Previously we’ve written a list of the 10 signs of infidelity – the common behaviours that you need to look out for if you’re concerned about your partner potentially cheating on you.
However, while those are the 10 most common signs, they’re also behaviours that are relatively well known – and so the type that a cheating partner would make sure they were avoiding, if they didn’t want to get caught.
With that in mind, here are ten more less-obvious signs of infidelity that you can look out for in your partner, if you have concerns.
A Sudden Increase in Buying New Clothes
A sudden uptick in your partner’s clothing purchases can be a subtle yet revealing sign. While a wardrobe update is a common occurrence, an unexplained surge in new clothes could indicate an attempt to impress or attract someone new.
Your partner may be seeking to enhance their appearance for an extramarital affair, as the desire to look good for a secret love interest often leads to excessive shopping and style changes. Keep an eye on them buying different styles of clothing too – something they’ve never really tried before.
Anyone’s tastes can change at any time, but it could mean something more.
Decreased Interest in Future Plans
A relationship is built on shared dreams and future plans. When your partner becomes disinterested in discussing these shared goals, it could be a warning sign.
An affair often causes emotional detachment from the existing relationship, causing your partner to lose enthusiasm for building a future together. Their focus may have shifted to another person, causing them to neglect the plans you once cherished.
If you have holidays booked, or bigger life plans, and suddenly the conversations around them seem to be hitting a brick wall, check to see what other signs there are.
Changes in Musical Tastes and Interests
Music is a reflection of our emotions and experiences. A sudden shift in musical preferences or newfound interests can be a subtle indicator of infidelity.
When your partner’s taste in music undergoes a transformation, it might be a way for them to connect with the emotions and experiences tied to a new relationship. These shifts are subtle clues to their changing emotional landscape.
More Frequent Errands
Frequent, unexplained errands that seem unnecessary or conveniently timed can be a cause for concern. These outings may serve as a cover for secret meetings with someone outside of your relationship.
It’s not the errands themselves but the suspicious timing and vague explanations that raise red flags. If your partner consistently disappears for undisclosed reasons, it’s worth investigating further.
Unexplained Gifts or Possessions
Finding unexplained gifts or possessions in your partner’s possession can be a clear sign that they are hiding something.
The source of these items might be someone they are involved with outside the relationship. The secrecy surrounding these gifts is often an attempt to avoid suspicion and prevent you from discovering the truth about their involvement with another person.
Changes in Communication Style
Communication is a key aspect of any relationship. A shift in your partner’s communication style can be subtle but significant. If they start using unfamiliar slang, adopting a different tone, or changing their vocabulary, it may be an attempt to align their communication with a new relationship.
They adapt their language to connect with someone else on a deeper level while keeping their affair hidden.
Emotional Inconsistency
Sudden mood swings, emotional fluctuations, and unpredictable behavior may indicate emotional turmoil related to an affair.
The guilt, mixed feelings, and internal conflict stemming from infidelity can cause noticeable changes in your partner’s emotional state. These inconsistencies might become more apparent as they struggle to manage the emotional toll of their actions.
Changes in Their Routine
Alterations in your partner’s daily routine can be a sign of hidden connections outside the relationship.
Joining new clubs, attending different social events, or changing work schedules might be strategic adjustments aimed at creating opportunities for secret meetings with someone else. These changes are subtle but can have a significant impact on the time they allocate to the affair.
Altered Sleeping Patterns
Changes in sleep patterns can offer insights into your partner’s behavior. Staying up late, waking up at unusual hours, or sleeping separately can suggest that they are dedicating more time to someone else.
These nighttime activities may be an attempt to engage in conversations or interactions they don’t want you to know about, making it a reason to be vigilant.
Frequent Mention of a Friend
When your partner consistently mentions a particular “friend” you’ve never met or know very little about, it could be a strategic move to divert your attention.
This friend is often a cover for their affair, providing an alibi for their secret meetings and interactions. Paying close attention to these mentions can reveal inconsistencies or hidden agendas within your relationship.
Dealing With These Signs
It’s always important to remember that these signs alone are not proof that your partner is cheating on you. Don’t panic at the first sight of your partner buying new clothes, or mentioning a new friend.
However, if you see more than one of these behaviours appearing at the same time, then you might feel that there’s something worth investigating. You still need to play your cards close to your chest, because it could all be nothing – and a false accusation of cheating can sometimes be just as damaging as cheating itself.
So instead, look for as much evidence as possible before jumping to any conclusions. And then, if cheating looks likely, you can start to make your plan for how to confront your partner.
Conclusive evidence is important here – and that’s where a private investigator can really help. They can help to provide the final answer and make sure you have the evidence in hand so that, when you confront them, they can’t try to lie their way out of it.
If you need the help of a private investigator to look into your partner’s behaviour, give our team a call on 01772 334700.