Dating has evolved quite a bit over the last few decades. To a certain extent, technology has played a role in this transformation. Thanks to various personal devices, the internet, and social media, people are now able to communicate in a variety of ways.
This development, however, can actually cause quite a few problems in relationships. After all, partners aren’t just able to stay in touch with each other. They can now view pictures, send messages, and keep track of complete strangers with their phones and computers as well.
Such an ability has led to a new phenomenon known as micro-cheating. In case you are wondering what this is and how it can impact a relationship, keep reading. Or check out sites like Swipe-affair.com for to see where the action is.
Defining Micro Cheating
To begin with, let’s ask the question, what exactly is micro-cheating? Well, as the name suggests, it is a subtler form of infidelity. It is when one partner goes beyond the set boundaries of a relationship. Unlike with traditional cheating, though, it doesn’t actually involve physical intimacy.
Although micro-cheating may not seem as full-blown as typical unfaithfulness, it can actually have a major impact on the relationship. This is especially true if one partner is actively covering up what they do. The sheer need to hide their tendencies is what can negatively affect relationships.
What Does Micro Cheating Look Like?
Now, let’s take a look at what micro-cheating looks like in today’s world. Micro-cheating can often take place on social media. This is because, here, you have greater insight into people’s personal lives. So, engaging with someone who is not your partner is an act of micro-cheating.
Of course, not all social media interactions can be considered micro-cheating. However, the following instances can:
- Liking suggestive photos or making comments with flirtatious or sexual undertones definitely counts as micro-cheating. When you or your partner does this, you have gone beyond simply looking at the image. Instead, you have actively accepted that this is something that you find attractive.
- Lengthy DMs with someone you find attractive. Now, this may seem like a rather odd point to make, especially if you aren’t saying anything lewd or suggestive in the messages. What you are forgetting, though, is that these messages build emotional intimacy. So, with time, you are actually becoming more emotionally involved with the person you are messaging.
So, what about beyond social media – does micro-cheating occur here too? Yes, it does. For instance, it isn’t unusual for you to find someone other than your partner attractive. In fact, it is quite human. However, if you make plans to meet up with this person specifically or meet them outside of socially accepted instances, then it is micro-cheating.
See, when you make such plans, you are doing it so that you can have more quality time with the person you are attracted to. What’s more, you will be spending that time flirting with them as well. In this sense, to a certain degree, you are being unfaithful to your partner.
How Does Micro Cheating Hurt the Relationship?
It is natural to wonder if micro-cheating is actually harmful. After all, there is no physical infidelity involved. Well, micro-cheating can hurt the relationship for a number of reasons. To begin with, it involves secretive behavior that a partner purposely chooses to hide. Thus, it means that that person knows that they are doing something wrong, but continues with the behavior anyway. This alone can cause trust issues within the relationship.
There is also the fact that micro-cheating is often seen as a stepping stone to actual infidelity. To a certain degree, one partner has already found someone that they are attracted to. So, if they feel as though their relationship is in an unstable place, they may be at greater risk of cheating.
What Should You Do?
Your final concern is what should you do about micro cheating. Many people may not feel comfortable bringing up this topic with their partner. This is especially true since you can’t properly equate micro-cheating with cheating.
Nevertheless, you deserve to be in a trusting and honest relationship. Thus, you should talk to your partner about their behavior. However, don’t drop words such as “cheating” or “micro-cheating” into the conversation. Instead, simply talk to them about the behaviors that are upsetting you most of all.
It can also be a good idea to listen to why your partner is exhibiting such behaviors in the first place. Although you may not like to think about it, it could show you where your relationship needs some work. Of course, at the end of the day, it is up to you to decide whether you are willing to give them another chance or just move on.
This is what you need to know about micro-cheating and why it is risky behavior. With this information, you can now look at your partner’s behavior with fresh eyes. Or check out sites like Swipe-affair.com for to see where the action is.
Hi there. My name is Jamie Love and I just LOVE writing about dating, hooking up and extra marital affairs. Why you might ask? Well why not! If you’re interested in any of the topics above then you will love my writing. I have been writing for Privateloveaffair.com as well as a few other sites for a bit longer than 2 years now, and I am really loving it. Hope you find my content interesting, toodles!
