be able to understand that, surely. I guess it's because they love you both that they want you and your sister be close again.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 May 10
Not only does she not only have no shame she acts like she is proud of what she did! That is another reason I don't feel like I could ever forgive her. How can you forgive someone who never apologized and doesn't feel that they did anything wrong?
• United States
29 May 10
The bible says we must forgive. It may be one of the most difficult things in the world, but it is important that you forgive even if someone doesn't deserve it...even if they are not sorry. you cannot expect the Lord to forgive you if you cannot forgive someone else. I suggest you pray about it and ask God to give you the strength and wisdom to forgive.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 May 10
That is easier said than done. I have tried to forgive trust me. But each time I think I can something happens and I feel like I am hurt all over again. Last summer my daughter went to visit with her father for a month and came back talking about her other mommy told her not to do this and not to do that. I was appalled. She is her aunt not her stepmother! My sister and husband are no longer together but I have such ill feelings about the whole situation.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
31 May 10
No i cant say i would i would have a hard time forgiving either of them en less they both were wasted or drunk or preferably both.Even then i couldn't forgive them, probably you just don't do certain things to me and keep talking to me afterwords.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
31 May 10
Are they still together? Do you speak to them? I'm so sorry.
• United States
31 May 10
They are no longer together. My husband is desperate to reconcile and work things out but I am still not ready for it. I don't think I ever will be. I love him but can not forgive nor forget. My sister and I haven't spoken in over a year. The last time we spoke we actually had a big fight and I had to whip her little behind.
• United States
31 May 10
They were actually sleeping together while I was at work busting my butt. After I left, they continued to live together for about a year. That is what makes it so pathetic and disgusting. They did not have a drunken one night stand. They were in a relationship right under my nose. I was sharing my husband with my little sister without knowing it.
@Keola12 (823)
• United States
29 May 10
In my opinion, your parents are wrong. Instead of concerning themselves about why you don't talk to your sister, what they should be doing is putting the blame on her and they should be telling her how wrong she was to sleep with your husband. Your parents need to be showing you support and standing by you.
1 person likes this
@Ritchelle (3790)
• Philippines
5 Jun 10
i think you're all set not to forgive your sister and that's understandable. the only thing that complicates your current, hard-earned peaceful situation are your parents. just because they are our parents doesn't mean they're always right. they're just doing their role as parents to both you and your sister. you have to do your own duty to yourself.
• United States
5 Jun 10
Sometimes I feel like I have no choice in the matter and my mother is trying to force me to forgive and forget. But ultimately it is my decision. My only problem is that no one is trying to get her to apologize to me. No one is mad at her for what she did. It's like I'm the bad guy here.
1 person likes this
• Slovenia
29 May 10
I would never speak to her again. You don"t need that kind of sister.
1 person likes this
@hati3kuro (269)
• Malaysia
30 May 10
Hi Zuki just a question here; do you still love both your husband and your sister? Have you thought about not giving enough to both of them (except your sister of course) that your family falls apart? Well am just asking here, not a provocative question..I hope that you'll be strong to face this and find the ultimate solution that gives peace to your heart...
• United States
30 May 10
I am not sure what you are asking. If you are asking if I think I didn't give enough to them and this is why they did this then I will tell you that I gave both of them my all. I am a very loyal and loving person. I cooked and cleaned and worked my butt off in and out the house. They did not appreciate it and took advantage of my kindness. But in the long run they are the ones that are suffering. I did everything for them and now they have to do it for themselves.
• Malaysia
28 Jun 10
good for you...I hope they both realise what they are losing. I hope you'll be strong through this.
