When we think of cheating, we often picture someone having sex with another person behind their partner’s back. However, the concept of infidelity is more nuanced than that, and micro-cheating is an example of this.
Micro-cheating is the term used to describe the small things people say and do when their partner isn’t around that dance on the knife-edge of inappropriate or just straight-up infidelity. While these actions may never physically cross a line, they still jeopardize the trust and integrity of a relationship. The problem with micro-cheating is that there are often no obvious clues that indicate your partner is being unfaithful.
According to a 2015 poll by YouGov, one in five Americans admit to being unfaithful to their partner in a relationship, while 41% of men and 28% of women have considered cheating. Another study published in the Journal of Sexual and Marital Therapy found that there are many conflicting definitions of infidelity.
Examples of micro-cheating include sliding into someone’s DMs, deleting messages with someone in case your partner sees them, and grabbing drinks with an ex but lying to your partner because you know they wouldn’t like it. These actions, though seemingly harmless, can be warning signs that your partner is hiding something from you.
Here are some common behaviors that could suggest your partner has something to hide:
#1. He always has his phone and goes to great lengths to keep you away from it.
#2. He won’t share any of his passwords with you.
#3. He’s always liking and commenting on other women’s social media posts.
#4. You have issues in your sex life.
#5. It feels like he has checked out of the relationship.
#6. He often talks about being with other women.
#7. He withdraws from you for extended periods.
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If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to sit down and have an open conversation with your partner about what boundaries are appropriate in your relationship and what are not. It’s important to establish trust, honesty, and communication in a relationship to avoid any potential problems in the future.
