We usually think of cheating as something sexual, like a one-night stand, virtual sex, or an ongoing affair. Well, in committed relationships, cheating isn't always about sex – it's all about breaking trust.
RELATED: CAN YOU SEARCH SOMEONE ON TINDER? 3 WAYS TO VIEW TINDER PROFILES ONLINE
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL CHEATING?
Emotional cheating is when someone puts lots of effort into a relationship outside their marriage; in this kind of cheating, the person often feels closer to the other than to their partner.
Along with the emotional bond, this closeness can lead to more sexual tension or chemistry, as proven by several scientific reports.
If you notice that your spouse is talking about their deepest feelings and thoughts with someone else instead of you, they are cheating on you emotionally.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SPOUSE IS EMOTIONALLY CHEATING?
First, think about how the relationship with this other person changes the way you feel about your partner. Is your relationship better or worse because of it?
One more way to tell if someone is engaging in emotional cheating, particularly if you suspect it could be you, is to watch how you feel.
Does talking to this person temporarily make you feel less lonely but make you feel even more alone in the long run? Feel guilty when you go back to your partner after missing this connection so badly?
Plus, here are some red flags that your spouse is actually an emotionally cheater:
- Feeling like that friend understands your spouse better than you do;
- Spending less time with you;
- Giving personal gifts to that friend;
- Hiding the friendship from you;
- Losing interest in being intimate with you;
- Sharing thoughts, feelings, and problems with that friend instead of you;
- Responding to concerns with "we’re just friends."
These are the most common signs. But if you’re unsure, you can always use online dating profile search to catch your spouse cheating.
HOW DOES SOCIAL MEDIA FIT IN?
Social media, as well as the most popular cheating apps, is the main road to emotional cheating.
You always start with casual chats with a follower or commenter. It starts with liking each other’s posts, but soon you're having deeper conversations. Connecting on social media isn’t bad by itself, but if your spouse constantly talking to someone a bit attracted to, think about what they’re gaining from these interactions.
That’s the reason why so many people use apps to track cheating spouse. For example, this tool can find hidden social media profiles, photos, texts, and much more!
READ NEXT: NOT SO OBVIOUS, CHEATING APPS? SNAPCHAT & TINDER CHEATING!