Subtle signs of issue 'worse than cheating' to look for in a relationship

In an age where people's attention spans are shorter than ever, it's perhaps no surprise that cheating is so rife in relationships.

Despite the many options available to people who find their eyes drifting elsewhere, including soft-swapping, swinging and open relationships, it seems as if many people still prefer some good old-fashioned infidelity.

Finding your man with your best mate's nan or your girlfriend in bed with your uncle Fred would be devastating for everyone, but a lot of the time, it seems as if the other half might well have seen it coming, particularly if it comes after a sporadic lad's trip to Magaluf.

Unless you're an expert in avoiding detection and suspicion, it's likely that you've shown off some signs that you might be cheating during your period of unfaithfulness, but it seems as if some folks still think there are worse ways of betraying your partner.

That's right, it's not just physical infidelity that is rife, as many people are also struggling with emotional infidelity, which can often occur right in front of your eyes rather than behind your back.

Fortunately, there are some signs that you can look out for which might make you realise what's actually happening in your own relationship, or one of your friends' or family members'.

One of the classic signs to look out for is a sudden secretive use of their phone, particularly if they're always texting someone that isn't you. If they become very private about these conversations, and maybe change their phone password, then it's likely to be a red flag.

Being secret around your phone is often a tell-tale sign (Getty Stock)

Experts have recently suggested that if your partner has 'disappearing messages', then they may well have their phone in 'affair mode' to keep you from finding out.

A second sign of emotional cheating is constant comparisons to someone else. If your partner is regularly being critical of you and comparing you to someone else, then number one you shouldn't be with them, but number two it probably means that they idolise this other person and want to be with them instead.

Sudden changes in behaviour and habits can also be a big warning sign, and might well mean that they're trying to impress someone else. We shouldn't jump to conclusions if your partner suddenly wants to better themselves, just as long as they're doing it to impress you rather than Sally from work.

Being defensive about someone else also isn't a great sign (Getty Stock)

Although it's said that if your partner is cheating, they might actually be more interested in physical intimacy with you, it seems as if the same cannot be said for the emotional side.

Of course, communication and emotional intimacy are the cornerstones of a good relationship and the moment that disappears, it can be difficult to fix things, particularly if they're now speaking to someone else about how their day was or what their biggest fears are.

Finally, if your partner becomes over-defensive about their relationship with this mystery man or woman, then it might well be curtains for the both of you. Experts suggest that this might well stem from a protectiveness for that person that wouldn't exist unless there was something sinister going on, and they may well be hiding their true feelings about that other party.