Micro-betrayal is subjective, an action or behavior may be characterized as micro-betrayal by one person, but considered completely harmless to another.

Therefore, examples of micro-cheating should be taken with a grain of salt, but they can include:

• Interacting with a former partner in a way that makes the current partner feel uncomfortable;

• Flirting or stimulating sexual energy with someone other than your partner;

• Do not make it clear to others that you are in an exclusive relationship, especially when someone else expresses attraction to you;

• Allowing and even encouraging the sexual advances of others;

• Secret communication with an ex-partner;

• Giving gifts or valuables to others;

• Seek emotional comfort and trust someone other than your partner; 

• Being on an online dating site.

What are the signs of micro-infidelity?

The definition of micro-infidelity depends on each couple and their expectations in a relationship. However, considering some comprehensive signs can help identify some forms commonly perceived as micro-cheating.

Your partner may be micro-cheating on you when:

• Constantly tries to hide interactions with someone else;

• Repeatedly prioritizes someone else over you;

• Becomes overly defensive when you ask anything about a certain person;

• There is a significant change in unexplained behavior.

Microinfidelity involves behaviors that cause one to question their partner's emotional or physical commitment to the relationship. These actions may include an individual regularly messaging someone they find attractive, for example, or having an online relationship with someone they trust but do not meet in person. Such behavior can fall into an ethical gray area. Therefore, they can sometimes be difficult to identify, confront and discuss.

How can you prevent micro-cheating?

Couples can prevent breaches of trust by discussing and negotiating the terms of their relationship, both at the beginning and as the relationship develops. For example, is it okay to flirt with other people? Having a casual dinner date with an ex? Have a crush on someone on Instagram that they'll never meet? People often enter a relationship with different expectations, and discussing them together can bring clarity to both partners.

How do you handle micro-cheating with a partner?

If you suspect micro-cheating and want to discuss it with your partner, it can help to emotionally separate yourself from the information and weigh the signs that your relationship is strong, happy, and fulfilling against the signs that your partner is cheating or disinterested. .

You can ask yourself questions such as: How important is this information? Has your partner ever given you a reason to doubt his fidelity? Have you kept similar secrets from your partner? What was your motivation behind keeping this information secret from them?

After taking time to assess the situation, explain to your partner that you feel confused, upset, or blindsided by the latest revelation. Maintain curiosity instead of jumping to accusations. Let your partner respond by keeping an open mind. This may involve multiple conversations or the help of a therapist.

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