Dating expert warns how you could be 'micro-cheating' in your relationship

If you were wanting to sort out your love life once and for all in 2024 then listen up as one dating expert has warned how you could be 'micro-cheating' in your relationship.

Now, we've already been given the rundown on many relationship topics - such as how to last longer in the bedroom, how Dry January could help improve your sex life and relationships and how to avoid the dreaded 'avalanching' trend this January.

But what on earth constitutes as 'micro-cheating'?

Apparently, cheating is far from a clear-cut, black and white situation according to dating expert Melanie Schilling.

Speaking to HuffPost Australia, Melanie explained that micro-cheating is 'a series of seemingly small actions that indicate a person is emotionally or physically focused on someone outside their relationship'.

This 'small actions' includes any 'subtle betrayals' like being a bit too flirty with your work colleague, getting all done just in the hopes you may see that good-looking bloke on your commute or stalking an ex's Insta profile just to keep tabs on what they're up to.

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According to Schilling, you might also be micro-cheating if: "You secretly connect with another guy/girl on social media; if you share private jokes; if you downplay the seriousness of your relationship to another guy/girl; or if you enter their name under a code in your phone."

While people are totally entitled to their privacy and independence in relationships, another relationship expert, Susan Winter, opened up about the boundaries of what micro-cheating really means.

She also told The Independent: "Although micro-cheating may not be physical cheating, it’s certainly testing the borders of emotional cheating.

"Flirting is flirting. And flirting is the act of fanning a spark that can easily spread to a flame."

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So, in short, next time you give the eyes to someone across the bar, flirt a little too hard with your barista or take your banter with a pal that one bit too far - think to yourself: "Would I act like this if my partner was here?" or "How would I feel if my partner did something like this?"

If the answer is 'no' to the first question and 'not great' to the second then you, my friend, may be guilty of micro-cheating.

Susan recommends open and honest communication if this is the case, talking to your partner about the issue in a diplomatic and rational way by explaining the observations you’ve made, and how they have affected you.

Topics: Sex and Relationships, Life

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2021 in English Literature. Alongside her studies, she was the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the largest student newspaper in the United Kingdom. Her favourite topics to write about include sex and relationships, bizarre lifestyle trends and all things travel.