How to Tell if Someone is Cheating on You

The signs are there that your significant other might be cheating on you, but it’s hard to face them, and often easier to turn a blind eye, sometimes without even realizing that’s what you’re doing. These are the most common red flags that you should stop to question. Yes, even that one. Of course, just because your mate checks a few of these boxes doesn’t mean he or she is two-timing you, but it might be worth opening up your lines of communication to ensure you’re both on the same page, and that your needs are being met.

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Suddenly becomes a fan of the gym

Maybe your partner had a sudden spark of inspiration and realized it was time to get real and start hitting the gym. But it could also mean your S.O. has someone to impress who isn't you.

sign of cheating: starts dressing better

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Starts dressing better

If your partner has gone from baggy tees and flip-flops — to which you've become accustomed over the years — to sexier tops, figure-hugging dresses or shoes cobbled by an actual designer, it might be that he or she is trying to catch the eye of someone who isn't used to those lounge-around-the-house outfits.

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Cellphone is glued to them

Far too many of us are addicted to our phones, so this isn't necessarily a red flag off the bat. But if your lover keeps their phone on by the bedside, or takes it into the bathroom with them, well, that's at the very list a bit gross and probably worth pointing out.

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Jumps into shower right away

Granted, if they just came from the gym or played some sweat-heavy sport, by all means, shower away. But it's when your S.O. is "stuck at work" for 14 hours after a long day of meetings that went into the night and doesn't want you to smell the alcohol on their breath and the scent that isn't yours wafting into your home — that's a problem.

freaks out if i go near his phone? sign of cheating

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The cellphone freakout

Oh, and if you go anywhere near your partner's phone and a freak out ensues or they quickly snatch it from you, your cheating radar should start beeping like crazy.

Unhappy couple after an argumet sitting on couch

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Gets defensive for no reason

If he or she lashes out, bites your head off, tries to make you feel insecure, and/or makes you out to be the crazy one for no apparent reason, your partner may be deflecting, plain and simple. It's a tough load to take, but realize it's very much about them, and not at all about you.

putting a password on his phone? sign of cheating

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Everything is password-protected

It's one thing to actually protect your phone for security reasons, or ensure that no one eats up your five precious Candy Crush lives, but if he or she suddenly starts doing it when they previously didn't care and refuses to let you in on the password, beware.

signs of a cheater: taste in music changes

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Taste in music changes

Sure, musical tastes can change as we grow and evolve, but when your love suddenly develops a passion for jazz and doesn't share it with you, that might be a sign that their newfound love for Miles Davis is being influenced by someone new.

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Shows up on your friend’s Tinder

Well, duh. Discovering he's cheating with a friend? That's when things can get really ugly, like these messy celebrity breakups that go down in history.

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Dead giveaways

The only thing worse is finding an alarming text that asks, "Have you been tested yet?". It doesn't take Sherlock to figure out he's having his cake and eating it too, or that he's halfway out the door. Now you just need to kick the other half to the curb.

signs of a cheater: Phone content is a mystery

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Phone content is a mystery

Does your partner have a few mystery numbers in his or her phone that aren't attached to a name (or rather, are attached to an initial)? Maybe question that.

Signs of a cheater: Always on social media

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Always on social media

If your partner is on Facebook until the wee hours, or tweeting on the down-low, it might be a red flag. The thing about social media is that we all have access to it, so we know if you've friended or checked in with someone new. Plus, hello? Your love should be getting social with you!

Signs of a cheater: always ready with an excuse

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Always ready with an excuse

You can never meet up with your boo because she is "not sure when she'll be done work, but will call you after." Or an exasperated "It's a guys' only night, sorry, hun." If those reasons are coming up more frequently, your antennae is probably already up.

signs of a cheater: Changes in work stories

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Changes in work stories

Your main squeeze once told you all kinds of hilarious stories from work, but now they only talk about this beautiful, amazing, smart, wonderful, kind, caring co-worker who's in a loveless marriage and is thinking of leaving his or her jerky partner.

signs of a cheater: jittery about finances.

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Jittery about finances

If you notice a significant chunk of money missing from your joint account, or there's a new bank app on the computer that isn't from the branch you know your partner uses, and you ask about it and they change the subject? Question that.

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S-T-D, it’s easy as 1-2-3

When your partner claims to have no idea how they gave you that genital herpes infection, maybe don't take that answer at face value. Sexually transmitted infections are also one of the most common health concerns in Canada in 2019.

Signs of a cheater: Can't keep stories straight

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Can’t keep stories straight

When your partner starts spending time with someone else, it'll be hard for them to remember what's a lie, what's the truth and what they actually told you. Like when they recall a conversation you had at that expensive restaurant you've always talked about — but you've still never been there. Grrr.

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Trust your gut

The signs are there, but sometimes you don't want to see them. But what does your gut tell you? The slightest inkling that something just isn't right is, sadly, sometimes all you need.