Being cheated on is one of the most crushing things someone can experience. However, if you are being played, it’s much better to find out sooner rather than later. As such, it’s crucial to be aware of signs that your partner may be unfaithful.
A cheating partner can leave you susceptible to a variety of harm, including your physical wellness, mental health, and financial stability. While it can be difficult to confront the possibility of infidelity, any concerns you may have must be addressed in order to maintain the trust and integrity of your relationship, and your own sanity.
Your instincts will rarely deceive so, so It’s important to pay attention to your gut feelings. If you have a suspicion that something is off, it’s always better to talk with your partner about it. Having an open and honest conversation about your concerns will either put you at ease, or help you in understanding if your concerns are legitimate. Letting your concerns fester can potentially damage your mindset and your relationship.
Red Flag Behaviors
One of the most obvious signs of cheating is a change in behavior. If your partner suddenly becomes more distant or less communicative, this may be a sign that they are hiding something. Additionally, if your partner starts to become more secretive about their whereabouts or who they are talking to, this could also be a red flag.
Another sign of possible infidelity is a sudden change in appearance. If your partner starts to take more care with their appearance, such as wearing new clothes or putting in more effort with their grooming, this could be a sign that they are trying to impress someone else. Look for patterns here to see what, or who, she’s getting dolled up for.
Similarly, if your partner starts to lose interest in sex with you, it could be a sign that they are getting their needs met elsewhere. Once you’re with her long enough, you’ll start to understand her patterns and rhythms. A drastic reduction is sexual desire is definitely cause for concern.
Cheating Is Not Just Physical
Remember that infidelity is not always physical; it can also be emotional. If your partner starts to confide in someone else more than you, or if they start to share intimate details with someone else, that could be a sign of emotional infidelity. Women tend to be more emotional than men, so if she’s opening up to another guy instead of you, she’s essentially laying the groundwork for a new relationship. Don’t fall for the excuse of him being “just a friend”, either.
Men are more likely to be sexually attracted to opposite-sex friends, according to research. In a 2012 study Bleske-Rechek and her colleagues asked 88 pairs of opposite-sex college-age friends about their friendship. They also sent questionnaires probing the pros and cons of opposite-sex friendships to 107 people between the ages of 18 and 23 and to 322 adults aged 27 to 55. In general, the men reported feeling slightly more attracted to their female friends than vice versa. Sadly, we just don’t hang out with many women we don’t want to sleep with.
On top of this, a prior study done in 2000 by psychologist Walid Afifi of Pennsylvania State University surveyed 315 college students and found that approximately half had engaged in sexual activity with an otherwise platonic friend. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire… and you should tolerate neither.
Don’t Jump to Conclusions
Keep in mind that just because your partner is showing some of the signs mentioned above, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are unfaithful. People will enhance their looks due to New Year’s resolutions, mid-life crises, or competition with other females. Women may withhold sex for a variety of reasons, too.
However, if you’re feeling unsure or uncomfortable, it’s always a good idea to talk to her and address your concerns in a respectful manner. Ask direct questions and observe her responses. It’s not just consistency and truth in her responses you are looking for; it’s also how she responds. Is she showing signs of lying, or does she seem to be telling the truth? Is she open to working towards making you feel more comfortable, or is she outright defensive?
Trust and communication are key to any healthy relationship. Both people should mutually want their partner to feel they can openly communicate about anything in a respectful manner. Without that, you have nothing.
-Your Big Bro
