69 Signs Your Partner's Cheating According to the Internet, by Ruby Lips

Introduction

You're in love, but something's off. Your partner's behavior has changed, and you're worried they might cheat. This guide, backed by internet research and expert opinions, explores the 69 signs of cheating to help you uncover the truth.

Why People Cheat

Cheating is complex and multifaceted. Factors like emotional dissatisfaction, desire for variety, and opportunity can contribute to infidelity. Understanding these reasons can provide insight into the behavior and aid healing and decision-making.

Top 69 Signs of Cheating

Recognizing the signs of cheating can be challenging. This comprehensive list will help you identify potential red flags in your relationship.

1. Guarding their phone or computer excessively: They are overly protective of their devices, possibly to hide communication or activities.
2. Unexplained absences or a sudden need for privacy: They frequently go missing without a clear explanation or suddenly need more "alone time."
3. Less interested in sex or change in sexual behavior: Their sexual interest in you decreases, or their preferences change unexpectedly.
4. Unusual expenses or secretive about financial transactions: They have expenditures they can’t or won’t explain, indicating hidden activities.
5. New clothes, lingerie, or grooming habits: They suddenly change their appearance or personal care habits, possibly to appeal to someone else.
6. Unexplained charges or gifts appear: Charges for unknown items or unexplained gifts suggest they might be purchasing for someone else.
7. schedule changes, often working late or odd hours: Their routine changes inexplicably, usually attributed to work or other commitments.
8. Hiding their phone screen or quickly shutting down their computer when you enter: They conceal their activities on their devices, indicating they have something to hide.
9. Inconsistent stories about their whereabouts: The explanations for their time away from you don’t always add up.
10. Increased defensiveness or irritability: They react negatively to questions or comments, showing signs of guilt or frustration.
11. Less communicative, more withdrawn, or distant: They share less about their life and seem emotionally removed from the relationship.
12. Sudden disinterest in family or home activities: They lose interest in family gatherings or activities that used to be enjoyable together.
13. Frequent mentions of a new coworker or friend: They often talk about a new person, possibly indicating an emotional affair.
14. New interest in privacy, changing passwords or security settings: They change and enhance their privacy, limiting your access to their information.
15. Overly attentive or giving unexpected gifts, possibly out of guilt: They may overcompensate with affection or gifts to alleviate their guilt.
16. Unexplained nights out or trips that don’t make sense: They have overnight stays or trips with vague or suspicious justifications.
17. Friends seem uncomfortable around you, possibly hiding something: Mutual friends may act awkwardly, perhaps aware of the infidelity.
18. Interest in new music, hobbies, or activities that seem out of character: They show sudden enthusiasm for new interests, perhaps shared with someone else.
19. Avoids eye contact or displays nervous behavior when discussing the relationship: They can't maintain eye contact, possibly feeling guilty or hiding something.
20. Sudden physical appearance or fitness improvement: They unexpectedly become more concerned with their appearance or fitness.
21. Suddenly, people become obsessive about privacy or personal space, becoming fiercely protective of their personal space or belongings.
22. Spending more time on social media or hidden social media accounts: Increased or secretive social media use can indicate an affair.
23. Emotional withdrawal, feeling disconnected or aloof: They seem emotionally detached and disinterested in connecting.
24. Increased criticism or comparing you to others: They frequently criticize or compare you unfavorably, showing dissatisfaction.
25. Seems to have a new circle of friends or an alternative social life: They may have a separate group of friends or social life you’re not part of.
26. Unexplained changes in mood or attitude: Their mood or general demeanor fluctuates inexplicably.
27. Keeps phone on silent, vibrates, or answers calls privately: They keep their phone on silent or take calls privately to avoid being overheard.
28. Frequently clearing browser history or phone logs: They regularly delete their digital history, possibly to erase evidence of their activities.
29. Unusual spikes in text or call activity: There’s an increase in their phone usage, especially messages and calls, at odd times.
30. Deflects questions about relationship issues or change the subject: They avoid discussing your relationship concerns or quickly change the topic.
31. Body language shows discomfort when intimate or affectionate: They seem uneasy or reluctant during physical intimacy or affectionate moments.
32. Increased secrecy, especially around technology use: They become more secretive, particularly with their digital devices and online activities.
33. Defensiveness when asked about their day or activities: They respond defensively or irritably when questioned about their daily life.
34. Sudden interest in new clothing or fashion: They adopt a new style or fashion sense, possibly to impress someone else.
35. Forgetting stories or lies catching up with them: Their narratives are inconsistent, and they can’t keep track of the lies they’ve told.
36. Phone battery dies more frequently than before: Their phone battery drains faster, possibly due to increased use.
