WHAT IS MICROCHEATING?Micro-cheating relates to minor gestures of betrayal by engaging in romantic/ sexual conversations with people outside of your relationship. These can include liking photos, sliding into DMs, sharing reels or memes often, flirting online.
Relationship counsellor Ruchi Ruuh says, “Micro-cheating involves small gestures or subtle acts of betrayal which might look innocent initially but can signal a relationship boundary being crossed."
CAN MICRO-CHEATING BE A RELATIONSHIP RED FLAG?Experts explain that whether online activities can be tagged as cheating depends on the couple and the bond they share. What crosses a boundary for one couple could be normal for another. However, frequent suspicious activities that cross a line can erode trust over time and turn into a red flag.
SIGNS OF MICRO-CHEATING
- Increased secrecy by deleting messages
- Diminishing emotional investment
- Becoming over-conscious about their own appearance
- Frequently clicking photos to post on social media
- Liking someone’s photos whom they find attractive and leaving flirtatious comments
- Comparing their partner to someone they find attractive
WAYS TO NAVIGATE MICRO-CHEATING
- Take time to process how you feel about being micro-cheated
- Don’t act on assumptions. Always look for evidence
- Communicate your feelings to your partner instead of blaming them
- Give your partner a chance to explain
- Set clear boundaries and mutually agree upon certain rules or restrictions
- If you are the one who has micro-cheated, understand that your partner is hurting and be honest with them about everything
- Seek help from a professional therapist
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