‘I regret snatching my friend’s husband’, Reader

A woman writing to a newspaper column expresses deep regret over an extramarital affair with her friend Tina's husband. The reader, married for over 12 years with three children, met Tina's husband, Francis, through her friend. Francis was described as attractive, and Tina had previously mentioned his affairs.

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Like a lamb to the slaughter, I let him lead me to his matrimonial bed. I wasn’t disappointed – Francis really knew how to bonk! Why else was I risking my marriage for this?

The affair began innocently enough when Tina traveled abroad for a course. Francis visited the reader's workplace, expressing loneliness. The reader offered to prepare meals for him, which she delivered to his home. During this visit, Francis made a pass at her, and the reader admits she did not resist, leading to their first intimate encounter.

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He made my head spin with his love-making, transporting me to places I never imagined possible.

She describes the affair as passionate, contrasting Francis's intensity with the perceived lack of magic in her own marriage. Despite knowing they were risking their families, the affair continued for about a year. The relationship ultimately collapsed when the reader's husband confronted her, revealing that Tina had seen them together leaving a hotel and had informed him.

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So though Tina and I worked together, I parcelled off the guilty I felt at helping myself to her husband. I knew we were playing with fire – both of us were married with children and Tina, my friend, was the one who’d introduced me to her husband.