Now that we’re starting to return to the office, business as usual often means spending more time with our colleagues than our own families. For some of us, that’s a catalyst for a tryst. Believe it or not, 36% of us have had an affair with a coworker. That’s not always a bad thing, given that one third of office romances end in marriage. But if it’s your own partner embarking on a flourishing office romance, it’s not something to celebrate. Here are the most common signs that your loved one might be cheating with a co-worker.
1. Changes in Schedule
You used to be able to tell the time by your partner’s schedule alone. They left on the dot and came home on cue. But now they’re leaving earlier, working longer evenings, and even going into the office on the weekend. There are two possible scenarios to consider: either your partner is about to receive a big promotion for all their hard work or you’re about to receive an unpleasant surprise. Most of us are creatures of habit, and when we’ve picked up a bad one, our schedule often gives us away first.
2. On the Road or Playing Away?
Even without an office romance in place, business trips are fertile ground for some unauthorized hooking up. Again, the statistics are grim. Some 35% of workers admit to a business-trip dalliance. If your partner is suddenly a regular feature of the speaker circuit or hooked on trade shows, you might want to check who else is on the team. Either they’re enjoying some illicit brainstorming back in their hotel room or they’re using work events as a cover. A quick reverse phone lookup could confirm if they’re really calling from their hotel or city.
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3. Changes in Appearance or Habits
If your partner suddenly revamps their office clothing or signs up for the gym, in most cases we’d join you in celebrating their attempt to stay in peak shape and looking sharp. Apart from that one niggling doubt, that is. Sadly, a new suit, haircut and gym bag can be a telltale sign of an affair gathering momentum. Ask yourself why they’re suddenly so concerned about their appearance. If it’s part of a pattern, relax. If it’s out of the blue, they could be cheating.
4. Mobile-Phone Secrecy
If your partner is suddenly in love with their phone, it could be a sign that there’s a Fatal Attraction scenario building elsewhere. Bear in mind, however, that not all of us abandon boundaries once we’re married or in a relationship, so don’t jump to conclusions just because your partner’s phone has a password or they go into another room to take a call. If they’re whispering to someone at 3 a.m. or smiling every time they see a message, however, it’s probably not Jake from State Farm.
5. Not Inviting You To Work Events
While most of us could possibly live without the invitations to our partner’s office party or summer cookout, if you’re suddenly left out altogether, it might be for a reason. And not a good one. Does your partner freeze up when you ask about work? Are they going to work functions alone? These should raise flags. If you do manage to swing an invite and notice that there’s awkwardness when you’re around their colleagues, it’s a sign that you’re onto something.
What You Can Do and What You Shouldn’t Do
As much as you may feel hurt and betrayed, remember that your partner has a right to a professional as well as personal life. So don’t go bursting through security to surprise them in the middle of a meeting, or share any kind of allegations with their colleagues until you have proof. Even if you have caught them with their pants down, so to speak, it’s a personal matter to take up with a lawyer rather than their line manager.
Let’s remember that 64% of us have not had an affair with a co-worker and manage to navigate the office environment every day without succumbing to lust or love. So the odds are that your suspicions could be a case of misreading the signs. That’s why it’s even more important to have solid evidence before confronting your partner. Find out how Spokeo can help put your mind at ease — or keep you in the loop.
Sources
- MSN – 6 signs your partner is cheating at work with a colleague
- Business Insider – Rules of Dating a Coworker