37. Shows guilt or defensive when discussing infidelity: They exhibit signs of guilt or become defensive when the topic of cheating arises.
38. Sudden changes in language or speech patterns: Their way of speaking changes, perhaps picking up phrases or habits from someone else.
39. Unwilling to make plans or commitments: They are hesitant or refuse to discuss or plan for the future together.
40. New perfumes, colognes, or smells unexplained: They wear new fragrances, or you detect unfamiliar scents on them.
41. Unusual stress, anxiety, or guilt behaviors: They display signs of stress, anxiety, or guilt that are out of the ordinary.
42. Change car habits, like cleaning it frequently or having a new air freshener: They show new patterns in how they maintain their car, possibly to remove evidence or smells.
43. Increased concern about the whereabouts or activities of their partner: They become unusually curious or paranoid about your actions and who you’re with.
44. New credit cards or secret accounts: They open new financial accounts or get new credit cards without discussing it with you.
45. Unexplained items or belongings in their car or home: You find items that don’t belong to you or have no explanation.
46. Changing the subject when a particular person is mentioned: They steer the conversation away when specific individuals are brought up.
47. Lack of interest in resolving relationship issues: They must put more effort into addressing or resolving ongoing relationship problems.
48. More aggressive or unusual behavior in bed: They exhibit changes in sexual behavior, possibly influenced by external experiences.
49. Seems paranoid or anxious about being found out: They act nervously or paranoid as if they fear exposure to wrongdoing.
50. More arguments, fights, or mentions of dissatisfaction: There is an increase in arguments or expressions of unhappiness in the relationship.
51. Not wearing their wedding ring or an excuse for not wearing it: They remove it or make excuses for not wearing it, which could symbolize a disconnect.
52. Sudden disinterest in discussing future aspirations or plans: They need to gain interest in discussing the goals or plans you once shared.
53. Increased usage of alcohol or other substances: They might increase their consumption of alcohol or substances, possibly to cope or escape.
54. Emotionally volatile, with mood swings or unexplained emotional reactions: Their emotions are unpredictable or overly intense, indicating internal conflict or stress.
55. Less tolerant, more critical, or often finding faults: They become more critical of you or frequently point out flaws.
56. Keeps bringing up the concept of infidelity or cheating in conversations: They frequently mention cheating, possibly projecting their guilt or actions.
57. Often talks about problems in other people’s relationships: They focus on infidelity or issues in others’ relationships, possibly to deflect from their own.
58. Physical signs like lipstick on collars or unfamiliar scents: You notice physical evidence of someone else, like makeup or unfamiliar perfume.
59. Sexual preferences or desires suddenly change: Their sexual interests or desires shift in a way that’s new or unexplained.
60. Unaccounted-for periods, can’t explain what they were doing for hours: There are gaps in their timeline that they can’t or won’t explain.
61. Interest in movies, books, or media involving infidelity: They show a new fascination with stories of cheating or affairs.
62. Sudden urge to try new sexual positions or techniques: They want to experiment sexually in ways that are unexpected or out of the norm for your relationship.
63. Accusatory or blaming their partner for cheating or being unfaithful without cause: They accuse you of infidelity without evidence, possibly mirroring their actions.
64. Unusual marks or bruises that can’t be explained: They have physical signs of activity that they can’t or won’t explain, suggesting hidden encounters.
65. Starts accusing you of cheating without any basis: They project their guilt or deflect attention by accusing you of being unfaithful.
66. Excessive spending or withdrawal from joint accounts: They use funds extravagantly or withdraw large amounts of money, possibly for secret activities.
67. They frequently delete text messages or call history: They consistently clear their communication logs, likely to hide evidence of conversations.
68. Avoiding family or shared social events: They show little interest in attending events with family or friends, preferring to spend time elsewhere.
69. Receiving calls at odd hours: They get calls at unusual times, suggesting secretive communications.

Changes in Behavior and Routine

Noticing shifts in your partner's habits can be the first sign of cheating. Look out for changes in daily routines, unexplained absences, and secretive behavior as potential indicators of infidelity.

Changes in Communication Style

A change in how your partner communicates can be a red flag. Watch for decreased communication, avoidance of specific topics, or a sudden lack of interest in conversations as signs of possible cheating.

Changes in Intimacy and Affection

Alterations in the level of intimacy can be a sign of cheating. This can manifest as either an increase or decrease in affectionate behavior, a lack of sexual interest, or an unexpected increase in sexual demands.

Using Technology to Hide Infidelity

Technology has made it easier to hide cheating. Be alert to the use of secret messaging apps, hidden folders, or unusual phone security measures as potential signs of infidelity.

Conclusion

While not all changes mean your partner is cheating, being informed helps you address issues confidently. Communication is vital in resolving doubts and strengthening your relationship.