• United States
30 May 10
I am so sorry for what happened to you! I do love Jesus and I believe in Forgiveness but like you said that is easier said than done. I would NOT try to save my marriage OR talk to my sister again!! I think your parent's should realize the pain she put you through. I don't think there is enough blame going to your sis or your husband! Your husband was VERY wrong as well, try not to blame this ALL on your sister. I know she's blood so you probably hate her more right now but HE took the same vows you did...Remember that! I will pray for you and I hope things get better for you =)
• United States
30 May 10
Thank you for having me in your thoughts. I blame my husband more than my sister. But I am more upset with my sister because I raised her and never thought she would do that to me. It hurts me everyday when I think of what they did but the pain is dulling and the heartache is slowly dissolving. I do still feel anger with them both but more with her because she is unapologetic.
• United States
6 Jun 10
I think eventually I would forgive my husband and sister...once I get over the hump of what happened it would probably be easier. Then at family functions I would just make a joke about it and watch them fester in their uncomfortableness.
• United States
6 Jun 10
That's a good idea. Maybe one day I will get to that point. It is too soon right now. Lately, I have been avoiding family functions if I know my sister is definitely going to be there. It seems as though the house is not big enough for the two of us and I'm tired of the whispering when I leave the room. This situation has really divided the family unfortunately.
• United States
7 Jun 10
Hey well good luck and just give it time and try not to dwell on it too long. Remember don't let negativity hold you down. Accept the situation and move on to bigger n better things.
• Philippines
5 Jun 10
I have to say that you should forgive her; but the truth is, even I do not know what to do if ever I'm forced to face a similar problem. Being betrayed by two of your most beloved persons is just so terrible. Of course, your parents will be upset--you two are STILL sisters no matter what happened. have you tried to talk to her about your problem? maybe she have reasons. let her explain though it will be truly difficult to accept.
• United States
5 Jun 10
Every time I have tried to talk to her we wind up arguing or fighting. I have tried to tell her how much what she did hurt me but it is like she is proud of what she did. She actually had the nerve to say that she is prettier and better in bed and what's so wrong with that. She says I deserved it because I was too busy working and taking care of the house to take care of my man. This is what I have to deal with.
• Philippines
9 Jun 10
I couldnt imagine what you had gone through. Im so sorry. How could people do that? Not to mention a sister and a husband?? Unbelievable! But you did the right thing. Stand up for yourself and your daughter. You dont deserve a man like that. And personally if that thing happen to me (knock on wood), i wouldnt even let my child go ever near him! Im sorry but he's so disgusting. And about forgiving, take your time. And i mean lots of time. Maybe years. I believe we are really capable of forgiving. The question there is when. But as ive said take all your time. Do whatever you think is right for you and your child.
@evepin (721)
• Philippines
30 May 10
wow, i'm sorry to hear that. that is probably an ultimate deception and betrayal, on the part of both sister and husband. i honestly dont know if i can forgive both of them even though the Bible tells me to forgive people. It will really take time I guess but still I am not sure if I can forgive. sure, people have to let go of the hurt and move on, but it's way easier said than done. it is really up to you, dear, and don't be pressured to prematurely forgive and be speaking terms with your sister. it might even turn out worse because the poison of bitterness and hurt is still there. i still hope things will turn out fine for all of you, but like i said, it may take time and people shouldn't pressure you. actually they should be more understanding. cheers and happy myLotting!
• United States
30 May 10
Thank you for the kind words. I can't stand it when people tell me that I have to forgive my sister because she is blood and blood is thicker than water. Did she think about that when she did what she did? People seem to not realize that unless you have been through something yourself you have no idea what you would do or how you would feel.
@charylady (419)
• Philippines
30 May 10
that's a terrible thing to experience. i probably would have moved out too. and they had the nerve to continue the relationship after you had left! so no remorse there. i don't know if i could forgive either of them.
@lesfery (79)
• Philippines
12 Jun 10
your situation is so hard but i think it is not totally your sisters mistake but also your husband besides if he loves you no matter what your sister do he will refuse it. of course they will say because they are guy who can't refuse a woman if they are naked but still if he realize what he did, to think that they keep the relationship after you left. so for me don't blame your sister in full but also your husband. i can't say to forgive her but at least tell her how you felt about it..Godbless