Love + Sex

Tuesday, December 8, 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 11-20 of 196
  • Kim S's Avatar
    Posted by Kim S Fri Nov 14, 2008 12:23pm PST

    Other clues: Sudden weight loss. Sudden trips to the grocery. He/She becomes very argumentative (sp?), seemingly wants to be mad at you for any reason (eases their guilt). New clothes, shoes, increased hair care.

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  • I :-)'s Avatar
    Posted by I :-) Sun Nov 16, 2008 4:17pm PST

    If you think he is cheating-he probably is. But you can't live thinking about it either. Be the best you can be, and enjoy your time with him. Be spontanious, loving, and romantic don't give someone else the opportunity to be those things for your man when you can be it all for him. Treat him the way you want him to treat you. Say thing to him you want him to say to you. Love him so he can love you.

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  • P.R's Avatar
    Posted by P.R Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:53am PST

    To all the ladys out there! I've been cheated on in my past, and i learned to move on in life. My childeren, family and friends were my motovation. You need to find happiness, peace, forgivness, and honesty with in yourself or you will never be happy. I did all these things for a year in half, and then i got back with my chiderens father an i couldn't be happier. Ladys put some effort towards yourself and not another relationship. STOP THE HURT INSIDE!!!!!!!

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  • Scarlet's Avatar
    Posted by Scarlet Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:20am PST

    Funny, but professional opinion seems to follow the rule that if you think he's cheating, he's cheating. I'm glad you put in the part about following your gut instincts.

    Report Abuse
  • Twisted's Avatar
    Posted by Twisted Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:52am PST

    Ohmygosh. I don't wanna get paranoid now. :(

    Report Abuse
  • Gsexy's Avatar
    Posted by Gsexy Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:54am PST

    Women fell to realies that when you look u shall find,If your man is cheating trust your gut it don't lie, he'll mess up they always do.But the truth always come to the light so women god bless u and your cheating men. But if you got a good one keep him close

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  • Ms. Fly's Avatar
    Posted by Ms. Fly Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:04am PST

    I say don't live thinking about it. If your man makes you happy and treats you right enjoy your time with him. Don't give someone else the opportunity to make your man happy. Treat him the way you want him to treat you. Love him so he can love you.

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  • Dee's Avatar
    Posted by Dee Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:26am PST

    Humm...interesting. Well my bf always accuses me of cheating which Im not. He has became less sweet with me. Does that mean he is cheating? The thing is I cant find out if he is cheating because he is the Navy. I've been with him for 2 yrs and when I ask him, he says he is not cheating.

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  • Shelly Shell's Avatar
    Posted by Shelly Shell Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:58am PST

    I get those gut instincts. It makes me paranoid to be in a relationship. I get scared and the "what ifs" when hes not around. I have caught my BF on the internet at the websites for discreet encounters and it don't make me feel good enough for him. We make love several times a week and I don't what else he is expecting? Maybe somebody prettier or skinnier. I also fear if he is doing it with some w---- off the web I don't want to catch a disease. To many diseases. I don't know if I'm crazy for being with him. I love him so much its so hard to leave. I have that gut feeling. Even if he is having cyber sex that is cheating. So sad it really is...

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  • pwsgirl's Avatar
    Posted by pwsgirl Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:37pm PST

    If he starts having lunch/coffee/drinks with another woman and claims they are "just friends", or he spends a lot of time "working" with a female colleague, then you should become suspicious. I think that letting him know that you are uncomfortable with the situation truly does help. Sometimes when they know we are on to them it squelches the desire to continue.

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