Worrying that your partner might be unfaithful is a deeply unsettling feeling. While trust is the foundation of any relationship, sometimes changes in behavior plant seeds of doubt. Before you confront your partner or spiral with anxiety, it helps to know what signs professionals actually look for. Private investigator Tom Martin, drawing from years of experience, outlines a range of behavioral shifts that could indicate cheating. His insights move beyond guesswork into the realm of observable patterns.
Martin suggests beginning with four major red flags. The first involves new or frequent business trips, especially those that seem to appear out of nowhere. A sudden and sustained increase in work hours or overtime, without a clear reason, is another. Within the relationship itself, a noticeable dip in your intimate life can be a signal, though natural fluctuations are normal. Finally, pay attention to their emotional tone. If your partner becomes unusually defensive or evasive when asked simple questions, it might suggest they are hiding something.
.jpg)
But the list goes much deeper. Martin details a comprehensive set of twenty clues that, especially when several appear together, warrant attention. These include significant changes in daily routine, like leaving home earlier and returning later than usual. Be mindful of unexplained expenses, hidden credit card statements, or purchases you never see, like gifts that aren’t for you. On a personal level, a sudden spike in grooming habits or joining a gym out of the blue can sometimes be linked to trying to impress someone new.
Technology and secrecy often play a central role. Watch for secret social media accounts or messaging apps you didn’t know about. Be aware of coded or secretive text messages and frequent missed calls from unknown numbers. Other tangible signs might include finding items that can’t be explained, like an unfamiliar scent on their clothes or personal belongings that don’t add up. Emotional changes are just as telling. This includes telling obvious, unnecessary lies, having a consistently short temper, or showing a strong dislike for surprise visits or you dropping by unexpectedly.
Martin’s key advice is to look for clusters of these behaviors, not just one isolated sign. He also notes that the digital age has transformed his field. While a private investigator’s methodology is valuable, technology now empowers people to find their own clues. However, this comes with a warning: approach with care. Jumping to conclusions based on suspicion alone can damage a healthy relationship. His guide is a tool for observation, not a verdict, intended to help you understand the landscape before making any life-altering decisions.
