More than physical needs, ego-stroking is one of the reasons why people stray from the relationship. Sometimes the words potential "cheaters" say are strong indicators. Your partner could already be hinting he's about to do the worst thing you can imagine. Here are some signs:
1) Denial
Say you're talking about a common friend you saw having dinner with a person you know is not their significant other and your partner says, "I'm not going to do that." The statement could be a red flag. The comment not only serves to assure your partner of their own behavior, but it might be a tactic to throw you off, according Elizabeth Landers, author of "The Script: The 100% Absolutely Predictable Things Men Do When They Cheat," via Redbook.
2) Defensiveness
If you're sensing something isn't right and you try to ask your partner about it, but he starts getting defensive or irritated, warning bells could go off. The behavior is "almost always present" when someone is cheating, according to Healthy Guidance Org. They would throw words like, "Don't you trust me?" or "Why do you always make me the bad guy?" or "You're not exactly perfect." They get more argumentative and push your buttons to put the blame and guilt on you.
3) Demanding attention
Partners who feel that they're not appreciated and valued in the relationship might actually hint about it by demanding attention through verbal assurances. They want to hear this once in a while, according to She Knows. The problem is, they're not always direct with words when they're seeking for compliments or assurances, so you could have no idea. However, if they don't hear it from you, they could look for attention from someone else.
4) Decrease in sex drive
For many marriage experts, losing interest in sex all of a sudden is a big indicator that your partner might be straying. It can be bolstered if there's increased in activities that do not include you, such as "late-night work," "work-related events" or "A buddy is moving and I'll be helping out this weekend." When your partner is unusually withdrawn, becoming less available to you and in need of space, then it's also a red flag, per Huffington Post.
