Experts in the field of relationships have identified six warning signs of ‘micro-cheating’.
Micro-cheating is often perceived as harmless because it does not necessarily escalate into a full-blown affair, according to some people’s perspective.
These small actions, while not outright cheating, can accumulate over time and cause more harm than anticipated.
A 2015 survey conducted by YouGov and The Economist revealed that 20% of Americans have confessed to being unfaithful in a committed relationship.
The concept of micro-cheating has been popularized by Australian psychologist Melanie Schilling and is defined as ‘behaviours that lead someone to question their partner’s emotional or physical commitment to the relationship.’
Though these actions may seem trivial when viewed individually, psychologist Abby Medcalf notes that they can sometimes lead to something more significant over time.
“It’s cheating if your partner doesn’t like it, or doesn’t know about it, or wouldn’t like it if they knew about it,” she explained to the DailyMail.com
Abby points out that much of micro-cheating occurs online, so if your partner is messaging someone else in a way that makes you uneasy, it’s important to engage in a candid discussion.
Annabelle Knight, another relationship expert, states that micro-cheating often takes the form of emotional interactions.
“This could be liking someone’s social media pictures, staying in contact with an ex, following someone you find attractive who isn’t your partner or having close friendships with the opposite sex in heterosexual relationships,” she told the DailyMail.com
Developing an emotional connection with someone outside your relationship can be a form of micro-cheating, even if you don’t initially recognize it as such.
This might involve a colleague at work being dubbed your ‘work wife/husband’, where you both share personal information with each other.
If your partner is going out of their way to engage in conversations with a specific co-worker, it might be indicative of micro-cheating.
However, it’s crucial not to make hasty assumptions. Instead, have a conversation to establish mutually agreeable boundaries.
Annabelle also notes that micro-cheating can occur when people attempt to minimize their current relationship.
“It could also be behaviours that help someone conceal their relationship, leaving them open to someone else, like not posting a partner on social media or downplaying a relationship in conversation,” she explained.
Abby emphasizes that each relationship has its own set of rules and “there is no right and wrong.”
“It comes down to preferences,” she added.
If you notice behaviors that raise concern, it is very important to engage in an open and honest conversation.