Discovering signs that a loved one may be unfaithful can be heart-wrenching. In many relationships, infidelity doesn’t scream out loud but instead tiptoes quietly through warning signs that are easily overlooked.

Dr. Elena Touroni, a respected psychologist, shares insights into recognizing these hidden signs.

A history of infidelity often serves as a significant indicator. According to Dr. Touroni, “A person who has cheated in the past might do it again because there’s usually a psychological reason driving that behavior.” This pattern is often connected to underlying anxieties and fear of commitment.

Differences in emotional needs within a relationship can also be a telling sign. When one partner craves more attention than the other can provide, it may lead the needier individual to seek validation elsewhere.

Dr. Touroni explains, “The ‘insecure’ partner might drift away, looking for external affirmation or attention outside the relationship.”

A reluctance to commit can also hint at infidelity. If your partner hesitates to fully invest in the relationship, it might be because of emotional involvement with someone else. Dr. Touroni advises that, “If one person is deeply engaged in the relationship, but the other behaves as if not, something is lacking.”

Childhood traumas, such as experiences of neglect or abandonment, significantly contribute to infidelity risk. Dr. Touroni observes, “Some individuals are drawn to partners who aren’t truly available due to unresolved issues from childhood.”

Life changes, such as the birth of a child or the passing of a loved one, can introduce stress and distance in partnerships, potentially leading to infidelity. Furthermore, a noticeable decline in sexual interest may indicate underlying relationship tensions.

People who betray their partners frequently exhibit narcissistic behaviors. Dr. Touroni notes, “They might act impulsively, focusing more on pleasure and leisure rather than fostering a committed, faithful partnership.”

While discovering infidelity is undeniably painful, couples can, in fact, overcome and even strengthen their bond post-affair. Dr. Touroni offers hope, “Uncovering an affair is excruciatingly difficult, but if handled properly with understanding and commitment from both partners, it can transform into a fresh start.”