Are you concerned that your spouse is being unfaithful?

Before you begin leveling accusations, look for these warning signs first:

1.  Keeps Phone Hidden

A spouse might be trying to keep something from you if he or she keeps their phone hidden away — maybe there are texts, numbers, voicemails, calendar details, etc. incriminating stuff they don’t want you to see.

2. Consistently Working Late Hours

Traditionally, this is one of the most common signs that cheating might (please notice that I said “might”) be taking place.

Ask yourself, are the extra hours reflected in his or her salary?

Does he or she ever use the work phone when calling to let you know they’ll be late?

The last thing you want to do is to become an investigator (or hire one for that matter). All you’re trying to do is become wise and aware in your observations.

3. Unexpected Gifts (Guilt Offerings)

Does your spouse shower you with unexpected gifts?  If so, could it be “guilt offerings?”

Or does he or she seem more caring and affectionate than usual?

A new habit pattern might be evidence that something isn’t quite right (but then again it could be that they’re trying really hard to change for the better, so be careful with this one).

4. Arguments

Are you suddenly having more arguments with your spouse?

Are you being blamed for everything that goes wrong?

This could be a way of your spouse blaming you for causing them to have an affair.

5. Looking Good

Is your spouse more concerned with his or her personal appearance these days?

A cheating spouse will often desire to look good for their partner. So if out of the blue your husband or wife start going to the gym and watching what they eat, or start buying new clothes, then ask what might be prompting this new behavior.

6. Questionable Charges

Cheating takes money. So look into the questionable charges you find in your financial records.

Some spouses stick to cash to keep everything secret.  So unless you have a joint bank account, it can be difficult to monitor cash expenses.

7. Fuel & Miles Driven, “Business” Trips

Are more miles being put on the car than usual in places that are unexpected?

Is your spouse suddenly having to travel more because of work?

Is more being spent on fuel?

These could be signs that something is up.

Okay. Those are the seven signs that you might want to be aware of. But let me be perfectly clear. These seven signs could be indicators that your spouse might (I said “might”) be cheating on you.  BUT there could also be solid, legitimate reasons for any one of these seven signs, too. So DO NOT jump to conclusions, okay?

The last thing I would ever, ever want to do is to create suspicion and paranoia in your mind about whether or not your spouse is being faithful to you.

So take everything into consideration and do some careful reflecting (and praying for God’s guidance) before you accuse your spouse of having an affair.  Don’t create a problem where one doesn’t exist. Assume the best of your spouse until you have viable evidence that suggests otherwise.