Relationships can feel like a sanctum, a place where you can escape and take a breather from all the hardships of the day and life. However, not everyone is lucky enough to find that sanctum, and even those who think that they have found it can be shocked to find that their partner is unfaithful — shattering that safe space they thought they had. If you think that your sanctum is in jeopardy due to your partner being unfaithful, here are some signs to look out for.
“Cheating” is subjective
Before diving into the signs that your partner could be a cheater, keep in mind that all this depends on how you define cheating. Some people are comfortable allowing their partners to flirt to an extent, while others consider any kind of flirting as crossing a line. Some people consider cheating to be purely physical, while others think that there is an emotional element to it.
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A change in intimacy
While intimacy is not the sole important factor in a relationship, it is a significant one. Licensed psychologist Gregory Kushnick explained to Elite Daily that a gradual or sudden lack of interest in intimacy together with no effort to discuss the changes taking place can be an alarming sign that your partner is fulfilling their needs somewhere else.
Changes in schedule
If your partner’s schedule suddenly changes, with sudden late-night meetings at work or last-minute errands to run, especially late at night, bells should be ringing. There is a good chance that your partner may be lying to you and meeting someone else behind your back.
Minimal to no interactions on social media
Some people don’t connect with their partners on social media, and when they do, they make sure that their interactions are minimal. For instance, you can find yourself in a picture with your partner but it’s a group photo. The aim behind this is for the partner to seem available to others.
Leaving to make calls or text
If your partner partner goes out of their way to take calls and texts privately, this can be a significant red flag. However, if it is a single isolated incident, you can wait on your partner before expressing your suspicions.
Always picking fights
One of the ways a cheating partner to may sneak out to meet their lover is for them to pick fights with you and storm out. This action can also be due to some mixed feelings they feel about betraying you. The moral of the story is to trust your gut if something is wrong.
Always talking about ending the relationship in fights
Paying attention to your partner’s words and actions is extremely pivotal. If they keep questioning your relationship’s fate, especially during fights, they could be indirectly hinting at the end of things, or that they have another lover to rely on.
They have grown distant and moody
If your partner seems happy when they’re away from you but smothered or irritated when with you, this can be a warning sign. Some indicators of this include the lack of the phrase “I love you,” paying less attention to you and your family, and your interactions growing infrequent.
They get defensive when you ask questions
When in a healthy relationship, communication is key. There should be no problems with talking about the future or your plans and commitments. However, if your partner gets agitated by questions about their schedule or plans, this can be another warning sign.
How to address the situation
Experts believe that communication is key. Talking about your feelings and concerns to your partner is imperative. If their reaction is negative to it, this may raise alarms. Another thing that can help is counseling to help ease the tension.
Whether you want to end the relationship or not is totally subjective and up to you.
