4 Signs of Cheating: Your Guide to Spot Love Fraud

Signs of cheating are like an open book. Staring right at you to read, but surprisingly, you see blurred images and slam the book shut to face some other direction.

First thing to remember…

Trust, honesty, and open communication are the foundations of healthy relationships. 

So, what happens when these tenets fray and suspicions of infidelity surface?

I know, right?… The first signs of cheating can knock you like a sledgehammer. 

It is a painful process. 

For this reason, pull yourself together because you must make informed decisions about your relationship’s future.

This article looks at the subtle signs of infidelity lurking in the shadows of relationships that often manifest when it’s too late. 

It will guide you to navigate and identify the signs of cheating early, effectively helping you to maintain a healthy relationship

#1: Behavioral Changes Signs of Cheating

One of the first red flags of looming infidelity is a sudden shift in behavior. 

When your partner’s actions seem either out of character or exhibit unexplained mood swings, it’s time to pay attention. 

They are probably unaware of the changes themselves and snap back to reality as an afterthought.

Here’s a rundown of traits that can be an obvious giveaway.

Secretiveness and Evasion

If your partner suddenly becomes cagey about their phone, computer, or whereabouts, it’s time you start worrying and investigating. 

Do they evade direct questioning or provide evasive justifications for their actions? 

In short, increased secretiveness, especially when coupled with defensiveness, can be a significant warning sign.

Image credit/Freepik

Changes in Routine and Availability 

You’ve all along known your partner’s work schedule. All of a sudden, the schedule becomes erratic, and they frequently cancel plans with you at the last minute. 

They are unavailable during times when they were previously free. 

Evidently, they are somewhere else. Significant alterations in routine, particularly those that make them less accessible, can be cause for concern.

Neglect and Disengagement

Has your partner become emotionally distant or withdrawn? 

Do they seem less interested in intimacy or quality time together? In other words, you notice a change in their sexual activity. What used to be regular sex (maybe twice a week) becomes rare (probably once a month).

A noticeable decline in affection and attentiveness is a clear red flag that things are going south.

Suspicious Financial Activity

Financial propriety and openness of the same is a major cornerstone of a relationship’s foundation.

Is your partner secretive about their financial transactions?

Abnormal credit card transactions and irregular cash withdrawals can be signs of attempts to provide financial assistance to someone outside of the relationship. 

Pay close attention to any mysterious financial imbalances, particularly if they are combined with other warning signs.

 #2. Emotional Signs of Cheating

Unexplained Mood Swings

There are times when your partner may exhibit sudden and dramatic shifts in mood, from uncharacteristic elation to inexplicable sadness or anger.

On one hand, the elation might come from remembering something nice they did with the clandestine partner. On the other hand, if they fight or disagree, they’ll extend this resentment to their home.

These mood swings may be a sign of infidelity-related remorse or disagreements within.

Loss of Interest in Shared Activities

When couples start together, they do so based on having common interests.

If your partner no longer seems interested in hobbies or activities you used to enjoy together, it certainly sends antennas shooting up. 

Have their talks shifted from relationship-related issues to less serious ones?

By and large, a decline in passion and common interests indicates a sense of separation or disconnection

Further, it could be a sign that this attention is diverted somewhere else.

Increased Possessiveness or Jealousy

A clear sign of cheating is when your partner suddenly becomes extremely possessive or suspicious about your relationships with other people

Here’s the interesting part…

They may soon accuse you of infidelity without cause. 

However, this projection of their guilt is a manipulative tactic to deflect suspicion.

Changes in Communication Patterns

In any relationship, communication is essential. An abrupt change in communication patterns, like either a sudden loss of openness or a spike in secrecy, could be a sign of trouble.

Does your partner seem less communicative or engaged in conversations? Do they avoid eye contact or give short, clipped responses? 

These noticeable changes in communication style, especially if they occur in conjunction with other red flags, can be a sign of something being amiss.

#3. Digital-Age Signs of Cheating  

The digital age has brought new dimensions to relationships. Paying attention to your partner’s social media presence can reveal unexpected clues about their fidelity.

Suspicious Phone Activity

Is your partner the type that guards their phone like a lifeline, taking it everywhere -even the washroom- and refusing to let you near it? 

If they do the following things, they could be hiding evidence:

• Frequently delete text messages  
• Delete call logs
• Receive calls out of earshot
• Keep the phone on flight mode
• Constantly switch off the phone while in the house

 The secrecy surrounding phone usage is, undeniably, a major red flag.

Increased Social Media Activity 

Social media platforms that offer instant messaging have become popular with people, particularly lovebirds. 

They offer a chance to exchange not only text but multi-media messages as well.

If you answer yes to these questions, chances are they are signs of cheating:

• Does your partner suddenly spend an inordinate amount of time on social media, particularly on platforms not usually frequented? 
• Are they interacting with new people or engaging in secretive online conversations?
• Do they unconsciously giggle when reading and answering texts?

These significant changes in their social media activity, particularly if they coincide with changes in their offline behavior, are sure signs of cheating.

Unexplained Location Data

Picture this…

You check your partner’s phone location history, and it reveals visits to unfamiliar places. When you ask about it, they start acting erratic and are unable to give a plausible answer.

While location data alone cannot be definitive proof, inconsistencies will raise questions that warrant further investigation.

And the more unexplained data locations there are, the more suspicions build up.

Suspicious App Downloads or Usage

Another giveaway is when your partner installs new dating apps or other communication tools you’re unfamiliar with. 

If they spend unusual amounts of time on such apps, even when in your presence, it becomes a cause for alarm. 

Because of the foregoing, monitoring your partner’s phone or computer activities is healthy, as it can reveal secretive behavior that might otherwise go unnoticed.

#4. Other Signs of Cheating Giveaways

• Gut feelings and intuition: There are moments when your gut tells you more than you can communicate. Your intuition can be a valuable tool for spotting deceit. So, follow your instincts.
• Viewpoint of friends: Your close friends are likely to pick up on changes that you might miss. Asking for their advice can yield insightful information.
• Past Patterns of Infidelity: Analyzing the relationship’s history of infidelity might highlight recurrent themes that require your attention.

Things to Remember When Confronting Signs of Cheating

• Context is Essential: Not every isolated incident necessarily points to infidelity. Consider the bigger picture, the frequency of these behaviors, and whether they represent a significant change from your partner’s usual patterns.
• Communication is Key: When you get suspicious, open and honest communication with your partner is essential. Express your worries directly, emphasizing your desire for understanding and resolution.
• Seek support: Signs of cheating will drain you emotionally. Seek support from friends and professional guidance from a therapist or counselor specializing in relationship issues.

These steps will be pivotal in resolving doubts and rebuilding trust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recognizing the signs of cheating is about trusting your gut and is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. 

As shown above, open dialogue, trust, and proactive communication are essential tools for navigating the complex landscape of human connections.

In case your suspicions are confirmed, remember that healing and moving forward are possible. 

As you move through this challenging chapter, prioritize your health first, and make decisions that are consistent with your values. At the same time, surround yourself with individuals who will support you.

Do you have any further insights into signs of cheating? Share them in the comments section

James Nduati Charagu

James is a published author, blogger, and content writer.

He writes about relationships, marriage, and self-improvement to bring out the best in you.

When not writing, he enjoys having a bourbon and coke, playing with his cat, and traveling the world to discover new places.