Home Advice & How-ToGuides 7 Signs of Infidelity: How to Catch a Cheater
Home Advice & How-ToGuides 7 Signs of Infidelity: How to Catch a Cheater

7 Signs of Infidelity: How to Catch a Cheater

by Spokeo

Infidelity remains a painful fact of life for millions of men and women every day. No matter who’s doing it or when, the outward signs of unfaithful behavior are the same, and knowing when to spot signs of cheating could help you take control of a toxic situation and save you months (or years) of emotional torture. Read on to learn what you should be aware of in order to catch a cheater.

Think Your Partner is Cheating? Look for These 7 Signs Of An Affair

First off – regardless of the outcome of your investigation, don’t feel bad about being suspicious. You’re asking the question “is my partner cheating?” for a good reason – something has changed in them or your relationship and it’s making your spidey sense tingle. Now is the time to trust your instincts because it’s up to you to become your own personal investigator. Here are 7 of the most common signs of infidelity and adultery to look for when trying to catch a cheater:

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1. They’re acting distant.

This is one of the most common indicators that your partner is cheating. Perhaps your boyfriend/girlfriend seems to be emotionally “pulling away,” or they act quiet or even disinterested around you. They don’t greet you with the same excitement that they used to and don’t seem sad to see you go when you leave.

2. They’re spending more time away.

Cheaters need time and space to develop another relationship, and this can be accomplished by telling you they’re “working late” or out with friends. Try grilling them on what exactly they’re working on or who they’re meeting and see how they respond. If they snap at you or give contradictory stories, you’re likely on to something.

3. They withhold physical intimacy.

If you’re having trouble getting much more than a side-hug or a kiss on the cheek, or you’ve noticed your sex life has taken a dive into the void, this is almost always a clear sign that there is something wrong and your partner may be cheating.

4. They’re spending more time on their appearance.

It’s not unusual for unfaithful partners to completely alter their appearance in hopes of impressing their new flame. Coming home with frosted tips, facial hair and a new flashy outfit is a dead giveaway. Simply looking at the shopping receipts they leave out may help you catch a cheater, especially if you realize they haven’t modeled any of their new digs for you.

5. They’re spending more time on their phone.

One of the most obvious signs of an affair. Cheaters conduct their business in secret. If you notice your partner quickly hiding their cell phone when you enter the room or shielding the screen from you, you could have a problem.

If you’ve seen a strange number on their phone, or generally worry they may be texting a secret flame, you can search unknown phone numbers using a people search engine to get the name, location, and more.

6. They are suddenly interested in your schedule

“Hey, what time are you gonna be home tonight?”

“What time do you get off work?”

“What are your weekend plans?”

Cheaters want to know where you’re gonna be so they can plan their escapades around you without getting caught. This trend will be especially glaring if they are failing to show interest in anything else about you.

7. They’re criticizing you more

If you’ve noticed your partner being extra critical about you, that may be a sign that they’re trying to cut ties and just get on with an affair. What’s actually happening is that they are trying to push you away by inventing problems that aren’t there. It’s tough but you need to try to not take it personally, however harsh it may be.

Is My Partner Cheating? Some Insightful Facts And Statistics

Cheaters come in all genders, ages, shapes, and sizes. As for who cheats more, some data does seem to confirm the popular notion that men do in fact cheat more often, but it really depends on who you ask. According to the Institute for Family Studies, for example, about 20% of married men have admitted that they have cheated at least once. Only 13% of married women in marriage have admitted the same.

Another study from the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, however, suggests in fact that women are now cheating just as much as men. Along those same lines, the National Opinion Research Center found the number of married women who have reported cheating on their husband has risen 40% since 1990 (wives still cheat less often than their spouses, however).

Whatever the reason for these changes in the “demographics of cheating”, the modus operandi of the cheater always remains the same, regardless of whether the cheater is a or a man or woman, a husband or a wife.

Taking the Next Step

Discovering the sordid truth about infidelity can be one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. Thankfully, there’s always a way to get your life back on track.

One of the most important things to remember is this: it’s not your fault. They’ve failed you, and not the other way around. The relationship may be over and while it may feel like it’s the end of the world, it doesn’t mean that you will never be happy with someone again. Life is short – you deserve only the best, and taking control and empowering yourself with the truth is the first step to finding the type of relationship you deserve. Do your best to move on and get back to living your best life.  

You’ve got this.