Cheating in a relationship occurs when one partner violates the boundaries or agreements of emotional or physical exclusivity, breaking the trust that forms the foundation of the relationship. While definitions can vary depending on the couple, cheating generally includes any behavior that is kept secret and would hurt the other partner if discovered.

Common Types of Cheating:

Physical Cheating
Engaging in sexual or physical intimacy with someone outside the relationship. This includes kissing, touching, or having sex with someone other than your partner. It is the most widely recognized form of infidelity.

Emotional Cheating
Developing a deep emotional bond with someone else, often while withdrawing emotionally from your partner. Signs include confiding in someone else more than your partner, hiding conversations, or fantasizing about a romantic connection outside the relationship.

Online or Digital Cheating
This involves using technology to engage in inappropriate relationships. Examples include:

  • Sexting or flirty messaging
  • Using dating apps while in a committed relationship
  • Sending explicit photos
  • Hiding social media interactions

Micro-Cheating
Subtle behaviors that may not seem like infidelity on the surface but can signal emotional unavailability or disloyalty. Examples:

  • Hiding texts from your partner
  • Reaching out to an ex secretly
  • Flirting under the guise of “harmless fun”

Financial Infidelity
Secretly spending or hiding money, making large purchases, or taking on debt without the partner’s knowledge. While not always romantic, it can seriously damage trust.

Why Cheating Happens

Cheating can be a symptom of deeper issues in a relationship, such as:

  • Lack of communication or emotional intimacy
  • Unmet needs (emotional, sexual, or psychological)
  • Low self-esteem
  • Impulse control issues or unresolved trauma
  • Opportunity combined with secrecy

How to Prevent Cheating

  • Set clear boundaries together from the start
  • Communicate openly about needs, feelings, and expectations
  • Build trust through honesty, transparency, and accountability
  • Check in regularly about emotional and physical satisfaction

When to Seek Help

If you’re dealing with cheating or facing trust issues in your relationship, therapy can help. A licensed therapist can support both individuals and couples in rebuilding trust, improving communication, and healing after betrayal.