Everyone knows trust is the corner of every relationship, and when it’s been shaken, it can destroy everything.
For most couples, infidelity is probably the worst offence their partner could commit. It’s a betrayal that’s often impossible to move forward from, and the worst part is, most of the time, you never saw it coming. But could it be possible to tell your partner is going to cheat before they actually do? If they’re doing these things, they could be very close to being unfaithful.
1. Their energy feels different.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes it’s not the big behaviours that give your partner away but a subtle shift in their energy. Do they seem distant, preoccupied, or emotionally unavailable? Maybe there’s a newfound restlessness or a lack of enthusiasm for activities you once enjoyed together. Trust your intuition if something feels amiss, but approach the conversation with compassion and curiosity rather than accusation.
2. They never touch you anymore and they’re uninterested in intimacy.
Physical intimacy is a vital component of most romantic relationships. A sudden decrease in affection, a reluctance to initiate touch, or a general aversion to physical closeness could signal a shift in your partner’s emotional connection. It’s crucial to communicate your needs and concerns while being mindful of their perspective as well.
3. They overcompensate with affection or gifts.
While showering you with affection and gifts might seem like a positive sign, it can sometimes mask underlying guilt or a desire to compensate for something they feel is lacking in the relationship. If their displays of affection feel forced or insincere, it’s worth exploring the reasons behind this change in behaviour.
4. They’re overly defensive and brush off your concerns.
Open communication is essential in any relationship. If you voice your concerns about their behaviour, and they react defensively or dismiss your feelings, it could indicate a lack of willingness to address underlying issues. A healthy relationship involves listening to each other’s concerns and working together to find solutions.
5. They change their passwords or are suddenly protective of their devices.
While everyone is entitled to privacy, a sudden change in passwords or increased secrecy around their phone or computer could raise questions. It’s important to establish healthy boundaries around privacy in your relationship, but if their behaviour feels out of character, it’s worth addressing the issue openly and honestly.
6. Their stories don’t add up.
If you notice inconsistencies in their stories or explanations about where they are, what they’re doing, and with whom, it could be a sign that they’re not being entirely truthful. Trust your gut feeling if something doesn’t feel right, but avoid jumping to conclusions without gathering more information or having a calm conversation.
7. They seem emotionally distant or preoccupied when you’re together.
Quality time is essential for any relationship. If your partner seems mentally checked out or emotionally distant when you’re together, it could be a sign that their thoughts and feelings are elsewhere. Try engaging in activities that encourage connection and open communication to gauge their level of engagement.
8. They admit they’re unhappy with the relationship or compare you to other people.
If your partner always goes on about how miserable they are or starts comparing you to someone else (who’s apparently so much better than you), it could be a sign that they’re looking for validation or attention elsewhere. This type of behaviour can be hurtful and really knock your self-esteem. It’s important to address these concerns and discuss your needs within the relationship.
9. Their friends act differently around you.
Sometimes, the people closest to your partner might subtly reveal their awareness of infidelity. If their friends seem uncomfortable around you, avoid eye contact, or act unusually secretive, it could be a sign that they know something you don’t. While it’s not definitive proof, it’s worth paying attention to these subtle social cues.
10. They blame you for their unhappiness or lack of fulfilment.
A partner who is considering infidelity may start to shift blame onto you for their own dissatisfaction or lack of fulfilment. They may accuse you of not being supportive enough, not being exciting enough, or not meeting their needs. This deflection of responsibility is a way for them to justify their own actions and create a narrative that paints them as the victim.
11. They suddenly become overly interested in your schedule or whereabouts.
While a healthy interest in each other’s lives is normal, a sudden increase in curiosity about your schedule or whereabouts could be a sign that your partner is trying to create opportunities for secrecy or deception. It’s important to maintain open communication and discuss any concerns you may have about their behaviour.
12. They go out of their way to avoid introducing you to certain people.
If your partner consistently avoids introducing you to specific friends or colleagues, it could be a red flag. It may indicate that they have a secret relationship or that they are engaging in activities they don’t want you to know about. While not every introduction is necessary, a pattern of avoidance could be a cause for concern.
13. They start paying more attention to their social media presence.
If your partner suddenly becomes obsessed with posting selfies, updating their status, or interacting with new people on social media, it could be a sign that they’re seeking validation or attention outside of your relationship. This increased focus on their online persona could be a way for them to connect with potential romantic interests or to create a false image of their life.
14. They become easily irritated or defensive when you question their behaviour.
Open and honest communication is crucial in any relationship. If your partner becomes defensive, irritable, or dismissive when you ask questions about their behaviour, it could be a sign that they’re hiding something or feeling guilty. It’s important to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding, but also with a willingness to address any underlying issues.
15. They start making excuses to spend more time away from home.
If your partner suddenly has more late nights at work, frequent business trips, or newfound hobbies that keep them away from home, it could be a sign that they’re creating opportunities for infidelity. While it’s healthy for individuals to have their own space and activities, a sudden change in routine or a reluctance to include you in their plans could be a red flag.
16. You simply have a gut feeling that something isn’t right.
Sometimes, the most telling sign is your own intuition. If you have a nagging feeling that something is amiss in your relationship, trust your instincts. It doesn’t mean that your partner is definitely cheating, but it does mean that there are unresolved issues that need to be addressed. Open communication and honest conversations are essential for navigating these challenges and building a stronger foundation of trust in your relationship.
