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Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life
Lucy Devine
Relationship experts have revealed the six red flags of 'micro-cheating'.
Micro-cheating can often be seen as harmless, because it's generally considered by some as not crossing the line into a full-blown affair.
While these actions might not constitute full-on cheating, the small behaviours can often add up to do more damage than you would expect.
According to a 2015 poll by YouGov and The Economist, one in five Americans have admitted to being unfaithful within a committed relationship.
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The term micro-cheating has become popularised by Australian expert and psychologist Melanie Schilling, and is characterised by 'behaviours that lead someone to question their partner's emotional or physical commitment to the relationship.'
As isolated events, they might sound like no big deal, but psychologist Abby Medcalf has revealed that over time, they can sometimes lead to more.
"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 told the DailyMail.com
Abby explains that a lot of micro-cheating happens online, so if you notice your partner messaging somebody else - and you don't feel comfortable with it - it's best to have an open conversation.
According to relationship expert, Annabelle Knight, micro-cheating is often emotional.
"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
You might not realize that building some kind of emotional bond with someone outside of your relationship is a form of micro-cheating, but it can be.
This could be a colleague at work who is nicknamed your ‘work wife/husband’ and you both confide in each other regarding personal aspects of your lives.
If your partner is doing their best to initiate conversations with a certain co-worker, this could also be a sign of micro-cheating.
However, equally, it's best not to jump to conclusions, but instead have a discussion and set some boundaries you're both comfortable with.
Annabelle explains that this type of cheating can also occur when people try to downplay their existing 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 explains that when it comes to your own relationship, there is 'no right and wrong'.
"It comes down to preferences," she added.
But if you do spot a behaviour that makes you concerned, having an open conversation is hugely important.