I’m 41 and I’ve never cheated on my wife—but before I met her, I was no saint. I’d never had a serious girlfriend and lived life like a free man.

Mate, Im 41 now and honestly, Ive never cheated on my wife. But before I met her, I cant say I was an angel. I never had a serious girlfriend back then. I was just enjoying life, you know? Living like any single lad would. One week Id be chatting up one girl, next week another; Friday nights were dates, Saturdays were parties. I owed no one any explanations, because I hadnt promised anything to anyone.
Back then I worked in an electrical workshop in Sheffield, bringing home a decent wage. After work, I’d go out with mates to pubs, nightclubs, birthday dos all those sort of things. Sometimes I’d end up sleeping with a woman, then vanish from her life the very next day. Not because I was a bad guy, just because I never wanted anything serious. I always said, Commitment isnt for me.
Everything changed the day I met my wife. She was interning at the hospital as a nursing assistant. Id popped over to fix an electrical issue. She asked me for help with a broken socket and while I tinkered around, we got chatting. She asked my name, I asked hers we had a laugh, and by the end of my shift, she handed me her number. I texted her that same evening, not with my usual banter or cockiness, but nervously, like a fifteen-year-old.
Our first few dates were pretty simple walks in the park, ice cream cones, grabbing steak pies after work. Gradually, I started ignoring other women not because she asked me to, but because I genuinely didnt want to give my attention to anyone else. I knew she wasnt just another one.
When I asked her to be my girlfriend, I made it crystal clear: If were going to do this, lets do it properly. I dont want any half measures. She looked at me seriously and said, I dont share. And I replied, Me neither. From that day, I realised loyalty isnt just about stopping yourself from chasing other women its about keeping your word.
We got married without any fancy business. We lived in a rented room in Manchester, with a borrowed bed and a tiny cooker. We both worked our socks off her on night shifts, me doing overtime. We had no time, no energy for adventures. Just bills, tiredness, and shared dreams.
Temptations still popped up. At work, a colleague was texting me at midnight, sending me accidental photos and hinting I deserved someone better than my exhausted wife. One night, she waited for me in the car park and suggested we head to a cheap motel. I said no, got in my car, and drove straight home.
At a mates party, a drunk woman sat next to me and started stroking my arm. I got up, found my wife, and we left without saying goodbye to anyone. Id rather seem rude than cross a line that you cant erase.
My mates still rib me about it. They say I used to be fun and now Im boring. Theyre not wrong Im not the same bloke. I used to live just for myself. Now, I live with someone.
Not long ago, my son asked if Id ever been with other women since I got married. I said no. He looked stunned and told me nearly all his mates have separated parents because of cheating. That was when I realised that my choices dont just affect my marriage they shape my kids lives too.
I was a bit of a lad when I was single because I had no commitments. But the day I decided she was the woman I wanted to grow old with, it hit me that loyalty isnt a prison its an everyday choice. And honestly, Ive never regretted choosing her.