I (M37) found out that my gf (F30) had a profile on a dating site. It had recent photos, and a decent amount of info in her bio.

When I asked she first denied it, then said she made it before we started dating and then said a friend borrowed her phone and made the profile without her knowledge or permission. I didn't challenge any of what she said and just quietly listened.

She says she is devastated that I saw it, doesn't want to lose me, begged on hands and knees, etc.

I told her I would think about it, since it seems to be a fairly serious issue (and seeing the screen caps of it with one of my favorite photos of her was a real punch in the gut). I basically said that I take this (and us seriously) so I needed a little time to think about whether I could get past this and whether I could trust her again.

She did delete the profile and has apologized over and over again. She says she never talked to anyone that she met on the site because she didn't know it was there. I did not ask to see her phone but did ask for a screen cap of the confirmation that the profile was deleted which she did show me.

I want to forgive her because she seems genuine and no one is perfect, but the story about how the profile came to be created doesn't add up. I would almost rather that she just admit she made it and tell me what is missing or what needs to change so she doesn't feel the need to do it again. But she is sticking to her story so the ball is in my court.

What do you all think? Do I forgive her and put this behind us? Do I end it here and now? What sort of impact will forgiving her have on the future?

Last piece of info weighing on my mind, a buddy of mine found it and sent me screen shots saying hey isn't this your girl? So on top of feeling hurt, I am also a little embarrassed that a buddy of mine saw that.

Since this is a site where this may matter, I am legit a handsome guy and never have had any trouble getting dates or having relationships and the reason I am not sure what to do is that nothing like this has never happened to me before.

I am happy to come back and provide any info that anyone wishing to give me advice might need.

Thanks.