6 Signs a Partner Could Be Emotionally Cheating

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on March 13, 2020. It has since been updated.

Everything was perfect until he started pulling away. In the beginning, both of you were so involved with each other. From going out on dates to talking about random things in the middle of the night, being with him made you happy. You could reveal your greatest fears and he was all ears. 

Then, slowly, he started to become more distant. No matter how hard you tried, the emotional connect you had with him just wasn't coming back. You wondered if he was cheating on you. But you never really saw the signs of it - no lipstick on the collar, no hidden panties.

So, why then do you feel like you are the only one in the relationship?

He might not be physically cheating on you, but that doesn't mean he isn't emotionally involved with someone else. This is how you'll know:

1. He never lets you check his phone 

Initially, you could borrow his phone and he would never have a problem with it. Now, even if you want to do something as small as check the time, he won't let you. More than that, he doesn't ever leave his phone around you. It feels like he doesn't trust you and something's certainly "off".

2. He doesn't try to be intimate with you anymore

Cuddling, holding hands, sitting with your shoulder against his... it all feels like a distant memory. Now, it's as if he tries to be as far away from you without making it obvious. And to your eye, it even seems like an unconscious move. It doesn't hurt any less though. 

3. He's constantly texting even when he's with you

Finally, after so much convincing, you've managed to set up a date like the old days. But he's just glued to his phone. What hurts more is that you can see him smile and laugh, but it's not with you. It's with whoever is on the other end of that virtual conversation. 

4. He doesn't open up to you as much

You used to be able to have such brilliant conversations with him. From anything random to your feelings, pains, dreams, and goals. The best part used to be that he did the same with you. But now, he just seems to be in his own world. Conversations between the two of you are just a series of grunts and one-word answers. He makes you feel like you're lonely even when you're with him.  

5. He's comparing you to one specific person all the time

There's this one person he keeps talking about but you've never even met her. Yet, the enthusiasm with which he talks about her can make your heart feel like it's shattering into pieces. But the worst feeling comes when he tries to make you more like this woman you have never seen before.    

6. He goes out with "her" and never lets you come along

Going out together was your thing with him, but now, he constantly meets up with "her". Just when you think you'll finally get a chance to meet the woman who is taking your partner away, he doesn't let you. No matter how much you try to convince him, he always meets up with her without you. 

Just because you haven't said anything doesn't mean you don't see what's going on. You used to think that being physically cheated on would break you, but this is worse. It's heart-breaking to know that there is someone else he would rather confide in than you. You smile as much as you can because you don't want him to see the pain he's heaping on you. But you just can't take it anymore. It's making you lose trust and confidence in your relationship and more importantly, yourself.

Disclaimer: This article is based on facts collated from different sources. The views expressed here are those of the writer.