Flirtation on social media can quickly devolve into something a lot less innocent. If you're sending raunchy messages to someone on social media, don't be surprised if your significant other considers that a serious breach of their trust.
If someone's partner is protective of their devices, lies to their partner about where they are and whom they are with, deletes messages on social media, or withholds any information from their partner about the flirting, this is not only a breach of trust, but it can also cross the line into cheating.
What is social media cheating? Social media cheating can fall under the umbrella of digital cheating or having an online affair. Simply put, it's where social media is used either to find someone to have an affair with, or to carry out the infidelity itself.
Inappropriate texting can be considered cheating depending on a couple's boundaries around fidelity. Signs of a texting affair may include being secretive, keeping your phone down or out of sight, and flirting with others through text.
#2 You're not being completely faithful.
Firstly, I'm a firm believer in other people not being able to tempt you to stray if you're truly happy. However, if you're engaging with others online and Instagram flirting, you're not being faithful. And for obvious reasons, that can ruin your relationship.
Sexting can certainly be considered a form of cheating, as it typically betrays the trust and intimacy within a committed relationship. It's normal to feel sad, angry, or lonely after being betrayed. It's also normal to feel as though you can't trust your partner, or fear that sexting is just the tip of the iceberg.
Deliberately Touching Someone
Yet, frequently and purposely touching someone in a provocative way–like caressing their hand or giving them a tight and lingering hug–is inappropriate flirting, and implies a romantic/sexual interest, particularly when there's attraction between either party.
While a committed relationship may fulfil our needs for safety and love, flirting gives the promise of something novel and exciting. So, do people in healthy relationships flirt with others? Yes, and there could be many reasons for it. People may flirt for fun, validation or an ego boost.
Signs of emotional cheating
You confide in the other person about the intimate details of your relationship troubles. You've become more detached and emotionally disconnected from your partner. You think about the other person all the time. You are less intimate with your partner.
Emotional infidelity texting is a form of cheating that occurs when you engage in intimate conversations sharing intimate details with someone other than your partner. It's important to note that this kind of inappropriate texting doesn't have to be sexually explicit.
This includes actions that cross a partner's boundaries, for example flirting – even when the guilty party has no intention of straying outside of the relationship.
Cheating or infidelity is not clearly defined as it can involve several things. It goes beyond being sexually involved with a person that isn't your partner and can include having a deep connection with another person. Simply put, cheating is being unfaithful to your partner.
Psychology Today defines it as follows: “Micro-cheating involves actions or behaviours by your partner that make you question their emotional or physical commitment to your relationship. These can include actions like regularly texting someone they find attractive or obsessively liking their social media posts.”
Innocent flirting is a lighthearted and playful form of social interaction that involves casual, friendly banter, compliments, and teasing without any serious intent or expectation to pursue a romantic or sexual relationship.
While physical touch can be your language of expression, it might not necessarily be the other person's. Be careful how you present yourself around someone new. Leaning in while conversing, holding eye contact, and even crossing your arm while talking to someone can be deciphered as flirty body language.
Sexting is the act of sending sexually suggestive or explicit messages, images, or videos via electronic devices, such as a phone or computer. While sexting can be a consensual and exciting way to flirt, it can also lead to issues related to privacy, trust, and consent if not done responsibly.
Perhaps after a blurry night out, or after one too many shared looks between you and your barista... Most of the time, you'll be able to reassure yourself or talk it through with your partner. But for some people, these thoughts can take over, in a phenomenon that's been dubbed 'cheating OCD'.
At some point or another, so many people start to feel that their partner is cheating on them due to some or the other reason. Although, a lot of times it's all in your head and maybe you're stuck with this thought due to overthinking about a situation.
Some prominent examples of micro-cheating include
Using dating apps to find a better match. Exchanging phone numbers and messages with someone you know is attractive to you. Getting dressed up for that one person you have a crush on, whether at work or personal space. Keeping a check on an ex and following them.
'Flirting' is when you act like you are interested in a deeper relationship with someone, in a fun way. You can flirt with someone online in a range of ways, from exchanging flirtatious messages, to liking or commenting on a social media post.
Flirting can seem totally harmless, but if you're in a committed, monogamous relationship, your partner could consider it emotional cheating, affect their self-esteem, or cause a breakdown in trust.
“While flirting may technically not be cheating, it could be viewed as a breach of fidelity because you are showing interest in someone else. The very thought of looking outside of the relationship and acting on it, even mildly, can be viewed by your partner as hurtful.
Harmless Flirting
This can mean buying a drink in a social setting, freely giving compliments, side arm hugs or other non-sexual touches, a platonic friendship. The term “harmless” is only applicable if you are willing to disclose this behavior (without shame or concern) to your partner.
Some married people flirt solely to reassure themselves that they still have the ability to attract people. For most married people, this flirting takes place with no intention of seeking an affair but instead so they can walk away from a flirty exchange of words feeling like "they still have it."