'My husband has been keeping a dirty secret for 30 years and I'm sickened by it'

When it comes to relationships, especially romantic ones, secrets can often tear people apart.

One woman has recently found out that her husband has been hiding a pretty big piece of information from her - and it involves several members  of her family and friends.

The couple have been together for 30 years, but the unnamed man has only just divulged this secret, which could ruin their marriage.

According to the wife, who wrote in to an advice column about the problem, the man confessed he's been stealing used underwear from people they know and love and the whole thing has left her feeling rather "betrayed" and "sickened".

In a letter to How to Do It, Slate.com's sex advice column, the woman known as "Panty Thief" explains all.

She says: "My husband just came clean that he’s been stealing my family and friend’s panties for years.

"We have been together for three decades. We were having a heart-to-heart talk, and he told me he’s been stealing underwear from my female family and friends.

"He’s a good man, and I’ve always known he has an underwear fetish. He likes to masturbate with soiled sexy panties and I’m OK with that. But to steal other people’s, my loved ones’, and do this? Please help."

The woman goes on to say that as well as feeling like he's not being loyal to her, it's also made her feel "inadequate".

She adds: "I’m sickened by it, and feel disgusted, betrayed, and inadequate. What is wrong with him?"

The advice columnist is also shocked by the man's behaviour.

They respond: "This is really not OK. I can’t say for certain what’s up with your husband, but I expect that the owners of these panties would be very upset to know what had happened to them. This behavior cannot continue."

They go on to validate all of the woman's feelings as being completely "natural" in this situation and suggest she talk more to her husband about it and consider speaking to a counsellor or trusted friend in the future as well.