Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and while for many it is a day of celebration, love, and commitment, such a big focus on relationships can sometimes cause tension. Whilst conversations could be starting to heat up, it might not always be for the right reasons.
New Google trends data has revealed that searches for “how to tell if your partner is cheating” have increased this month. This is potentially a sign that people have their suspicions about their wife, husband, girlfriend or boyfriend ahead of the big day.
So, if your suspicions are rising, below we have listed five tell-tale signs your partner is cheating on you. However, always remember that the most important element of a relationship is open and honest communication so sit down with your partner and explain why you are concerned and talk it through.
Numerous changes in behaviour
Body language expert Darren Stan says: “Generally in a relationship you develop a connection over time and it’s almost telepathic so the slightest change, the slightest deviation from the norm is noticeable.”
Stan explained the first sign is changes in behaviour, describing it as the “the number one red flag”. But he urged partners to understand that “one or two changes in behaviour are not really significant”.
Rather, a sweeping shift in behaviour is the biggest sign, so you should be looking for “six or seven consistent changes to their normal actions.”
The way they use their phone
The second sign to look for is how your partner is on their phone. Stan explains: “Phones are such a big part of our lives and a reluctance to leave your mobile phone out unattended or allowing your partner to look at your phone is a red flag.”
If it is unlike your partner to place their phone face down on the table and they begin to do is, it could be to hide anything they don’t want somebody else seeing.
Social media activity
Similarly, if their activity on social media changes, whether that means less posting or deleting photos and videos, it could mean they’re hiding something either from you or someone else.
“Changes on social media can be significant, if they are someone who usually posts everything on Instagram and they suddenly stop, it could be because they want to become invisible and draw less attention. They want to seem out of the loop to reduce their chance of being caught out,” Stan says.
Cancelling plans
Another sign is if your partner begins to cancel plans. This is because, as Stan explains, if they are cheating they are “living two lives”.
So, similarly to the first red flag, if they begin to adjust your normal routine as a couple, or show reluctance towards activities such as date night and family events, that could be a sign of infidelity.
Personal
Finally, for some individuals in a sudden shift into taking care of their appearance could mean they’re trying to impress someone new in their lives. Stan says: “If someone is suddenly buying clothes and making a lot more effort in their appearance, it can be a red flag.”
Of course, it’s important to say that if you’re partner’s behaviour begins to change, it does not necessarily mean they are cheating. So being able to have an open and honest conversation is always the most important step in working on a relationship.