30 Signs Your S.O. Might Be Cheating on You
When we first start dating someone, the last thing on our minds is that they'd ever be unfaithful.
However, as time goes on and you get to know the person on a deeper level, you might learn questionable things about them. If their behavior seems sketchy in any way, your instincts are trying to tell you something. Whether they're cheating or not is up in the air, but if you truly think they're not being faithful, there are plenty of things to look out for.
Keep reading for 30 signs your S.O. might be cheating on you:
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1. They Pick Fights Over the Small Stuff
If your partner picks fights with you over super mundane issues, it's something to keep an eye on. If this is new behavior, you need to ask yourself why they're acting out. Do they get annoyed when you don't put the dishes away? When you change the radio station? Look at what they're getting mad at and try to reason why they're doing so.
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2. They Take a Lot of Selfies
Taking selfies is not a bad thing—in fact, a lot of times it's fun! However, if your partner never took selfies before and now takes them all the time, it could mean something more. Ask them what they're doing with the selfies they've been taking. Are they posting them on social media? Sending them to someone? If you never receive these selfies, chances are, someone else is.
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3. They Put a New Password on Their Phone
A lot of couples are super open with their phones—some even know the passwords to their significant other's devices. If your partner recently added a passcode to their phone or changed it, ask yourself why they would do that. Are they hiding something from you? Do they not want you to see something on there? Consider asking them about the recent change.
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4. They Don't Want You to Go Through Pictures on Their Phone
We're willing to bet you and your S.O. take tons of photos together. Sometimes, that means going through their phone so you can send some to yourself. However, if your partner doesn't like you going through their photos, it could mean something sketchy is happening. Maybe they don't want you to see a text pop through, or perhaps there are pictures they don't want you to see.
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5. They Haven't Posted You on Social Media in a While
Some people are just bad at social media and don't post for months on end. Many of us have to remind our partners to show us off. However, if it's become a problem and your S.O. hasn't posted you on social media in a very long time, something might be up. Ask them why they haven't posted you. Is it because they simply don't use it that often, or do they not want people to know they're off the market?
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6. Their Schedule Changes Last-Minute
Something we all have to deal with are schedule changes. Whether our work shifts change or we get a new class schedule, certain things are unavoidable. However, if your partner keeps having last minute changes, it may mean something more serious is going on. If they have to constantly reschedule date nights or dinners with your family last minute, figure out why there have been so many sudden changes.
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Also read about: 5 Reasons You Should Be Thankful for Your Ex, Even If You Hate Them
7. They Act On-Edge
If your partner has been acting extra angsty lately, something might be going on behind closed doors. When someone's cheating on their loved one, they're typically worried they'll find out, meaning they're going to act extra cautious and even jumpy. If they shut their laptops when you walk in the room or secretly text while you're out of sight, it's definitely something you need to keep a close eye on.
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8. They Started Working Out With No Explanation
Getting in shape is an amazing thing—lots of couples decide to do it together! However, if your partner decides to start working out with no explanation or invite, it might mean something fishy is going on. You need to ask yourself why they're doing this. Is it so they get more fit? Are they trying to lose weight? If they haven't discussed their goals with you, it might be time to have a talk with them.
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9. They Got a Bunch of New Clothes
Everyone loves getting a new wardrobe, it's a nice way to start out fresh. But, if your partner has suddenly changed up their style or even started dressing nicer, it may mean they have a new someone in their life. Do they dress up around you, or is it only when they're heading out to meet up with friends or other people? Figure out why they've decided to add a bunch of new clothes to their closet.
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10. They Got a New Cologne or Perfume
Changing up your scent isn't a bad thing—we encourage it! However, if your partner's had a signature fragrance for quite some time, and they decide to change it suddenly without any explanation, it might mean something's up. Consider bringing up their new cologne or perfume and ask how they found out about it or why they bought it. Their answer might surprise you.
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11. They Don't Answer Your Texts or Calls for Long Periods of Time
In this day and age, most of us have our phones handy at all times. To be honest, the only times we aren't checking them is when we're working or sleeping. So, if your partner has consistently not been answering your text messages or phone calls, it might mean they're busy doing something else. Call them out on it next time and ask why they didn't answer you in a timely manner.
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12. They Don't Act Intimate
A huge part of relationships is physical intimacy. Whether it's cuddling, holding hands, kissing or more, they're all pieces that build your relationship and make it stronger. However, if your S.O. hasn't been initiating intimacy or responding to your acts, something else might be going on. If they don't need intimacy from you, they might be getting it from someone else.
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13. They're Not Emotionally Present
Not only is the physical aspect of a relationship important, but so it the emotional aspect. If your partner hasn't been emotionally present with you lately, it might mean their head and mind is somewhere else. If they're occupied with other things on their mind that isn't you, what could it be? Ask them what they're thinking about, the next time they act distant.
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14. They're Insecure
When someone is being unfaithful, a lot of times they'll project onto their partner. This is a huge insecurity for them. They probably think that since they're cheating, why wouldn't you be? If they've been accusing you of things that simply aren't true or have no warrant for questioning, you need to figure out what's really going on. Have a candid discussion with your partner.
