SENT MY HUSBAND ON A BUSINESS TRIP, AND A FEW HOURS LATER I SAW HIM A RESTAURANT WITH A STRANGE WOMAN Marina always made sure to pack her husband Alexey’s suitcase whenever he had a business trip. For her, it was a small but meaningful ritual of love and care

I would check his messages, his call logs (if I have access)

I would ask the friend who sent the message for details: time, place, description

I might check receipts or look for clues

Talk with him privately and calmly

When he returns, I’ll ask: “I saw you in a restaurant with someone I don’t know. Can you tell me who she was?”

I’ll avoid accusing language at first; ask for explanation

I’ll share how it made me feel, and ask for honesty

Decide my boundaries

I’ll decide what I consider acceptable (professional dinner, but transparency; or if I see continued secrecy)

I’ll give him space to explain, but also listen to my instincts

Self‑care & support

I will talk to a trusted friend or counselor

I will journal, express emotion — not bottle it

I will take care of myself (sleep, food, calm moments)

Dialogue (Imagined) — When He Returns Home
(This is how I imagine I might speak to him — maybe in a neutral tone, late evening after he arrives.)

Me: “You’re home. How was the rest of your meetings today?”

Him: “They went fine. Busy day, lots of calls.”

Me (quietly): “There’s something I need to ask. Earlier today, I got a message from someone who saw you at a restaurant — in the city where you were on business. The person said you were dining with a woman I don’t know. I went to check, and I saw you, too.”

He looks surprised, perhaps caught.

Him: “What? Are you serious? Where?”