Expert reveals signs your partner could be guilty of ‘micro-cheating’

Some of us have learned the hard way that not all cheating is created equal.

While most of us will agree that the worst of it is a sexual affair with someone outside the relationship, other types of infidelity might be emotional or increasingly in an ever-online world, virtual.

This type of behaviour, dubbed micro-cheating has gained traction in recent times, and one relationship expert has explained exactly what it is and signs to look out for.

Psychotherapist Deborah Krevalin, a therapist, and business coach who specialises in helping couples communicate productively, has shared relationship advice with her more than 155,000 TikTok followers, while also discussing dating trends, new lingo people use to refer to their love life and topics of debate which commonly crop up between couples.

According to the Connecticut-based content creator, micro-cheaters take a much different approach than 'traditional' philanderers.

Deborah shares relationship advice regularly on her social media platforms (Deborah Krevalin/TikTok)

"Traditional cheating is clear cut, the behaviour is disrespectful, dishonest and quite honestly unfair," Deborah explained.

"With micro-cheating, it's a little bit more under the radar and subtle."

Although your other half might not have actually done the dirty on you and rolled around in the sheets with someone else, their behaviour doesn't exactly equate to that of a loyal partner.

There might not have been any physical acts, but these small actions of betrayal can soon cause your relationship to hit the rocks.

While the person may not be doing anything physical with a third party, their behaviour is considered cheating as they push boundaries and forge an intimate relationship with another person, which goes way beyond a simple friendship.

Krevalin said: "It's text messaging, private conversations using social media, pictures and messages - but at the end of the day, the intention is the same.

"It is a blatant betrayal."

There are signs to look out for if your partner is micro cheating (Cravetiger / Getty)

For example, these kinds of love rats might have a browse through dating apps every now and again, send a few saucy text messages, chat up someone on social media or hide their relationship status.

Anyone in a relationship might now start questioning their partner but rest assured that not all online chat is an example of micro cheating. According to experts, there are a few red flags to look out for which could indicate that you're significant other is micro-cheating on you.

Psychotherapist Krevalin continued: "If your partner is being a little bit secretive, reluctant to hand their phone over, there's a chance they could be a micro-cheater...just something to think about."

Relationship boffin Susan Winter also encouraged people to keep an eye out for how their partner interacts with others, and if it makes you feel uncomfortable, she advises you to address the issue head on.

She explained the best way to deal with a potential micro-cheater is by having a diplomatic conversation about your concerns.