Love + Sex

Friday, November 27, 2009

9 signs he is cheating

Getty Images

Getty Images


When you get suspicious that your significant other is cheating be careful not to appear to be paranoid. You have to walk a fine line-you don't want to make false accusations.

So, while I'm sharing this list of cheating red flags, I concede that it's a tricky situation. It's hard to be sure if someone's cheating, but protect yourself: be vigilant, and pay attention to your mind and spirit within the relationship. But, at the same time, be careful not to let anxiety lead the way because unnecessary paranoia will just drive your lover away.

Here are some red flags that may signal that your significant other is cheating:

Less Sex

Unless he's Superman, he can only have so much sex. So, if he's getting it from another source, you might notice. Whether it's another woman, or a porn addiction-even if he's not cheating - a decrease in sex signals serious issues in the relationship.

Jumpy Cell Phone Habits


In a perfect world, we'd be open about sharing our correspondence with our significant others. Most of the time, the trust so that we don't have to worry about who is texting or calling them. But, if you notice that he is getting protective and/or nervous when he gets calls or texts, it may be cause for alarm.

Gushing or Talking About Someone Suddenly

You know that exhilarating feeling you get when you meet someone new and exciting? You want to tell the world about them. One of my exes began talking about a guy a lot near the end of our relationship-he just always seemed to be at her social gatherings that I didn't happen to attend. Sure enough, after she dumped me, she began dating him.

Disconnect

Even though relationships ebb and flow naturally, if you're sensing that he's drawing away from you, then there may be someone else. Emotional disconnect should be investigated regardless of whether it's caused by cheating. There's a problem if he's not laughing, or seeming as passionate as usual. It's hard to spread love/passion between two people, so the person who used to have it will feel it slipping away if it's being given to someone else.

He's Pulling Houdinis

Houdini

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/litchick/2007_03_01_default.asp

If he's starting to pull disappearing acts, well, enough said.

Friends Acting Strange

His friends will certainly remain loyal to him in most cases. They will not let you know what's going on, but they will definitely be racked with guilt and their behavior may change slightly when they are around you while protecting his secret.

Caught In Other Lies About Other Things

If you catch him in a lie, your trust will naturally be damaged. Don't hold a grudge-forgiveness is a good thing.
You can forgive, but don't forget. If he consistently breaches your trust, it's establishing a pattern of behavior that leads to cheating. Do yourself a favor: if he keeps lying, whether these lies are big or small, get out while you can and don't let him talk his way back in.

Been There, Done That

I always say: "once a cheater, always a cheater."If he's done it before, he's definitely capable of doing it again. It has nothing to do with you, which is why you can't say that he cheated on his previous lover because she didn't keep him happy. Cheating is a self-serving act in which the cheater doesn't take his significant other into consideration. If someone is upfront with you that they've made mistakes in the past, maybe give them a chance-but make it a long probationary period before you let your guard down.

Your Gut Tells You So


Don't ignore your sixth sense. People are gifted at sensing when something doesn't feel right. Whether there are red flags in your relationship that are cluing you in or not, if something feels off don't ignore this feeling. Usually that feeling is right, and something intangible may have led to you figuring it all out.


Do you have any red flags that you'd add to this list? Would you say that you're generally good at figuring cheaters out, or do you seem to find yourself getting cheated on often? What sorts of behaviors do you think are characteristic of someone who could be a cheater?

Posted by Rich

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 191
  • Asia's Avatar
    Posted by Asia Thu Nov 13, 2008 9:27am PST

    I know when someone is cheating. You can just tell. When they start hanging up with you when someone else calls, making up lies. I can sense all of that stuff. What's the point of being in a relationship with someone if you're just going to mess around with other people? Be serious.

    Report Abuse
  • Jess's Avatar
    Posted by Jess Thu Nov 13, 2008 12:31pm PST

    I used to be horrible at figuring out when he was cheating. I was with a guy for 6 years and he cheated the whole time, completely unbeknownst to me. Funny thing is, I always had a gut instinct about the women. There were several of them who I didn't trust, but it never occurred to me to doubt him. Sometimes I wish I'd caught on way sooner, but at least that experience taught me to trust my instincts!

    Report Abuse
  • sizzle's Avatar
    Posted by sizzle Thu Nov 13, 2008 12:37pm PST

    when you live in a small town like I do, you know for a fact when someone is cheating. also if you don't see of hear from your bf/gf for a while and he/she has been hangin with someone else, then that is probably tellin you something.

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  • 's Avatar
    Posted by Thu Nov 13, 2008 2:15pm PST

    all that is very interesting but, what id like to know is this! Why are women or do women forgive their men? Rarely do you hear of a guy that will forgive, and even if they do it's usually because they can come clean with their own infidelity. Who wants to be with a someone that can't control their own business? Another, questions is why do women think as soon as a ring goes on a mans finger he is going to change and be faithful?

    Yeah, your the special one that's going to fill all of his desires and dreams....are you INSANE? Cheaters are cheaters, they have a problem, they can't find happiness within ONE person, they can't get their desires met....that's why they cheat....they are still trying to find that but CAN'T....they aren't going to change because you make yourself available and you listen to him and you try to fill all their desires, even if its having a threesome....you women can't be that DUMB! Now, women are electing, some I should say, of having an open marriage....OMG WHY BE MARRIED AT ALL????????????????????? What a cheater will do....to have their cake and eat it to......laughing over here, such a lack of respect and love for yourself to allow such a travesty of a marriage to exist! CHEATERS SUCK!!!

    Report Abuse
  • fake_sky's Avatar
    Posted by fake_sky Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:35pm PST

    Rich, honestly, this is your "girliest" post to date! Hehhee :)

    Report Abuse
  • Mimi Rocks's Avatar
    Posted by Mimi Rocks Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:40pm PST

    This is very interesting...almost three years ago, I thought my bf was cheating on me...he had most of the symptoms listed above and when i confronted him on it, he played the role reversal. He did the i'm not speaking to you bit but i thought his a** a lesson. He said he was never cheating but he was very secretive with his phone calls...if i walked in the room while he was on the phone, he walked out. So when his friendship with this female died down, mine picked up with other men...texting, calling them and me taking their calls in front of him, even interupting our discussions so I could talk to them on the phone. He learned not to mess with me on that level but I still have my phone conversations with other guys...he just doesn't know that.

    I'm being bad but i was really hurt with the thought that he was probably cheating!!!

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  • Gail's Avatar
    Posted by Gail Thu Nov 13, 2008 5:20pm PST

    Other signs he's cheating: suddenly spending alot of time on the internet, maybe even getting up in the night to use it (even "clubbing the seal" to porn is cheating in my book); an old friend/college buddy/business associate is in town and wants to get together; coming home and needing to shower right away; needing new clothes (in a different style) and maybe a different hairstyle; lots of extra charges on the credit card or money withdrawals from checking or savings...I could go one. But you already named the most important one---trust your gut instinct.

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  • Raquel's Avatar
    Posted by Raquel Thu Nov 13, 2008 8:12pm PST

    YOU KNOW WAT I SAY (WAT GO'S AROUND CUM'S AROUND) U FEEL.....U GOTTA BE THA PLAYA TO GOTTA LEAR THE GAME..... :)

    Report Abuse
  • Daniluv121's Avatar
    Posted by Daniluv121 Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:03am PST

    Ah reading about all this s*it makes me paranoid

    Report Abuse
  • pretty's Avatar
    Posted by pretty Fri Nov 14, 2008 5:54am PST

    yes,i have a bF i felt he is cheating wd me all the time but if ask he said he doesnt cheat..what will i do ..

    Report Abuse
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