You might think that you are loyal in your relationship, but did you know there are signs you could be micro-cheating on your other half without even realizing it?
Dating coaches have shared their professional opinions on relationship behaviors that are classed as micro-cheating, and you might be surprised to learn just how common it is. You might even find you happen to be guilty of this sneaky dating trend.
Dating coach claims micro-cheating is very common
Micro-cheating is an Internet-era term, part of the long list of dating slang that’s never-ending, for small acts of betrayal and dating coach Laura Bilotta suggests that you could be micro-cheating in your relationship without even realizing it, explaining that this happens a lot in the world of social media.
Bilotta says that while micro-cheating isn’t exactly infidelity, it has some indicators of infidelity, including dishonesty, secrecy, and ignoring whether your partner would be okay with something: “Essentially, it’s emotional and psychological cheating that can easily lead to physical cheating.”
People reportedly micro-cheat for various reasons; some simply can’t be monogamous, others people become bored and find their current relationship monotonous, or they are unhappy and they think something is missing.
British dating coach Matthew Hussey shared his opinion on the topic in a TikTok video, explaining that continuing to engage someone when you’re in a relationship, especially if it turns flirtatious, could be suspected as micro-cheating:
“If you’re talking to someone who you claim is just a friend, but you’re not actually making it explicit that you are in a relationship – that then strays into that territory.”
For example, Hussey suggests that if someone asks what you’ve been up to an, andd you fail to mention that you’ve been spending time with your boyfriend or girlfriend – that starts to stray into micro-cheating territory. Oh dear!
Signs you’re micro-cheating on your partner, even if they seem harmless
Bilotta lists five signs that you might be micro-cheating.
- If you regularly share your number with random people that you meet – whether that be on social media or in real life.
- If you find yourself sending flirty texts to other people, knowing your partner wouldn’t approve, you are essentially micro-cheating.
- Concealing your relationship status and claiming ‘it’s for privacy reasons’ could also be a betrayal trait.
- Keeping your online dating profile active despite being in a monogamous relationship is in fact disloyal, according to Laura.
- Hiding interactions or friendships with your ex-partner also comes under the umbrella of micro-cheating, and even leaning on someone else you just met for emotional support. Red flags!
Laura Bilotta explains that “micro-cheating might seem harmless, but it can seriously damage trust in a relationship.”
