How to Spot a Cheating Spouse (husband/wife)

Uncharacteristic changes in behavior can signal your spouse is cheating.

Most couples are cued into each other enough to know when one of them begins to demonstrate uncharacteristic behaviors. Spouses who suspect their partners are cheating on them often see changes in how they act, look and talk that happen for no apparent reason. Ruth Houston points out in "How to Catch a Cheating Husband" that the signs will be hard to miss if you stay aware of what happens in your relationship and "use your senses -- all of them."

Instructions

1. Pay attention to a drop or unusual increase in sexual intimacy and other displays of affection. Monitor any sudden change in work commitments that require your spouse to spend more hours away from home. Notice if he or she becomes more protective over personal files and communications, or if there is an increase in time spent on the home computer. Spot not only the absence of a wedding ring or other jewelry you have gifted, but also the feeble excuse given when confronted, warns the Cheating Spouse website.

2. Suspect something is not right if your spouse suddenly discourages you from visiting the workplace, cautions Ruth Houston. Watch for an immediate trip to the shower upon coming home. Confirm if that's your perfume/aftershave in the laundry hamper or someone else's. Notice an excess in calls to/from one specific number on the home phone or cellphone bill.

3. Inspect the car to see if the passenger seat position is different than when you were last in it. Check the odometer and any changes in gasoline purchases for inconsistencies. Take note of the type and amount of clothing kept in the car for post-workout changes. Houston advises to scan the car for receipts and unfamiliar personal effects, as well as any hair strands or scents that are not yours.

4. Take into account when your spouse is suddenly being overly accommodating or especially distant and sarcastic. Detect improved appearance such as weight loss, new hairstyle or color, changes in clothing type, different body scent or starting to wear one, and overdressing for running an errand. Cheating Spouse recommends scrutinizing credit card bills for gift purchases like flowers or jewelry. Check for unusual withdrawal activity from the ATM.

Tips & Warnings

• Exhibiting just a few of these signs does not automatically mean your spouse is cheating.

References

• Cheating Spouse: Warning Signs of a Cheater; 2006
• Infidelity: "How to Catch a Cheating Husband"; Ruth Houston

Resources

• Professional Counselling: "Signs of Infidelity"; Elly Prior; 2010