Is Your Partner Cheating? Signs To Look Out For

Updated August 17, 2023by BetterHelp Editorial Team

It's understandable to have moments of doubt in any relationship. If you're wondering if your partner may be cheating, it may be a good idea to pay attention to your instincts and be aware of any changes in their behavior that may cause concern. 

While infidelity may happen in a relationship, there is often an explanation for this type of behavior, so it may be best to approach the conversation with an open mind and readiness to hear your partner out. Confronting your partner may be challenging, but before accusing them of something that may not be true, it's best to look for the signs if your partner is cheating or not. 

While there might not be a sure way to tell if a partner is cheating, some signs may indicate that your partner is unfaithful.

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Are You Ready To Address Infidelity Issues In Your Relationship?

Infidelity In The United States

Infidelity is a relatively common occurrence in the United States.

According to one source,21% of men an 19% of women polled in the US admitted to cheating on their spouse at least once.

In another study, research determined that the most common reason for cheating was a lack of satisfaction in their current relationship and the derivation of enjoyment from the threat presented by an affair.

Signs That May Indicate Your Partner Is Being Unfaithful

If you start to feel like something isn't right with your relationship, it may be a good idea to pay closer attention to how your partner is acting. While it's understandable to doubt yourself and feel that everything could just be in your head, further signs may start emerging that make you question whether or not you need to investigate any changes in your partner's behavior. 

When looking into how your partner is acting, it may be best to pay attention to how they behave with others and interact with you. Here are some possible signs to beware of.

Withdrawal From Intimacy

Your partner might become less interested in being intimate with you if they are having an affair; if there is a sudden or unexplainable change in your intimate life, this might signify something is wrong. It could also mean they may be putting their energy into someone else.

Acting Jittery

When someone is cheating, they tend to act differently around you. If there is an unusual amount of nervousness, or if your partner avoids eye contact or keeps changing the subject when you ask them questions, this might indicate that they have something to hide.

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Abnormal Use Of Social Media And Technology

If your partner is cheating, they may use technology to cover their tracks. This could include hiding phone calls or text messages, having multiple social media accounts. Always having their phone on them when they normally would not or constantly texting or talking to someone they refuse to tell you about might also be a warning sign.

Unusually High Interest In Appearance Or Grooming Habits

A partner who suddenly has a higher interest in how they look – paying more attention to their grooming or clothing – may be doing so to impress the person with whom they are cheating. This may coincide with an uptick in comments about your own appearance. 

Unexplained Changes In Habits

Cheating often causes people to act differently than usual, so if your partner suddenly changes their behavior or has new habits, it could mean they are doing something like cheating. This might include taking more time to work late nights at their job, picking up unusual hobbies that constantly take them out of the house or spending large amounts of money without your knowing where it went. 

How To Approach The Conversation If You Suspect Your Partner Is Cheating

It is ideal to remember that although infidelity might be a difficult thing to deal with, there are often other explanations for the behavior that you may not want to overlook. Your partner may be planning a surprise, attempting to resolve a sensitive mental or physical health issue without worrying you, or they may simply be changing their routine, to name a few alternatives.

If you noticed any of the signs mentioned above and are worried that your partner may be cheating, it is usually a good idea to talk to them about how you feel. Try starting by calmly expressing how you feel, and it's a good idea to stay open-minded while they explain their side of things. It may be that the conversation doesn't turn out how you would like, but handling it respectfully and keeping communication open is a good way to resolve any conflicts that arise as peacefully as possible.

What Should You Do If It's True That Your Partner Is Cheating?

What to do if I found out that she cheated on me? If you have confronted your partner about their infidelity and it has been confirmed, it's understandable that you might feel hurt or confused. Know that you are not alone in how you feel; some resources may help. Seeking support from an online therapist may offer a safe space to talk through how the experience has affected your relationship, how you might to able to move forward, or how to work on communication between the two of you. Knowing how to deal with betrayal and heal after discovering infidelity might help start recovery. Whatever happens in any relationship, remember that each person should take care of themselves first. This may mean knowing when to step away from a situation when necessary and how to practice self-care and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Taking time for yourself may help you process the changes in dealing with infidelity.

Therefore, how you may manage the situation will depend on how much effort both partners are willing to put into the relationship. If you think there may be room for improvement, communication is ideal and might save your relationship. While cheating might happen in some relationships, understanding how to recognize signs of infidelity and confront them safely should help create healthy relationships. With patience and understanding, navigating such an experience has the potential to lead to stronger relationships.

Benefits Of Seeking Online Therapy For Relationship Issues Involving Infidelity Suspicions

Online therapy has the potential to be a beneficial option for individuals who may need help dealing with the challenges of suspecting their partner of cheating. Online therapists from services like BetterHelp are trained professionals with experience helping people in similar situations and may be able to provide invaluable guidance when navigating complex relationships such as this one. They can provide a valuable source of support for confronting your partner about possible infidelity and the steps following, whether that’s rebuilding appropriate communication in the relationship or ending it and moving forward.

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Are You Ready To Address Infidelity Issues In Your Relationship?

Getting the assistance you need from online therapy might be an effective treatment if you deal with relationship issues involving infidelity suspicions. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology evaluated how online therapy might help couples through infidelity-related stressors and how it should aid healing relationships. The study concluded that online counseling was successful in assisting participants in building better communication skills, allowing them to talk openly and honestly about their concerns while also restoring trust and safety in their relationship. These results indicate how beneficial online therapy might be as a source of support when confronting your partner about possible infidelity.

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Takeaway

There are a multitude of reasons why your relationship may be more challenging or you may feel suspicious that your partner is being unfaithful. While the actions listed above are not the sole indicators of infidelity, nor are they always indicators at all, observing these behaviors can be a good way to start a conversation with your partner to address your concerns or bring them to a therapist who can help you understand your situation on an emotional level.

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