5 Signs Your Partner Is Cheating: Expert Dating Advice

A dating expert has identified five primary behavioral indicators that may suggest a partner is cheating, according to a report published by the Herald Sun on July 26, 2026. These signs focus on shifts in communication patterns, emotional availability, and changes in daily routines.

Behavioral Indicators of Infidelity

The Herald Sun report outlines specific red flags that often precede the discovery of a partner’s infidelity. The expert emphasizes that while these signs can appear in isolation, a combination of these shifts typically indicates a breach of trust in a relationship.

• Increased Phone Secrecy: Changes in how a partner handles their mobile device, such as tilting the screen away or implementing new passwords.
• Emotional Distance: A noticeable decline in intimacy or a sudden lack of interest in the partner’s daily life.
• Unexplained Schedule Changes: New hobbies, unexpected late nights at work, or gaps in time that cannot be accounted for.
• Defensiveness: Reacting with anger or accusation when asked simple questions about their whereabouts.
• Changes in Grooming: A sudden, intense focus on physical appearance or a new wardrobe that does not align with their usual habits.

Communication Shifts and Defensiveness

According to the Herald Sun, one of the most prominent signs is a shift in the nature of conversations. The expert notes that a cheating partner may either stop arguing entirely—indicating a lack of investment in the relationship’s health—or begin picking fights to justify their own behavior or create distance.

The report highlights that defensiveness often serves as a psychological shield. When a partner becomes overly sensitive to questioning, it may be an attempt to deflect suspicion and make the questioning party feel irrational or intrusive.

Routine and Lifestyle Changes

The expert cited in the Herald Sun points to the “sudden shift” in routine as a key metric. This includes the introduction of new interests or a sudden change in social circles that excludes the partner. When these changes occur without a clear professional or personal catalyst, they may be linked to an outside relationship.

Physical changes are also noted as a secondary indicator. The report suggests that a sudden increase in gym attendance, new fragrances, or a change in dressing style can be a sign that a partner is attempting to attract or maintain the interest of someone else.