8 signs of a serial cheater: How to know if your partner is cheating on you

When you decide to be in a romantic relationship, you trust that person and both of you agree to be faithful to each other. But there are times, when a partner ends up betraying or cheating on their lover. This can affect self-esteem as well as confidence of the person who gets cheated on. Such situations may make you wonder if your partner did it before or was it just a one-time occurrence. The signs of a serial cheater are not always obvious. So, if you don’t want to be stuck with an unfaithful partner, know how to spot the signs of a serial cheater.

A serial cheater is someone who repeatedly engages in infidelity or cheating within romantic relationships, often with multiple partners over time, explains Dr Rahul Taneja, Psychiatrist, Paras Health, Udaipur.

What causes someone to become a serial cheater?

A 2012 study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health revealed that participating men and women who actively pursued or got involved in extramarital affairs were hoping to improve their sex lives. There are some more reasons why some people become serial cheaters. These may include:

• A lack of commitment
• Emotional dissatisfaction in their current relationship
• A desire for novelty or excitement
• Personal insecurities
• A history of infidelity in their past.

Signs of a serial cheater

Want to know if your partner is a serial cheater or not? You need to know the red flags.

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1. Frequent secrecy

While locking your phones or having a password is quite common, serial cheaters will often hide their phone or messages, keeping their interactions private.

2. Lack of commitment

Every romantic relationship starts with a commitment. You expect your partner to be faithful and invested in the relationship. But serial cheaters struggle to commit to one partner.

3. Flirtatious behaviour

Being friendly with others is one thing, but frequently flirting with others, even when in a relationship is one major red flag you should be able to spot.

4. Emotional distance

It’s not just about sex, but a romantic relationship involves emotions too. If your partner is a serial cheater, they may emotionally detach from you, says the expert.

5. Constant need for validation

There are some people who are always seeking attention and admiration from others. This constant need for validation may be a sign that your partner is a serial cheater.

6. History of cheating

Some people don’t like to talk about their past romances. But if you manage to find out that your partner has past instances of infidelity in previous relationships, you should be careful.

7. Changing stories

Sometimes their actions may make you question their commitment to the relationship. Serial cheaters will provide inconsistent or untruthful explanations for their actions.

8. Defensiveness

If you are dating a serial cheater, they may become defensive or evasive when you question them about fidelity, says Dr Taneja.

If you suspect your partner is a serial cheater, it’s essential to communicate openly and honestly with them about your concerns. You can consider seeking couples therapy or counseling to address the issues in your relationship. All you have to do is trust your instincts and prioritise your emotional well-being, as staying in a relationship with a serial cheater can be emotionally damaging. Ultimately, the decision to stay or leave should be based on your personal values and what you believe is best for your happiness and emotional health.