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Also read about: 20 Empowering Instagram Captions for Your Post-Breakup Pics
15. They Want to Know Where You Are at All Times
Just because you're in a relationship, it doesn't mean you have to be in contact with your partner 24/7. There are certain boundaries that are important to respect, and if they actually trust you, they won't even question it. If they absolutely need to know where you are at all times, it's definitely odd behavior you should keep an eye on. Do they need to know so that they know when they have time to go behind your back?
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16. They Don't Tell You Where They Are All Day
Just as you don't need to tell your partner where you are all day, your partner shouldn't have to, either. However, when you're in a relationship, it's common to tell each other what you're doing—at least the mentionable stuff. But, if they won't give you any details about their days, you should definitely be on high alert. Why wouldn't they tell you where they were or what they were doing?
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17. They Accuse You of Cheating
Projection is huge with cheaters. They become so entangled in their behavior, that they convince themselves you're also cheating. If your partner accuses you of cheating for any number of reasons that simply aren't valid, it might be a sign that they're the one being unfaithful. Don't allow them to speak down to you—instead, speak up for yourself and get down to the issue at hand.
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18. They're Overly Critical of You
If your partner has started criticizing every little thing you do, there might be something deeper going on beneath the surface. Whether it's them saying you folded the clothes wrong, didn't use your blinker or annoyed them in some way, ask yourself what's really going on. Have they always been like this, or is it a recent behavior? Figure out when this started happening and confront the situation.
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19. They've Cheated in a Past Relationship
You know the saying, "Once a cheater, always a cheater?" Well, while that certainly is not always true, but it's true in some cases. If you're aware that your partner has cheated in the past, or perhaps you were the one they cheated with, don't be surprised if they repeat the pattern. Some people get caught up in their ways and don't know how to change, so figure out if they're one of those people.
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20. They Don't Spend as Much Time Hanging Out With You
If you've noticed you aren't spending as much time simply hanging out with your partner, it means their time is being spent doing something else. Whether it's being spent with another person is up in the air, so it's up to you to figure out what they're doing with their extra time. Also ask yourself why you don't see each other as often. Did you have a schedule change, or are they simply avoiding you?
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21. Their Friends Have Started Avoiding You
When someone is being unfaithful, a lot of the times their close group of friends know about it. So, if you've noticed that your partner's friends have been avoiding you recently, something might be up. They probably feel obligated to protect their friend's secrets, so you likely won't get any information out of them. Be sure to keep a close eye on the situation.
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22. They Don't Confide In You Anymore
Being in a relationship has lots of advantages, like having a shoulder to lean on. Your partner should be the first person you go to with good news and for advice. But, if you've realized your S.O. hasn't been doing that as much lately, it might mean they're confiding in someone else. Ask them what's been on their mind, if they want to talk about anything or even why they haven't been discussing their feelings.
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Also read about: Questions Everyone Has When They Get Into a Relationship
23. They Want You to Hang Out With Your Friends More Often
It's important to have a group of friends while you're in a relationship. One mistake a lot of people make is halting contact with friends once they get into a relationship, so be sure to spend time with them. If your partner has recently brought up that you should hang out with them more without any explanation, something might be up. Do you already see them often? Is your partner just trying to get rid of you?
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24. They Hang Out With Their Ex
Most of us aren't secure enough to be cool with our partners hanging out with their ex. So don't worry about freaking out over it—because it is weird. If your partner says they're just friends or they're going through something, sure, it might ring true. However, since they're dating you, your feelings should come first. By making you uncomfortable, it shows they don't really care about your feelings.
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25. They Have a New Hobby
As we get older and evolve in life, we learn new things and have new experiences. Gaining new hobbies is normal, but if your partner doesn't invite you to whatever that hobby may be, or discuss it with you, something deeper might be going on. They might be enjoying this newfound activity with someone else, or, they could be lying about their new "hobby" so they can be with the other person.
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26. They're Constantly Grooming Themselves
Paying attention to our health and grooming is important, especially when you're in a relationship. Most of us like getting dressed up for our partners, however, if you've noticed your S.O. has been grooming way more often and even for times they're not hanging out with you, you need to consider what's really going on. Are they trying to look good for someone else, or is it a simple misunderstanding?
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27. They've Been Spending More Money
When couples first get into a relationship, more money is likely being spent. You go out on more dates and like to impress each other, so it totally makes sense. Over time, however, that fades and you become more vigilant with your funds. If you've noticed your partner has been spending way more money than usual, you might want to find out where it's been going.
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28. They Cancel Plans Last-Minute
Changing plans is one thing, but if your partner flat-out cancels plans with you often, not only is it rude, but it's suspicious. If they act excited for a dinner the two of you have planned or a date you're going on, but cancel it at the last moment possible, what could be the reasoning? Perhaps the person they're seeing has a tight schedule, and they can only see them at specific times, leaving you in the dust.
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29. They Say They're Unhappy
If your partner has flat-out told you they're unhappy, dig deep. Are they unhappy with life in general, or with their relationship with you? Whatever the case may be, find out why exactly they're unhappy and try to make a change. By having a candid conversation with your S.O., hopefully you'll be able to get down to the bottom of it and figure out what's going on.
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30. Your Gut Instinct Is That They're Cheating On You
If you have a sinking feeling in the pit of your gut that your partner is cheating on you, trust that instinct. Make sure to ask your partner flat out if they're cheating on you, and provide them with examples as to why you think so. If they turn the blame on you, they're likely projecting. But, if they're taken aback and super confused by your accusation, you might have been wrong from the start.
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