The only true way to know your spouse is cheating is by asking them or catching them. However, without this confirmation, that doesn’t mean you don’t have your suspicions.
As heartbreaking as it can be to learn that the love of your life is seeing someone else, knowing can mean you can move forward and focus on healing. If you believe your spouse is cheating but don’t yet have proof, here are some of the most common ways to tell that they might be so that you can discuss your concerns with them.
They’re Secretive With Electronic Devices
You might already know what cheating says about a person, but you might not know what to look for in your spouse when you suspect infidelity. Being secretive with devices is one of the most obvious signs.
They might always keep their phone on them, never leave it unattended, or suddenly have password protection when it never bothered them before.
You might even notice that they’re clearing their browser history and deleting texts when this wasn’t their usual pattern or using more privacy tools than they used to. Secretive device use doesn’t always indicate an affair, but it might be a sign that they’re hiding something.
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Their Schedule Changes
Every couple gets into a set routine with their schedule. You tend to expect your spouse home at a particular time, or you know their activities once they’ve finished work. If you notice that their schedule has changed dramatically, or they’ve now got an entirely new set of excuses for being late, take note.
Plans can change for innocent reasons, but that’s not always the case. They might be taking more business trips when they never used to take them at all. They might also have several excuses for constantly being late and unreachable, such as a flat tire, a flat phone, or a traffic jam. Independently, these excuses are passable, but they can raise your suspicions when used frequently.
They’re Physically and Emotionally Distant
The passion for a new relationship fades over time, but emotional and physical intimacy remains. Pay attention if you’ve noticed that your spouse no longer seems as bonded to you, intimate, or willing to share everything about their lives. They might be going through a rough patch within themselves, but they might also be reserving their attention for someone else.
Sex Is Different or Less Frequent
Studies have shown that the average cohabiting or married couple had sex three times per month. Your number might look different, but it might also be consistent. Take notice if your spouse is no longer as willing to engage in sex or whether how they do looks and feels different.
It’s important to note that a change in frequency and type doesn’t immediately indicate your spouse is cheating. They might simply be trying to spice things up or have other reasons why they’re not showing any interest. However, if you combine this sign with others, you might have a reason to be concerned.
Asking your spouse is the best way to find out if they’re cheating, and some people have even had their suspicions confirmed by seeing it with their own eyes. However, some of these signs above might indicate that your spouse hasn’t been faithful.