By Obiesie Ifechi 

Infidelity can be a devastating blow to any relationship, leaving emotional scars and trust issues in its wake. While no one wants to suspect their partner of cheating, ignoring the signs can lead to further heartache and damage. Being aware of the potential indicators of infidelity can help you address issues early on and potentially save your relationship.

 Here are 10 common signs that may indicate your partner is cheating:

1. Changes in Communication: If you and your partner communicate with each other very well and they suddenly become secretive or distant, avoiding conversations, or being overly defensive, it may be something to be worried about. However, these changes must be significant and out of the norm for them. 

2. Unexplained Absences and Lack of availability: If they have frequent “business trips, “workouts,” or “errands” without clear explanations; it’s something to be bothered about.  Your significant other might not be as available to you as they previously were, be always busy, or be unable to answer the phone. For example, a partner who used to make a point of calling during their break or on their way to work can suddenly stop doing so and give no apparent reason. They might also come up with reasons not to go on dates, attend social gatherings, or attend family events.

3. Suspicious Behavior: If your partner starts hiding his or her phone activity, deleting messages, or using secret apps. A disloyal spouse frequently shows excessive protectiveness towards their phones, tablets, or other electronic gadgets. For example, they might hold their phone at an angle so you can’t see who they are talking to, or they might put it face down when you’re close.

4. Emotional Detachment: When they show less affection, interest, or emotional connection. For example, they might stop showing interest in your life, stop being emotionally available, and stop asking questions about your day, your desires, and how you’re feeling both mentally and emotionally. Sometimes they will also get uninterested in learning about your goals and desires and stop asking questions regarding the future.

5. Changes in Intimacy: When there’s a sudden decrease in sexual interest or intimacy. Your partner may have found other ways to satisfy their needs if there is a sudden decline in sexual intimacy that cannot be attributed to aging, physical or health issues, psychological or emotional issues (such as anxiety, depression), or major life changes (such as having a child or losing a loved one).

6. Unexplained Expenses: Mysterious credit card charges, cash withdrawals and unexplained purchases.  Discovering receipts for nice gifts, a hotel stay, dinners for two, or flowers for someone else is not unusual when a partner is cheating. Partners may occasionally become aware of financial irregularities, such as sizable withdrawals from a bank account or proof of payments for vehicles or real estate that they do not own.

7. Routine and Grooming Changes: You get to know your significant other’s routine and have an idea of what a typical day entails after spending some time together. If your partner has drastically changed from their regular schedule with little to no explanation or contact; that can be a reason for alarm. Among the typical alterations to watch out for are: Often working later or longer hours and altering their attire for work. Also when they pay unusual attention to appearance, dressing differently, or using new colognes/perfumes.

8. Evasive Answers: If they start being vague, defensive, or being inconsistent when questioned about activities. Your partner may react violently when you show them evidence of cheating, calling you crazy, implying that you are delusional, invalidating your emotions, or leading you to doubt reality. When a cheating partner is overheard discussing plans with their lover, for instance, they can say that their spouse simply overheard, or they might shift the topic to your actions and try to make you feel bad for being paranoid, invading their privacy, or not trusting them.

9. Lack of Transparency: If they resort to telling lies. Usually, disloyal partners fabricate stories regarding their whereabouts, phone conversations, and time and money management. For example, they can claim that they have to cover for an affair by working more hours, weekends, or evenings, or by travelling more frequently for work. They might also lie by omission, choosing to divulge just broad facts or to completely exclude characters and events from accounts. They might not want to talk about certain things they usually talk about honestly, such their workday, their time with friends, or their travels.

10. Intuition: Trust your instincts; if you feel something is off, it may be worth exploring further. Try having honest conversations without accusing first . 

Remember, these signs don’t necessarily mean your partner is cheating, but rather indicate potential issues that deserve open and honest discussion. Communication and trust are essential in any relationship. If you’re concerned about your partner’s behaviour, approach the situation with empathy and understanding, and seek clarity together.