5 Signs You are Dating a Cheater

Given our increasing life expectancy, you’ve probably heard the argument that monogamy is simply unrealistic over the long haul. For those in committed relationships who’ve been ballsy enough to put their trust in another person and put their heart on the line, this sounds a whole lot like a convenient justification for cheating.

While there’s no reason to get yourself into a tizzy over nothing, there are a few important things about monogamy for you to understand. First, the odds are low that your partner is going to cheat, so you can start by giving them the benefit of the doubt.

* Habits change

If your partner suddenly or gradually stops coming home on time when they used to arrive home at 6 p.m. sharp, this is not a good sign at all, Dr. Tessina says. Habit changes, like dressing better, spending more money or dodging phone calls, are all big red flags that could indicate cheating.

* Random gifts are given

OK, OK, we’re certainly not suggesting that you look a gift horse in the mouth and accuse your guy or gal of cheating when they bring you flowers on a whim, but Dr. Tessina reminds us that “guilt gifts” are common when someone is getting nookie on the side. If a partner who has never thought to buy you flowers before suddenly starts bringing home roses on the regular, something may be amiss.

* New bills pop up

Maybe they’re taking up some new hobbies, or maybe they’re trying to cover their tracks. But Dr. Tessina says that unidentifiable charges on a credit card are often one of the easiest ways to catch a cheater.

* Work becomes secret

Remember those super-adorable conversations you used to have about what you were doing all day long, constant chats, emails and texts? While the flirty passion of the early days is likely to fizzle in a relationship over time, it can be a bad sign if your partner clams up completely about their time spent at work.

* Your sex life starts to suffer

Though this may be the last thing you want to hear if you think your partner is cheating, it could be the reality check you need to make some changes in your relationship. Dr. Tessina points out that a partner who is suddenly not interested in sex, barring depression and other medical issues, may be getting their needs met somewhere else.