Four signs your partner is about to cheat
Cheating on our loved ones is something we’ve all thought about one or twice, but, for the most part, never acted upon.
Infidelity is yet again on the rise, April Davis, a renowned relationship counsellor and founder of LUMA Luxury Matchmaking, says. But there are tell-tale signs that your partner might be thinking about cheating. Recognizing and understanding these signs is necessary for couples to proactively address concerns and work towards strengthening their relationship.
Here are four clear signs that your partner might just be thinking about committing this cardinal sin.
1) They are defensive about privacy
Your partner’s attitude towards their privacy usually begins playfully. But if they become increasingly serious about their secretiveness, especially about their phone, computer, or social media activity, this may indicate they are harbouring thoughts of infidelity.
While we’re not talking about committing a direct breach of someone’s privacy, if your partner won’t let you see anything on their phone or just hates the thought of you going through it, 9 times out of 10 it’s usually nothing. But visible distress and aggression towards that is a big red flag, especially if you let them go through your devices.
2) They are avoiding the big conversations
We’ve all been there before. You’re in love and want to take it to the next level but you have to gauge how your partner feels first, of course. Pending you’ve spent enough time together and have the feeling this could lead to something more, it’s time to have the big talk.
But is your partner avoiding these discussions? Do they seem put off by long-term commitment? These are sometimes signs that they’re contemplating other options, even if they haven’t pursued them yet.
Open communication is important. If you feel like you’ve invested enough time and effort into a relationship, you’re more than welcome to open up a deep meaningful chat with your partner about it. But noticing a change in your partner’s emotions when it comes to this is a telling sign that they aren’t as ready as you are and are potentially thinking about other options.
3) You notice sudden changes in their routine
Given that you and your partner have a healthy amount of space between you, an unexpected routine change can be a cause for concern. Trust your instincts and pay attention to any significant deviations from your partner’s normal behaviour.
If your partner suddenly alters their work schedule, starts spending more time away from home, or develops an unusual urgency to be alone, it might indicate a shift in their priorities. New hobbies or interests that exclude you, or changes in gym or workout routines without explanation, could also be red flags.
While personal growth and change are natural, drastic shifts in routine that create distance in the relationship are worth discussing. If your partner’s new schedule or interests consistently leave you feeling left out, it’s time for an honest conversation about your concerns and expectations.
4) The spark is dwindling
Some couples can experience an extended honeymoon period, which could go on from months to a year, but ending with disastrous consequences. A sudden loss of common interests, more heated arguments, or losing those ‘butterflies’ in your stomach that you once had can be big indicators of such. And don’t think your partner isn’t at that point either.
This is where communication is most important, if your partner seems less enthusiastic about spending time with you, it may suggest they are feeling disconnected or considering exploring other relationships. So if you notice a significant change in yours and your partner’s feelings toward each other but still want it to make things work, it’s time to address it openly and honestly – and try to get that spark back.
What should you do if you suspect you partner is about to cheat?
If you suspect your partner is thinking about cheating, don’t hit the panic button just yet. While certain behaviours may raise red flags, they’re not a smoking gun, and could indicate deeper emotional struggles to explore with your partner. Try to address concerns calmly and constructively. Approach issues with open-ended, ‘I’ questions like, ‘I’ve noticed more distance between us than usual – what’s going on?’
Creating a safe space for dialogue is key to getting to the heart of the issue. If your partner’s working late, sitting at home in the dark waiting for your partner whilst you’re halfway through a bottle of liquor is a big no-no. If they won’t let you check their phone for whatever reason, just let it go.
And if you and your partner are dealing with these concerns, communication, trust, and even professional counselling can help navigate the rough waters. It’s all about working through those uncomfortable moments before they turn into bigger problems.
LUMA Luxury Matchmaking is a high-end matchmaking service that caters to professionals, executives, and millionaires who are serious about finding a long-term partner.
The firm’s experienced matchmakers, many of whom are also life coaches, use their expertise to carefully match clients based on their personality and lifestyle, aiming to create meaningful and lasting relationships.