The fact is the way he treats his children's mother is a reflection of how he feels about his children.
Good parents don't treat their children's mother like dirt.
Consequences is what seems to be missing here.
If he can have his cake and eat it too.. he will.
I don't know if "happier" is the word I would use to describe someone in an affair... "euphoric" maybe, but not happier.
Affairs are addictions... and when he's on a high he will appear to be happier, but if this excitement of his is at the cost of his marriage, his children, his wife's feelings.. its a thoughtless indulgence that he needs to put a stop to or you need to throw some consequences his way. Consequences, not coddling, end addictions.
