7 Signs of Cheating

Cheating is a result of inattention of one or both partners, along with self-centered and sometimes self-destructive behaviors. Ann Smith, Executive Director of Breakthrough at Caron, an adult therapy program, reports in a "Psychology Today" article that when one partner will not commit, especially when a third party is present, it is time to end the relationship. Cheating is not done in a vacuum, and there are ways to discover the infidelity.

Unexplained Absences

A sign that a significant other may be cheating includes unexplained absences or time away from home with curious, vague stories. A husband who never shops may now be addicted to mall shopping. A girlfriend never interested in the library suddenly spends time each day in the downtown library. When pushed for details, there may be anger or a long, detailed commentary containing obvious inconsistencies with known facts.

Grooming Habit Changes

Lifetime grooming habits are rarely changed in short periods of time. A new haircut does not mean an affair, but a series of new changes may signal cheating. A new interest in fashion and clothing is another clue that a partner is trying to look good for another person.

Car Clues

Extra mileage on the family car or renting a car for unexpected trips is a warning signal for cheating. Credit card bills of cheaters often include a marked increase in gasoline charges, reflecting additional secret travel. Unexplained items in the car may also mean other riders. Radio station changes or different CDs in the car are also common clues.

Loss of Interest

Loss of interest in a current partner and lack of intimacy is a sure sign that communication channels in the relationship are broken. Cheating is a way to substitute for the human connection, according to John M. Grohol, PsyD, of PsychCentral. A sudden loss of interest in sex for males is a sign of cheating or an indication of a medical issue.

Money Habit Changes

Unexplained charges on credit cards are evidence of cheating, as is the urgent need for cash for a person who has never carried cash in the past. Infidelity expert and author Ruth Houston states in her 2002 book "Is He Cheating On You? 829 Telltale Signs" that unexplained charges for gift items and mysterious purchases of flowers are definite signs of a cheater.

Extra Time at Work

Working overtime or on weekends without a job change or reassignment may be a red flag for cheating by a significant other. Longer hours without a difference in take-home pay is additional possible evidence of infidelity.

Nervousness

Jumpy reactions to seemingly innocent questions, and guarding personal items such as a cell phone or personal mail, are clues that something is amiss. Secretive texting, leaving the room to answer or make cell phone calls, or opening mail in private are signs of cheating, according to Ruth Houston.