I’m a relationship expert and here’s are the tell-tale signs your partner is a ‘micro-cheat’
DOES your other half hide online messages and get flirty on social media, see too much of a bestie or jump to help the same person?
These often little tell-tale signs may mean they are a “micro-cheat”, as described by Gen Z types now flooding TikTok with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of it.
Author and infidelity expert Rebecca Dakin, 47, reveals: “There has been an explosion in people talking online about micro-cheating. It is your partner communicating with the opposite sex in a way you really wouldn’t like.
“While it’s similar to emotional cheating, the latter tends to involve a deep emotional connection, while micro-cheating is more about the thrill of flirting.”
But she warns it can be very hurtful — and turn into something more.
Rebecca advises: “Often there’s a lot of ego-stroking, looking to get a response from someone they have the hots for.”
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If you are worried, she says: “Tell your partner how you feel, agree boundaries and reach a consensus on whether you are both fully invested in your relationship. If things don’t change, get rid!”
Here are things that micro-cheats do and Rebecca warns to look out for . . .
Keeping an online dating profile open: Did they really just accidentally forget to close it? Or are they keeping options open?
If you are in a relationship and agreed to be exclusive, that profile should be deleted.
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Sending flirty messages online: If your partner flirts with someone in the pub, most people would find it unacceptable.
Well, same on social media.
While there’s no physical intimacy, flirting online is dis-respectful.
A yellow card.
Secretive about their messages: If a partner conceals messages, they may have something to hide.
I’m not say-ing scan through their phone or computer, but trust your gut.
If it feels wrong, it probably is.
Liking sexy pictures online: If all the people your partner “likes” on social media are super-attractive and post things like, “Wow, you look hot,” alarm bells should ring.
Cosy with ex: Many exes stay in touch, sometimes because of kids, and some remain pals.
But if flirty DMs keep pinging and things seem too cosy, are they over each other?
Best friend of the opposite sex: There is always one friend who fancies the other.
Sometimes it works fine and stays platonic.
But if that bestie is a constant in your partner’s life, beware.
They may hope to be a friend with benefits.
Never post photos of you: If there is no social media photo or other hint suggest-ing they have someone in their life, they almost surely want to look single.
Dump them.
Always there . . . for someone else: Offers of free DIY are one example. Do question the motive.
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Sexting other people: The worst kind of micro-cheating.
Everyone’s tolerance is different but sending rude pics to others is a red card.
