12 subtle signs you’ve got a cheating spouse

An unfaithful spouse will usually try their hardest to cover their tracks, but aside from catching them in the act, there are some other telling signs that could signal that they’re engaging in an affair. Do any of these ring true?

Are you used to your husband or wife arriving home by 6 p.m. to share a much-needed end-of-day martini or help with dinner, baths, and bedtime? A sudden change in that routine may be a sign of cheating. “When someone stops coming home at the regular time, on a regular basis, be wary,” says dating and relationship advice and etiquette expert April Masini. “When a schedule changes and there’s no comment about why or what he or she is doing differently, it may be because your spouse is cheating on you.” Some people will offer an excuse for their change in routine – like going to the gym late because it’s less crowded (and because you’re less likely to question the “post-workout shower”), says Masini. Why do even the best of us break the rules from time to time? Find out here.

Not cool. Date night is a hallmark of marriage, so when your date night with your spouse disappears, it might be because they’re having a date night with someone else. According to Masini, author of Think & Date Like a Man, a more experienced cheating spouse will keep your date night, but end it early because they have a “work issue” or a “poker game” that runs until after midnight. “Breaking up the night to make time for date night with another lady is one way you’ll know you’re with someone who’s probably cheating,” she says.

While this sounds like a break for you, this may be one of the signs of cheating. “When your spouse stops letting you do his or her laundry or drop off his or her dry cleaning, you often have a cheating situation on your hands,” says Masini. “There may be evidence on the clothes or in the pockets, and it’s much safer for someone who’s cheating to handle their own laundry and dry cleaning.” She says to pay attention to a spouse who acts like they’re doing you a favour because it’s more about keeping a secret. Has your relationship gone stale? Here are 8 ways to put the spark back into your partnership.

Most married couples have joint accounts or share information about family finances. There are budgets to consider and conversations about spending before a big purchase. “When you find a credit card, you’ve got a smoking gun,” Masini says. “Unless this is a work credit card, which you’d probably know about, a secret credit card is pretty hard and fast evidence that you’ve got a cheating spouse.”

Most people who think their spouse is having an affair will immediately ask to see their phone to scroll through texts and incoming/outgoing calls. Don’t be fooled if they let you, says psychiatrist Scott Haltzman, MD, author of the book The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity. “If he or she gives you full access, it’s a sign they may have a second phone,” Dr. Haltzman says.

Helen, a married mum with a toddler son, says her husband never had a password on his phone because their child loved accessing the fun apps. All of a sudden that changed, and when Helen asked for the four-digit code, her husband declined and typed it in privately. Red flag alert! This is definitely one of the signs of cheating. “Something is definitely wrong,” says Laurie Puhn, JD, a couples mediator and author of the book Fight Less, Love More: 5-Minute Conversations to Change Your Relationship without Blowing Up or Giving In. Passwords should be shared in a marriage; there are random times when you need the phone number for the plumber and it’s in your partner’s phone or email account, or you need to check an e-receipt that was sent to your spouse. “It’s not that you need a list of his passwords, but should you ask for one – for a legitimate reason – he should give it to you,” says Puhn. This should not be a big deal. By not telling you the code, your spouse may be admitting to a secret of some sort.

“Not wanting to have sex anymore – or a lot less than usual – can mean many things, including that he or she might be cheating,” says Puhn. “Essentially if your partner is pulling away from you.” Now, this might not be one of the signs of cheating; this could also be because your partner is focused on an upsetting job situation, financial stress, or a family health issue but whatever the reason, you must bring it up soon, with warmth and tact. “Let them know that you noticed a difference and try to rekindle with daily hugs, warm smiles, a touch on the back and, of course, pursue sex. See if this opens the door to a warm heartfelt conversation.” Here are 13 normal fights even happy couples have!

A “just because” spa gift card or new purse – completely unrelated to a birthday, anniversary, or work promotion – could be a lovely surprise, or it could be a clue that your partner is feeling guilty about something and trying to compensate. “Have a direct conversation,” advises Puhn. You could say something like: “It’s only been in the last few months that you are bringing me surprise presents. While this is thoughtful, I am wondering if something led you to start doing this?” See what he says and watch how he acts. “Also, look for other clues, like if he cancels plans and those long-stem roses are some sort of consolation prize.” It could signal you’ve got a cheating spouse on your hands. Or, he could just be feeling the love. Here are 10 small but significant romantic gestures that can improve any relationship almost immediately.

Nicole sat down to her family computer and up popped a big surprise: a message from a woman that read, “I can’t stop thinking about you, baby. When will I see you again?” Face it: Social media friends don’t message like that. They congratulate each other on the birth of a new baby or a cool vacation photo. When the conversation gets racy, it’s one of the very clear signs of cheating. “Most cheaters these days are caught via text or on social media,” says dating and relationship expert Rachel Russo. “When women snoop on a man or accidentally find something, it’s often what they suspected. There could be incriminating photos, texts, or a call history that would prove to be evidence of an affair.”