Suspecting your partner might be cheating on you is not an easy feeling to have. The mistrust, anxieties and sadness are enough to paralyse anyone. But you shouldn’t be living in doubt. It’s not fair for you and your peace of mind, and it’s not fair for your relationship. 

But how can you know if your partner is cheating on you? Richard, Private Investigator and CEO of Rivica Private Investigations says: “Never underestimate your gut feeling. That’s where it always starts. You will suffer and be uneasy until you get to the bottom of it, whatever you may find. Sometimes a partner is trying to conceal other things: an addiction or even a big surprise, but cheating, unfortunately, tops the list.”

So if everything has been going great but there’s a nagging feeling that you can’t shake – it means that you’re subconsciously noticing things about your partner’s behaviour that are different and out of the ordinary. 

5 signs your partner might be cheating on you:

1. Notice their phone behaviour

One of the first signs that your partner might be cheating on you is their phone usage. Out of the ordinary behaviour when using their phone is a big red flag. 

• * Keeps the phone near them at all times
• * Gets angry/suspicious if you want to use it
• * They change the phone settings to increase the privacy
• * They leave the room to take phone calls

Cheating partners often behave this way to make sure you don’t have access to proof of their infidelity. Messages, emails or social media platforms are just some of the places there could be evidence. 

2. They change their habits

Most couples are aware of each other’s routines and daily/weekly plans. When they leave for work, when they come home, what hobbies they have – the list goes on. 

If your partner’s routine suddenly changes, without as much as a chat about it, that should be a cause of concern. If they start working late or start spending a lot of time ‘alone’, it’s time to be vigilant. 

3. Stories that don’t add up

Cheaters generally make good liars – on the spot. Leading a double life transforms even the most honest person into a seasoned liar. 

So if stories don’t add up, if there’s an inconsistency with what your partner is saying they did on a specific day, it could be a sign they are hiding an affair from you. But it could also just mean that they were tired and got their stories mixed up. The best way to figure it out is by asking them an unexpected question to see how they react. A made up story gets tripped by an unusual question. 

4. They look different

If your partner is putting more effort into their appearance – while also paying less attention to you – then it could mean that they are trying to impress someone else. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are cheating on you, or even considering it, it is a sign that they are going through some personal changes. And probably your relationship as well. 

Have they talked to you about it? Any insecurities or newfound confidence? What’s the sudden urge to put in this much effort? 

5. Uncommon transactions

Odd transactions can also be a sign that your partner might be cheating on you. Withdrawals of unusually large sums of money, or lots of withdrawals for the same amount are both suspicious. Your partner might be paying for expensive gifts or a trip, or taking money out to pay for parking/public transportation. 

Depending on your relationship, you might not have access to transaction records. In that case, strange receipts or parking tickets are also clues to someone's whereabouts. 

Conclusion

No one wants to have to deal with the heartbreak of a cheating partner, but no one should be deceived as well either. Trust your instincts, look for the signs – but also remember that sometimes your partner might just be planning a surprise for you.