Relationships6 min(s) read
Published 15:49 16 Apr 2026 GMT
Experts have revealed the 10 biggest signs which could mean that your significant other is being unfaithful.
Nobody wants to be cheated on, or get the feeling that their partner may be catching feelings for someone else.
Sadly, many have to deal with the horrors of infidelity, and some are even blindsided by the development.
Without further ado, here are the most glaring red flags that may indicate that your partner or spouse is having an affair with someone, according to the experts at Dame Legal.
It's 2026, and your phone is usually your gateway to everything - this includes any affairs.
A phone could be the most decisive piece of evidence to support any suspicions you may have of their cheating, so any overprotective behavior could spell trouble.
Whether that be taking it everywhere they go, constantly having it face down around you, or purposely deleting message history, there are several ways someone can try to hide their cheating.
If your partner spends more time on their phone than they do speaking to you, it could indicate that their attention and energy are with someone else - it's recommended that instead of going through their phone, you be honest and ask them who they might be texting so much, or why they're hiding their phone.
Their reaction will say a lot, as an overly defensive response could spell trouble.
While many can take a step back from work to answer a phone call from their spouse, many would keep their phones in their pockets if it were their secret lover giving them a ring.
It might be worth remembering when you call and how often your partner isn't available - any noticeable trends could be worth looking into.
Obviously, claims of being with their friends or family can easily be checked, so it's worth being vigilant before assuming the worst.
A cheater may gaslight you or accuse you of not thinking straight if you question their loyalty, so this could be used as a common distraction.
Asking any questions could result in an emotional response if they have something to hide, almost like paranoia.
Once again, repeated suspect behavior can indicate something worse, as the experts ask: "Do they get angry or defensive? Do they yell to try to intimidate you or become avoidant? Do they accuse you of prying and not trusting them?"
This isn't the easiest way to tell, though, as some cheaters may instead appear calmer and more composed, so drastic changes in behavior could be the indicator.
The stereotype goes that men can come home smelling like another woman's perfume, but this can actually happen.
If your partner smells significantly different when they get back, or if they come back freshly showered despite not being at the gym, you wouldn't be wrong in raising an eyebrow.
If your partner wants to stop having sex, especially if they used to have a high sex drive, it could be a warning of an affair.
Sex isn't the be-all and end-all of a relationship, but any major changes is worth monitoring.
This could include several new suggestions when it comes to trying things in the bedroom, which could be them trying to replicate experiences they've had with others.
Any dramatic changes in attitude to time within the sheets may also be a cause for concern, whether it be being less romantic or focusing only on physical aspects instead of your own pleasure.
It should be noted that stress, health issues or medication can impact sex drive though.
In the best-case scenario, your partner might be waiting to surprise you with a new fit, but if it comes with other red flags on this list, it may be suspect.
Lingerie that you have never seen before could mean that they have worn it for someone else, but changes in these departments can also be a negative.
If you've noticed that your partner has stopped trying in their appearance around you, but gets dressed up nicely for work or outings with others, it could mean that they are neglecting your importance to impress someone else.
Most adults have just one social media profile per platform, but any changes in behavior online could mean that they are directing their likes, comments, and DMs elsewhere.
Maybe they used to comment on your posts or tag you in posts often, and those instances have dried up, so big changes could be a sign of cheating.
The lawyers suggest that you search their name to see if there are any other accounts in their name, or maybe registered to an unknown email address or if there's a secret social media account.
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Many married or long-term couples have a joint bank account, but issues can arise if someone starts to withdraw money without telling their partner.
Funds vanishing out of thin air can indicate that they are withdrawing cash for use off the books, so a question or two wouldn't go amiss in this situation.
Claims can be followed up by asking for receipts, wanting to see any new items they've bought, or more.
Secret accounts can be a giveaway when it comes to indicating that your partner is cheating.
Secret emails can be used to hide communication with someone, and you may find yourself locked out of your own account if their password is changed on the same device.
Behavior around their email activity is key here, so hiding any screens could be a bad sign, while a defensive response to a newly found hidden email account may mean more than meets the eye.
Within weeks or months of your partner leading a double life, you might clock on to how their web of lies no longer makes any sense.
It goes without saying that being unfaithful involves a lot of lying, and keeping this up requires a lot of consistent lying.
Lying is the common denominator with all the points on this list, with a cheating partner often wanting to hide the truth at all costs, even if it does contradict things they've said in the past.
Speaking to your partner's friends or colleagues can help, especially if you have suspicions and they have used them as excuses for going out previously.
If you find that nothing adds up, an affair might be on the cards.
