What is micro-cheating? Here are some details you should know
2024-May-30 18:30
2024-Jul-10 20:59
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Micro-cheating, as defined by psychology today, means doing small things that make your partner doubt your loyalty, without actually having a physical affair. These actions can be hard to figure out because they differ for each couple. But if they happen a lot, it might mean the relationship has bigger problems, according to Psychology today.
Micro-cheating includes behaviors that make your partner question if you're really committed to them emotionally or physically.
It can be tricky to understand in a relationship. Sometimes, people think of micro-cheating as just normal behavior, whether you're single or in a relationship. Being in a relationship doesn't mean you suddenly don't react naturally to attention from others.
Micro-cheating is different for everyone, and while one thing might not be a big deal, a pattern of behavior could be worrisome. Plus, everyone has different ideas about what's okay in a relationship.
Here are some examples of micro-cheating based on the website marriage, according to Marriage:
- Saying you're single when you're not – this could mean pretending to be single online or when you're out with friends so you can flirt with others.
- Keeping in touch with an ex secretly – this is when you're talking to an ex without telling your partner, which could make them uncomfortable because there might still be feelings there.
- Still using dating apps – if you're in a relationship, it's not cool to keep using dating apps. It's like keeping your options open, which isn't fair to your partner.
- Getting too close to a friend – having friends of the opposite sex is fine, but if you're sharing personal stuff with them, it might be crossing a line.
- Texting someone you're attracted to – even if you're not meeting up, texting someone you're into when you're in a relationship isn't cool.
- Talking to an ex about relationship issues – going to your ex for advice on your current relationship is disrespectful to your partner.
- Trying to impress others – spending extra time getting ready to meet someone you're attracted to is not respectful to your partner.
- Keeping secrets – if you're hiding stuff from your partner, it's not being honest with them.
- Talking about sex with someone else – discussing your sex life with someone other than your partner is crossing a line.
- Meeting up with people behind your partner's back – if you can't tell your partner about meeting someone, it's not being faithful to them.
If you think your partner might be micro-cheating, here's what you can do, according to Choosing theraphy:
- Stay calm – try not to freak out. Take some time to think about your feelings before you talk to your partner.
- Plan your talk – think about what you want to say before you talk to your partner. Use "I" statements to express how you feel, instead of blaming them.
- Listen – listen to what your partner has to say without interrupting. Try to understand their side of the story.
- Set boundaries – talk to your partner about what counts as micro-cheating for both of you. Make sure you both agree on what's okay and what's not.
- Think about the relationship – if your partner isn't willing to listen or make changes, you might need to reconsider the relationship.
If you're the one who cheated, think about why you did it and if you're delighted in the relationship. Take some time to figure things out. (Leiyan Piadozo)