Cheating isn’t always a clear-cut problem. It can occasionally be fifty shades of grey!
Cheating is a clear-cut transgression, but micro-cheating is more subtle and indirect. The thing is, you might be disloyal without ever realising it! Even though only you and your partner can agree on what constitutes cheating, micro-cheating makes it even more difficult to define what constitutes infidelity.
The phrase “micro-cheating” describes insignificant behaviours that may have the appearance of infidelity, but never actually cross the line. You could find yourself in situations you later regret as a result of these trivial activities. You might be doing it in plain sight, even in front of your partner, with or without their knowing. Such a habit, though, can be troublesome given the potential for additional development. Curious to know more? We’ve got 8 telltale signs of what micro-cheating actually is.
Having ‘Feelings’ For Someone Else
Feelings. Nothing more than feelings. Trying to forget my feelings of love – a song by Morris Albert that says it all!
You can be cheating even when there is no physical contact. Having an emotional connection with someone else while you’re dating is a type of micro-cheating that could get worse. Some claim that this goes beyond outright cheating. You may tell whether you are micro-cheating right away if you feel “special” after the micro-interactions. You can experience feelings of being wanted, valued, attractive, seductive, being pursued – you name it. When you take into account your feelings, it’s easy to spot when you’re micro-cheating.
Checking Out Your Ex
On social media (or IRL, maybe), there are so many ways to small-scale cheat. Micro-cheating would not be liking Kim Kardashian’s bikini snap, but liking your ex’s photo with love eyes might be. What’s wrong with sneaking a peek at your ex’s Facebook or Instagram profile? We all do it periodically, but as you may well know, it may quickly lead you astray. However, the deeper you go into that rabbit hole, the less aware you are of the present. Consider whether you would like it if your partner followed up with an old friend. I’m sure we all know the response to that.
Interacting With Someone Secretly
Sometimes, micro-cheating starts unintentionally. Your graduate school ex hasn’t been in touch with you in years, but right before your birthday, they text you to wish you a happy birthday. No harm has been done, right? But when you text them back and they text you back, a situation of micro-cheating occurs. In actuality, you can stop it. Nevertheless, you decide to continue the chat. Very soon, it starts to happen every day. Talking to someone when it comes from a place of concealment is wrong, even if it’s just a text or a social networking app.
Constant Thoughts About Someone Else
Got someone running around in your mind? It’s an obvious sign!
Another indication that you’re micro-cheating is spending long periods thinking about a particular individual every day. Cmpare it to how often you think about your partner. Why do you spend so much mental energy thinking about someone you aren’t even dating? It’s not normal to be thinking about someone other than your partner. If you’re in a committed relationship, shouldn’t you be focusing your attention and thoughts on that person alone?
Keeping Secrets
Lying is never a good thing in a relationship. You realize that you really shouldn’t be doing what you’re doing, though, when you lie because you know it would make your partner angry. When you purposefully conceal your browsing history or lock your smartphone because you don’t want your partner to know you are conversing with a certain individual, it is a frequent instance of micro-cheating that most of us can identify with. Certainly a valid point. Why would you keep these things a secret if you have none? I’m not arguing against your right to privacy. But other actions go beyond privacy, such as talking to someone else and breaking the law.
On Dating Sites
Whether you are casually conversing with people or idly swiping just to “look” at men or women, that’s micro-cheating. A fundamental question is: Why use dating websites if you are in a committed relationship? Some people merely create dating profiles to “see what’s out there.” They rarely, however, take into account the possibility that others are aware of what they are “looking at.” Even while it could seem harmless, if you do nothing, it might be harmful. Every action has a consequence, especially in the present world with all the technology we have at our disposal. If you want to use a dating app while you are with someone, that should also be a red flag.
Saying You’re Single
A random stranger offers you a drink, and you hang out for a bit. Now, that seems very benign. But pretending to not be in a relationship when they ask whether you’re single, is outright micro-cheating. We understand that sometimes, there’s a desire to be single again, but confiding in someone who can help us achieve that would be unfaithful. Why would you feel the need to downplay dating someone? If the only goal is to drink free beer all night long, that’s probably alright. You’re on the wrong track, though, if it goes beyond the free drinks and you’re happy to let another person think you’re interested in them.
Fantasizing About Life With Someone Else
This is so revoltingly creepy!
Of course, while you’re in a relationship, it’s normal to have fantasies about someone other than your partner or even to have a crush on them. But if your thoughts are exclusively focused on a future together with someone else, it might be wise to reevaluate your partnership. It would be considered micro-cheating if you started fantasizing about what it would be like to be with the individual. And if you already have a significant other, you might want to carefully consider the cause of your strong feelings for someone else.
