Psychiatrist reveals the six warning signs couples should look out for if their partner is a serial cheater
Discovering your partner is cheating on you is one of the most heart-breaking, life-shattering experiences to endure.
And the decision as to whether or not you decide to up and leave, or forgive them and move past it is an equally harrowing process.
If you opt for the latter, your partner will hopefully spend the rest of your lives together attempting to rebuild the trust they've broken.
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That said, however, the turn of phrase 'once a cheater, always a cheater' might continue to haunt you into believing they may play away again.
With that in mind, a relationship psychiatrist has issued daters a warning of what to look out for to spot if you're in a relationship with a serial cheater.
And helpfully, Dr Edward Ratush has even manage to condense them into six top tips.
Serial liars
"Cheaters lie to their partners about their intimacy priorities, hiding the fact that sexual novelty and/or sexual compulsivity are at the root of their decision tree," he said, as per Verywell Mind.
History of cheating
Though this may be obvious, if your other-half has cheated before and managed to get away with it, there's a very high probability that they'll do it again.
According to Dr Ratush, however, this is a BIG mistake, being that they're three times more likely to do it again.
Hiding their phone
Again, an obvious one, but one of the most tell-tale signs that your partner is acting unfaithfully is if they're acting over-protective with their mobile.
The same goes for all of their tech devices - laptop and iPad included.
If they're covering up who they're texting, taking their phone with them when they go to the bathroom or shower or not allowing you to use it, this could be down to them attempting to cover up their current cheating.
Equally, it could be a force of habit from their previous infidelities.
Poor impulse control
"The characteristics seen in serial cheaters can vary widely," Dr Ratush said, adding that impulsive behaviour makes it tricky for the cheater to control their actions.
Not only could this drive them to the actual act of cheating, but it may also be a 'symptom of various psychiatric conditions'.
Failing to deal with emotional issues
If your partner is battling some underlying mental health conditions, apparently, this could bring on thoughts of cheating.
"Underlying conditions may range from primary psychiatric conditions, like bipolar disorder or impulse-control disorders like ADHD or substance-induced behavioural disorders," Dr Ratush explained.
"Sexual addiction or attachment issues may also be at play."
Insisting cheating 'isn't a big deal'
I mean, if this wasn't a HUGE red flag in its own right, if your partner dismisses the act of enjoying an extra relationship on the side as something not to fret over, the chances are that they've acted on this belief.
So, if your partner isn't willing to commit to you and you alone, it might be time to call it a day.
Topics: Sex and Relationships
Rhianna Benson