Are You Being 'Micro-Cheated' On? Dating Expert Reveals 5 Sneaky Signs

While most people are familiar with traditional cheating in relationships, a lesser-known but equally damaging behavior called *micro-cheating* has come to light—and a dating expert is warning partners about the subtle red flags.

In a recent TikTok video, dating guru M explained that micro-cheating, or "silent cheating", involves behaviors that fall just short of physical infidelity but still breach trust. "You won’t find evidence or see texts, but you know something is going on. That’s how silent cheating works," she said.

5 Signs Your Partner Might Be Micro-Cheating

1. "Innocent" Flirting That Crosses the Line

M noted that micro-cheaters often engage in flirting that feels *just* inappropriate enough to cause discomfort but not enough to be called outright cheating. *"They might like, comment, or follow people who make you uneasy, or have overly friendly exchanges, inside jokes, or barely-there physical touches,"* she explained. *"If you bring it up, they’ll brush it off."*

2. Keeping a "Backup" Love Interest

Another warning sign? Your partner stays in touch with an ex or past fling under the guise of friendship. *"They might keep their options open without technically cheating,"* M said, calling it a classic silent-cheating tactic.

3. Emotional Intimacy With Someone Else

If your partner confides in someone else about things they should be discussing with you, they may be forming an emotional connection outside the relationship. *"It still leaves you feeling like you’re being emotionally replaced,"* M warned.

4. Secretive Phone Behavior

Hiding their phone is a major red flag. "They turn their screen away when texting, exit apps when you walk by, or take their phone everywhere,"* M described. *"We’ve all been in this one."*

5. Defensiveness Instead of Reassurance

When confronted, micro-cheaters often deflect blame. "Instead of reassuring you, they say, ‘Wow, so you don’t trust me?’ or ‘You’re just paranoid,’" M explained. *"They rarely deny it—they just make you feel guilty for asking."*

How to Handle Micro-Cheating

If you suspect your partner is engaging in these behaviors, experts advise addressing concerns calmly. *"Try not to be accusatory," said therapist William Schroeder. "If they’re on their phone more than usual, bring it up without assuming wrongdoing."

While micro-cheating may not involve physical betrayal, experts warn that it can erode trust just as severely. Recognizing these signs early could be key to addressing issues before they escalate.