Cheating is a major concern in relationships, and for good reason. It can lead to heartbreak, distrust, and even the end of a relationship. About more than 30% of relationships where at least one party admits to infidelity, and the number could be even higher with unreported cases. While some cheaters may seem like they have sudden changes in behaviour or personality, there are actually some signs that can predict their tendency to cheat in the future.
Let’s discuss these cheating predictors and how to spot them in your partner.
13 Sings He Might Cheat in the Future
There are no definite signs that a person is likely to cheat on their partner in the future, but research has shown some key predictors that can indicate a higher chance of infidelity. These signs may not guarantee that someone will cheat, but they should serve as red flags to pay attention to and address in your relationship.
Zero Effort in Relationship
You know, one of the biggest signs that cheating might be on the horizon is when one partner stops putting effort into the relationship. It’s like when communication fizzles out, quality time becomes scarce, or interest in each other’s lives starts to wane. It’s crazy how someone becoming disengaged from their partner can make them seek that connection and attention from someone else.
Poor Communication
A failure to communicate clearly and openly might exacerbate existing tensions in a relationship. Distrust and distance can grow between relationships when communication breaks down. This can make one partner feel neglected or unimportant, leading them to seek emotional support from someone else.
Keeping Secretive Behaviors
We all have our own level of privacy in a relationship, but if your partner starts acting suspiciously secretively, it could be a red flag. This includes things like hiding their phone or computer screens, being vague about their whereabouts and plans, or suddenly changing their passwords. While there may be valid reasons for these behaviours, it’s important to address them and make sure they’re not covering up any infidelity.
Unresolved Conflicts
Constant arguments and unresolved conflicts can also indicate the possibility of your partner seeking comfort and validation from someone else in the future. It’s not uncommon for individuals to look for support and understanding outside of their current relationship when they feel unsupported or misunderstood.
Lack of Sexual Intimacy
A lack of sexual intimacy in a relationship can be a sign that your partner is not fully satisfied or fulfilled within the relationship. This can lead them to seek physical intimacy elsewhere, which can eventually lead to cheating. It is worth noting that the absence of sexual intimacy in a relationship does not necessarily imply that one will engage in infidelity. However, it is a matter worth acknowledging and discussing with your partner.
Flirting With Others
It might seem obvious, but if your partner flirts with other people all the time, whether it’s in front of you or behind your back, that’s a big red flag. Some people are naturally flirty, but it can be annoying when they don’t care about how their partner feels. Flirting with others can indicate a lack of respect and emotional connection in the current relationship, making them more likely to cheat.
Past Experience of Cheating
The best way to tell what someone will do in the future is to look at what they have already done. This is also true for cheating. If your partner has cheated on you with other people in the past, well, history has a funny way of repeating itself.
Social Media Activity
Social media has the potential to foster infidelity. The ease of reconnecting with past flames or meeting new individuals online can create irresistible temptations. If your partner starts devoting excessive time to social media or becomes secretive about their online activities, it may raise legitimate concerns.
Lack of Boundaries
Every healthy relationship requires boundaries and mutual respect for personal space. When one partner disregards boundaries by invading their partner’s privacy or constantly monitoring them, it can create feelings of resentment and mistrust. This could potentially drive them to seek intimacy and validation elsewhere.
Avoiding Commitment
If your partner is avoiding making long-term plans or committing to the relationship, it could be a sign that they’re not fully invested in the future of the relationship. This lack of commitment may lead them to seek excitement and validation from others.
Ex Might be in Touch
If you feel uneasy about your partner’s continued contact with their ex, you should follow your inclinations. Although it is common for exes to remain friends, if they are continually communicating or meeting up, there may be more going on than just a friendship. It is essential to have frank dialogues with your partner about your concerns and boundaries.
Narcissistic Traits
Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often seek validation and admiration from others. This can make them more prone to cheating in relationships, as they are constantly seeking attention and affirmation from multiple sources. If your partner displays narcissistic behaviour, it could be a sign that they might cheat in the future.
Gaslighting in Every Step
Gaslighting is when one partner emotionally manipulates the other, making them doubt their own sanity by denying or distorting facts. It’s like they’re playing mind games, making the victim question their own reality. And you know what’s even worse? They’ll even try to make the victim feel guilty for questioning them.
What Should I Do as a Partner Then?
- You must tell your partner about any worries or questions you may have in an open and honest way.
- Respect one another’s personal space and establish healthy boundaries within your relationship. Don’t divulge an excessive amount of information, and don’t let them take you for granted.
- Seek counselling or therapy, if necessary, to work through any unresolved conflicts.
- Trust your intuition and don’t ignore red flags, but don’t jump to conclusions without solid evidence.
- Seek couples therapy if necessary to work through conflicts and improve communication.
- You may also consider seeking individual therapy to process any emotions or insecurities that may arise.
