Signs of Cheating in a Long-Distance Relationship

Physical distance between couples in long-distance relationships can make it difficult to maintain intimacy. Unfortunately, the situation also offers ample opportunity for a partner to stray if he is not inclined toward loyalty. The geographical distance between you two can make it difficult to keep tabs on your partner. If you suspect him of cheating, it's important that you are aware for potential signs of betrayal.

A sign of cheating in a long-distance relationship could be a decrease in communication. For instance, if you're used to talking to your partner every night and all of a sudden she is only available a few nights a week, this could indicate she is seeing someone else. You may notice communication via email and text slow to a crawl. An emotional disconnection from your relationship can be a sign that your partner is cheating, says Guy Winch, a psychologist and author of "The Affair Warning Sign You Should Never Ignore" on the Psychology Today website. If you partner is seeing someone else, she likely does not have the time and energy to continue to invest in your relationship. Your partner may make excuses why she can't talk. You may find calls, emails and texts going unanswered or returned in an untimely manner.

If your partner seems disinterested in spending time with you, or backs out of plans to spend time with you, it could be an indication that he is cheating. For instance, if you and your partner have plans to spend the weekend together and he backs out without a good reason, this could be a red flag. A sign that your partner could be cheating is that you spend a minimum amount of time together and you live very disconnected lives, says Mira Kirshenbaum, an international therapist interviewed in the article, "3 Danger Signs Your Partner May Be Having An Affair" on the PsychCentral website. Be wary if he always insists on visiting you and never extends an invitation for you to come visit him.

A partner who becomes confrontational, defensive and more prone to starting arguments can be a sign indicative of cheating. When a significant other is unfaithful, she may pick fights to alleviate her guilt, point blame and rationalize her unfaithfulness, says Sheri Meyers, a licensed marriage and family therapist and author of "Is My Partner Cheating on Me? 7 Red Flags." For instance, if your partner is generally loving and caring and has become critical of you, this could be a warning sign. A partner who feels guilty may project her guilt as anger, which can come across as very defensive, says Dr. Phil in the transcript, "Dr. Phil's All Star Advice - Episode 4" on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Simply asking your partner what she did over the weekend can cause her to behave defensively and ask why you want to know.

Take note if your partner becomes evasive or leaves out pertinent details as this could be a sign he is trying to hide something from you, says Susie and Otto Collins, relationship coaches and authors of "6 Signs that Your Long Distance Relationship is in Trouble" on the YourTango website. For example, if you ask your partner where he was and he replies, "I was out with a friend," this could be considered evasive. By leaving out details that he was with a female friend or neglecting to tell you where he was, he could be trying to avoid your suspicion. If your partner doesn't have anything to hide, he won't try to hide anything, says Dr. Phil.