Did You Find a Fake Name in Your Partner’s Phone?
Cheating can be overt or subtle, but either way it crosses a line. You need to be aware of your partner's micro-cheating behaviors, like seeking emotional support elsewhere, and decide if they are something to be concerned about. To help you out, here are 20 micro-cheating behaviors that cross a line.
1. Making Flirty Comments Online
If your partner has a habit of making flirty comments online, even if it's just an emoji, they might have a romantic interest in another person. Either way, it's disrespectful and an easy way to break trust.
2. Hiding Conversations
Secretly messaging someone is deceitful, especially if they are deleting the texts. This is a form of micro-cheating that is likely to worsen over time. The first time they delete a text, they are crossing a line.
3. Using a Fake Contact Name
There is only one reason a person would disguise a contact in their phone with a fake name. They know that the connection is inappropriate.
4. Seeking Emotional Support From Another
If your partner is sharing their deepest feelings with someone else, they are fostering emotional intimacy with that person. This isn't to say they should only open up to you, but you should be the first person they go to with their problems and feelings.
5. Downplaying Your Relationship
If your partner doesn't tell their friends about you, or downplays the seriousness of your relationship, it is most likely to leave themselves available for other romantic opportunities. This is a behavior that crosses a line and requires a long talk about your relationship and where it's going.
6. Frequently Checking an Ex's Social Media
Looking at their exes' TikToks or Instagram stories is a way for them to stay connected to their past relationships. Liking their posts could be a means of letting their ex know that they are still keeping an eye on them. All of this undermines your relationship.
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7. Comparing You to Someone Else
A common micro-cheating behavior is when your partner compares you to other people. This could be an ex, a friend, or a colleague. Another example of this is if they are telling another person that they are more attractive or funnier than you.
8. Inside Jokes With Others
Everyone should have friends, and friendship comes with inside jokes. If your partner is doing this excessively or rubbing it in your face, then they are crossing a line. This is a behavior that you need to monitor.
9. Dressing to Impress Someone Else
Does your partner wear their nicest clothes only when they know they are going to see someone specific? If so, this is a micro-cheating behavior as they might be trying to impress that person.
10. Minimizing Time Spent with Another Person
If you catch your partner lying or downplaying how much time they spend with another person, there is probably a reason for it. Don't brush this behavior off because this is a clear signal that your partner might be experiencing closeness with another person.
11. Secretly Texting Late at Night
Phone or online conversations late at night can become intimate over time. If your partner is secretive about these conversations, then it is a major red flag and needs to be addressed.
12. Browsing Dating Apps
Some people keep their dating apps to make fun of people or for entertainment. This is a no-no. Your partner should not be browsing Tinder or Hinge for any reason.
13. Remembering Other People's Special Dates
Does your partner remember their colleague's birthday, but forgets your anniversary? This might be harmless, but it could also mean that they have their eye on that person. You should be aware of this without overreacting.
14. Having a Work Spouse
It's normal for people to become close to a colleague and label themselves as "work spouses". Sometimes it's playful, but other times it's a clear micro-cheating behavior that will eventually cross a line.
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15. Making Too Many Suggestive Jokes
Sometimes a joke is just a joke, but if your partner is making suggestive jokes frequently, there might be a nugget of truth to it. If they are making these jokes to one other person specifically, then this micro-cheating behavior grows far more harmful to your relationship.
16. Seeking Validation outside of the relationship
Seeking validation from someone other than your partner is a sign that something might be wrong with your relationship. This micro-cheating behavior might seem innocent, but seeking validation can evolve if you're not careful.
17. Sliding into Someone's DMs
Making a habit of sliding into someone's DMs is a behavior that will cause a relationship to experience distrust. We're not talking about DMing with friends. Rather, this is about messaging strangers online, which can only lead to trouble in your relationship.
Ruan Richard Rodrigues on Unsplash
18. Removing a Ring Before Going Out
Anyone who takes their engagement ring or wedding band off before leaving the home doesn't have the best intentions. They might use the excuse that the ring is uncomfortable or too tight, but there's a chance that they are partaking in a micro-cheating behavior that is unacceptable.
19. Being Too Touchy With a Friend
Touching isn't a micro-cheating behavior, but it's a red flag when a partner is overly touching one person. They might be subtly flirting with that person and sending some romantic signals. Keep an eye on this behavior to see if it crosses a line.
20. Secretly Saving Someone'sPhotos
There's no reason to be saving multiple photos of another person. If your partner is doing this secretly, then they are engaged in a micro-cheating behavior.
