If you’ve ever had to ask yourself whether your partner is being unfaithful, chances are something is up. And, according to Patti Wood, body language relationship expert and author of SNAP. Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma, having that "feeling," about your significant other shouldn’t be ignored.
"You may or may not have the words to describe what isn’t right, but you’re actually picking up on thousands of non-verbal cues which can be very telling of a situation," Wood told INSIDER. "And, if you’re limbic brain is giving you a physiological response to these cues, like nausea, tension, or stress, then trust that."
But, how can you actually tell if they’re cheating? According to a Princeton University study, paying attention to their body language is the best indicator of how they’re feeling inside. Wood said this is because body language tells, like the ones that can indicate cheating, come when a generally normal person fears they’ll be discovered or feels guilty they’re doing something wrong. "Unless you’re in a relationship with a psychopath, narcissist, or sociopath, who don’t feel empathy in the normal way, most people can’t control these from happening," she explained.
Here are 10 body language signs to look out for if you suspect your partner may be cheating.
They avoid PDA.
If you and your partner were always the lovey-dovey types, and then suddenly they are pushing you away, something might be up.
"What you’re generally looking for is a shift from normal behavior," Wood explained. "So, if they used to kiss you all the time and suddenly that behavior disappears it’s a shift from the baseline."
They suddenly have a little more spunk in their step.
Does your partner suddenly seem happier just because? If you’re noticing a pep in their step and they're coy as to why, something may be up.
"This is actually a very big indicator." Wood said this is their non-verbal way of boasting a new found confidence they’re feeling.
They smile or laugh when you try and have a serious conversation.
Avoiding a serious conversation, no matter what the subject is, is usually a sign that the other person is uncomfortable. But Wood warns to watch out for dupers delight.
"If you’re telling your partner that you’re feeling a certain way and they smile, that is not a normal reaction for a loving partner to have," she explained. "Dupers delight is when they get pleasure from your pain. Intuitively you can usually tell the difference between someone who is trying to avoid a conversation and someone who is getting pleasure out of seeing you upset. That’s a huge red flag."
Of course, avoiding a conversation can be more than just smiling and giggling while you’re trying to bring up something serious. Do they focus on something else? Play on their phone? Anything that shows they are avoiding the subject means something is up.
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